My career in finance started before I was even aware of it. In high school, I never knew what I wanted to “do”, but I always knew that I wanted to “feel” like I was making a difference and helping people. Since I had an aptitude for math and science, I was encouraged to pursue higher education in the medical field.
I went on to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) where I earned my Associates of Science, Pre-Nursing Certification, and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I started my professional journey in the medical field where I found honor in taking care of people with dementia and where I enhanced my ability to provide dignified, compassionate care. I will cherish the moments of clarity and stories told were told to me for the rest of my life.
Although I had every intention of becoming a Registered Nurse, life had other plans when I met my fiancé, Chase. He and his parents were the first to expose me to personal finance. Being a first-generation college graduate, I did not have the privilege of being exposed to what finances could mean for a family. My curiosity to put my own best foot forward became copious amounts of listening to podcasts and reading books.
Spoiler alert: my hobby blossomed into my career. I discovered that my excitement for spreadsheets, problem solving skills, and a passion for helping people were not pieces of different puzzles. They were ingredients of a future financial advisor that landed me an entry level position in the industry. My desire for development is where I earned my bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), my Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional (FPQP), and my Registered Financial Consultant (RFC) designations.
I was offered the distinct pleasure of becoming an Associate Financial Advisor at Alaska Wealth Advisors. Although I bring 6 years of industry experience, I am eager to learn more from the diverse wealth of knowledge that I am in awe of here. It is a privilege to see the long-standing relationships that have developed between the advisors and not only the clients but also the community.
I am committed to always taking care of clients first and that comes with my own professional development. I am currently wrapping up my Series 65 and dedicated to earning my Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in the very near future, so that I can sharpen my abilities to help families reach their financial goals. I am excited to see where my experience and future endeavors will take me.
Sierra N. Steele, RFC
Associate Financial Advisor
Alaska Wealth Advisors, LLC is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. More information about Alaska Wealth Advisors’ investment advisory services can be found in its Form ADV Part 2 and/or Form CRS, both of which are available upon request. Material presented has been derived from sources considered to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed.
The Financial Paraplanner Qualified ProfessionalTM (FPQPTM) is a designation covering the financial planning process, the five disciplines of financial planning, general financial planning concepts and terminology. Individuals who hold this designation have completed the 10-module course of study, and then successfully passed an exam. Designees must adhere to the College’s Standards of Professional Conduct and complete sixteen hours of continuing education every two years.
The Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®) is a professional designation awarded by the IARFC to financial consultants who meet the high standards of education, experience, and ethics.
