The 2025 conference of the Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad A) didn’t just mark a milestone. It showed what’s possible when you keep showing up and keep building. For financial services firms, advisors, and partners committed to advancing inclusion, the event served as a reminder that progress is a process — one that rewards consistency. As many firms reevaluate or reframe their DEI commitments, Quad A brought together more than 775 attendees in Washington, DC, for its largest conference yet.
Founded by LeCount R. Davis, the first Black CFP®, the organization has always been about more than representation. It’s about access, advocacy, and building lasting infrastructure. That legacy, now spanning over two decades, continues to shape the pipeline of Black talent in the financial services industry. This spirit was evident at every level, from students taking the Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) exam to Hill visits with lawmakers. The message across panels and keynotes was clear: momentum doesn’t come from waiting for change. It comes from creating the structure to carry it forward.
Growth is real, and it’s being built intentionally
This was Quad A’s first sold-out conference. In the 90 days leading up to the event, the organization welcomed nearly 500 new members, relaunched its advisor directory, and deepened its programming. Its CEO, Sheena Gray, was featured on CNBC. The team rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Corporate partners and member firms continue to show support in meaningful ways, including attending in person. Firms like Charles Schwab, Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and Wells Fargo hosted breakout sessions and mentoring events, underscoring that diversity progress is increasingly tied to business strategy and recruitment.
Speakers noted that this growth isn’t just reflective of demand — it results from systems, leadership, and focus. Quad A now operates with a full-time staff, has invested in tech, and delivers consistent programming. That level of traction doesn’t happen by chance. It’s the outcome of infrastructure built to last. It also reflects a broader industry shift: DEI initiatives are moving from statements of intent to measurable investments and outcomes.
Advocacy isn’t a side initiative
One of the most discussed topics throughout the event was the organization’s advocacy work, particularly its increasing presence in policy discussions. With regulatory bodies increasingly focused on issues like fiduciary standards, accessibility, and investor protection, Quad A’s seat at the table carries weight.
Quad A’s partnership with the Financial Services Institute brought students to Capitol Hill. Members met with the SEC and FINRA. Advisors had the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers and staff about the issues affecting both the profession and the communities they serve.
The message from leadership was that representation in policy matters both at the table and in the room. The organization encouraged attendees to get involved through its advocacy committee, helping shape its 2026 priorities. At a time when regulatory changes and political dynamics continue to shape the industry, Quad A is building pathways for advisors to engage, contribute, and lead. This proactive stance distinguishes the organization not just as a community, but as a policy influencer.
Belonging drives performance and retention
Workplace culture expert Smiley Poswolsky delivered a keynote that resonated far beyond the stage. He shared that 70% of American workers feel disengaged, and organizations investing in connection, recognition, and a sense of belonging see stronger retention and performance.
He wasn’t the only one urging a shift from performative inclusion to real support. Actress and activist Tatyana Ali spoke about financial legacy, family, and the power of belonging — both in our personal narratives and the institutions we build. Her perspective bridged the personal and professional, drawing a strong response from attendees across generations. Together, these sessions reframed DEI not as a compliance metric but as a driver of talent retention and firm performance.
These messages weren’t theoretical. They played out across the conference — from conversations about mentorship and career growth to the energy in the room itself. Representation in this context wasn’t just about optics. It was about career development, visibility, and support — the kinds of things that keep people in the profession and help them grow within it.
Several speakers emphasized that when firms discuss recruiting underrepresented talent, they must also be prepared to invest in retention. That means mentorship, pathways to leadership, and building spaces where people don’t have to leave parts of themselves at the door. For agencies and communications professionals supporting these firms, that means telling the stories that spotlight these leaders — and ensuring their visibility isn’t seasonal or tokenized.
Representation is a long-term strategy
Quad A’s growth speaks to something larger: representation isn’t a short-term priority. It’s a long-term business advantage.
Across sessions, leaders stressed the importance of building teams that reflect the future of wealth — from who enters the profession to who stays, who leads, and who shapes what comes next. Whether it was a panel on succession planning, a discussion on generational wealth, or conversations with students just entering the field, the throughline was the same: representation is strategic, and it scales. As demographics shift and investor expectations evolve, firms that invest in this work today are positioning themselves for relevance tomorrow.
This wasn’t a conference about hoping for change. It was a clear example of what happens when professionals stay in the room and continue building — for themselves and for those who come next. For communications partners like Gregory FCA, attending Quad A reinforces why staying in these rooms matters — to listen, learn, and help amplify the stories shaping the future of financial advice.
Gregory FCA is proud to attend events like Quad A and support organizations dedicated to uplifting the financial services industry. If you’re looking to strengthen your voice and visibility in these spaces, let’s talk.