Recently, Invest in Others and Savvy Ladies announced a collaboration designed to build community within the financial services industry, spotlight a mission-driven financial advisor, and strengthen awareness of the vital connection between financial education, charitable work, and long-term community impact. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to empowering women through financial education, advancing values-driven leadership, and elevating advisors whose community engagement extends beyond their professional practice.
Through this initiative, Invest in Others will award a one-time $5,000 grant to a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization championed by an eligible financial advisor who is an active volunteer with Savvy Ladies. The selected advisor and nonprofit will be recognized during the Savvy Ladies Volunteer Summit on May 12, 2026, in New York City.
A Spotlight on Our Judges
This collaboration and grant award requires a judging panel, who together play a vital role in ensuring the integrity, impact, and prestige of the recognition and grant we provide. Their expertise, discernment, and commitment to service help us honor the most deserving financial advisors who are making a meaningful difference in their communities. Without their thoughtful review and deliberation, this powerful recognition would not be possible.
Meet Kendra M. Williamson
Kendra serves as Senior National Account Manager Retail National Accounts, Franklin Distributors, LLC., Franklin Templeton.
She joined as a volunteer judge to help identify the recipient of this first-time grant opportunity for a volunteer within the Savvy Ladies community. We asked her a few questions to learn more about her perspective.
What motivated you to volunteer as a judge for the Invest in Others x Savvy Ladies grant collaboration, and what does this opportunity mean to you personally or professionally?
“I love the mission of Invest in Others and was very excited and honored to volunteer for the Invest in Others x Savvy Ladies collaboration. It builds on the mission to support the great volunteer work of financial advisors and others in the industry and accelerates that work by partnering with Savvy Ladies. It’s a natural combination.”
From your perspective, why is it important for financial advisors to support charitable initiatives and nonprofit organizations?
“This is a wonderful industry where financial advisors help clients achieve some of their most important financial goals. They can extend their positive impact within their community and beyond by supporting charitable initiatives they are passionate about.
Advisors are uniquely positioned to combine financial expertise with purpose, helping nonprofits operate sustainably and amplifying causes that drive positive progress.
From a business perspective, engaging in charitable work also reinforces trust, credibility, and leadership within the financial advice industry and beyond. It also highlights that success in the industry is measured not only by assets under management, but also by lives improved and communities supported.”
Is there a particular cause or type of charitable work that resonates with you, and how has it influenced your involvement in charitable work or volunteerism?
“A few years ago, I learned about a charity that aligned my passion for baking and giving back to others (especially children). It’s called Cake4Kids and they provide birthday cakes for children who would not otherwise have the same celebration as most other kids, many are foster kids. I have been volunteering for this organization for years because I believe in the cause and it also conveniently allows me to volunteer on a flexible schedule.”
Summing it Up
Volunteerism in the financial advising space is more than a feel-good add-on, it’s a direct extension of the profession’s core purpose: helping people build better futures. Advisors are uniquely equipped with financial expertise that can meaningfully change lives, especially in underserved communities where guidance is often out of reach. By engaging in volunteer efforts, advisors strengthen trust, deepen client relationships, and reinforce the human side of their work while contributing to the long-term health of the communities they serve.
Just as importantly, a visible commitment to giving back enhances credibility and differentiates professionals in a values-driven marketplace. For today’s advisor, volunteerism isn’t peripheral, it’s a strategic, purpose-driven practice that belongs firmly on your professional radar.
