As the newest member of the AWMI team, I hit the ground running from day one! My educational background is in economics and business – I earned my bachelor’s degree in economics from Western Washington University in 2014 and my MBA from University of Alaska in 2019 – while my professional career has largely been in the Alaska visitor industry. During my years working in tourism, I developed a knack for helping clients travel from point A to point B without a hitch, despite unexpected logistical challenges, while having once in a lifetime experiences along the way. Although my move from the visitor industry to financial planning is a big one, I look forward to using my unique skill set to help clients navigate their financial lives as seamlessly as possible.
I first came to Alaska after my freshman year of college, when my passion for adventure and the outdoors pulled me away from a traditional summer internship and brought me up to Denali National Park for a summer job. I fell in love with Alaska, and ultimately returned to Denali every summer break to follow, working for a helicopter flightseeing operation at the park entrance.
After completing my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Alaska full-time to continue my career in the visitor industry as a Product Manager with a receptive tour operator here in Anchorage. I had the privilege of working with incredible people, developing my skills, and exploring the best of Alaska as part of my job description. Bear viewing on Kodiak Island and aurora viewing near Gates of the Arctic National Park count among my some of my favorite past “business” trips!
Once I earned my MBA, I was ready for a change and looking to return to my passion for economics and finance while still pursuing the human connections I valued in the visitor industry. In the three short weeks I have been with AWMI, I feel like I have truly found my place! I consider myself extremely fortunate to learn and grow alongside such a talented and dedicated team, all while helping people reach their goals and plan for their financial future.
When I am not hard at work learning the ropes at AWMI or studying for my upcoming Series 65 exam, I can usually be found hiking with friends, cooking, reading, or working on a knitting project. But most often, I am probably throwing the ball for our endlessly energetic puppy, Clark.
Leah Levingston
Associate Financial Advisor
8/31/20
