The Stella Network has awarded a Masters in Financial Planning to Anne-Marie Humphries from Huon Financial Planning in recognition of her support to women in the financial planning industry.
Ms Humphries won the Masters course from Kaplan Professional Education for her entry into the Stella Network’s one-year anniversary competition asking entrants how they have supported a woman in financial planning industry in the past 12 months.
Ms Humphries’ entry was identified by Kaplan as the winner because of her willingness to identify women who would make good financial advisers and business leaders, her focus on quality and sustainability and her desire to support women keen to go out on their own.
“Our business is built on a foundation of education and professionalism, so we are thrilled to work with The Stella Network to recognise and encourage more women to join the financial planning industry,” says Brian Knight, Chief Executive Officer, Kaplan Professional Education.
“Anne-Marie stood out as someone who aligns with the focus of not only The Stella Network, but of the industry as it strives to be better.”
Four finalists were also awarded a prize of $1000 each by BT Financial Group to go towards professional study – Emma Arthur, SHB Business and Wealth Advisers, Amanda White, Skilled Paraplanning Services, Nga Vu, Kearney Financial Planning and Werner Watzdorf, McLeod Watzdorf Financial Planning.
Launched in October 2013, The Stella Network aims to enrich, develop and connect women in financial planning. To date, the network has focussed on building a membership base, now close to 1500 members, through a number of networking events. However the future of this inclusive male and female network is much broader.
“The Stella Network is a real game changer in our industry,” says Mike Chesworth, General Manager of Bank Financial Planning, BT Financial Group.
“Already with such a large membership base in such a short period of time, we can see the interest and desire of our profession to better reflect the customers that we service. I believe The Stella Network will help broaden out the appeal of financial advice and truly change the face of it.”
The Stella Network now has 15 ambassadors who work to promote, encourage and educate members in the network. This number will grow nationally and ambassadors will also host their own educational and networking events throughout the year.
Head of the Stella Network Julia Newbould says the future of the network is bright given its members are so motivated and willing to lean in, get involved and make a difference.
“We have such a great membership base of women and men with varying experiences but who have a common desire to make a difference and to change how the financial planning industry presents itself to consumers. The Stella Network is real step forward for the industry.”
The next Stella event ‘Divorce: breaking up is hard to do’, will be held in August in Sydney and Melbourne. For more information on The Stella Network or events, go to www.stellanetwork.com.au or visit the LinkedIn page at www.bt.com.au/stella.