Liz Aidoo (she/her), Francis Financial Planner and Manager of DEI and Spanish Language Services, was chosen from three incredible finalists to be PLANADVISER’s 2024 Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year in the Efforts in DEI category. Liz has been a member of the Francis team since 2017 and has consistently and excellently championed DEI efforts at the firm as well as across our client base. She has brought her international teaching experience, and bilingual Spanish-English skills to the Francis team and has created more equitable and inclusive spaces both in the office and at our clients.
What is the Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year award?
Each year, advisers from around the country are nominated by peers and colleagues for their excellence in a variety of categories. According to PLANADVISER, the Efforts in DEI category specifically recognizes, “Finalists and winners who stand out for their success in addressing the financial services industry’s clear and present diversity problem, with a particular focus on the importance of creating equitable and fair workplaces.” Amongst many nominations for amazing advisers from around the country, Liz was chosen as one of three finalists, and ultimately the winner, of this year’s award.
How has Liz championed DEI efforts at clients?
As the Manager of Spanish Language Services, Liz spends a large majority of her time teaching classes and offering individual financial planning to clients’ Spanish-speaking employees. From classes, webinars, and participant communications, to Spanish versions of our website and all educational videos, Liz has made Francis’ services truly accessible to Spanish speakers; enabling the firm to better serve this growing population in a way that is comfortable and accessible to them.
How has Liz championed DEI efforts in-house at Francis?
On top of her work for our Spanish-speaking participants, Liz has consistently championed DEI initiatives since starting her role at Francis. She got to work and created the Francis DEI Committee, bringing together individuals from different areas of the firm. The purpose of the DEI Committee has always been two-fold: 1) Provide Francis and its team members ongoing education and growth opportunities in regard to diversity, equity and inclusion so we can provide more welcoming and equitable spaces for each other and our clients, and 2) Create educational materials, classes, webinars, etc., for our clients that specifically address the unique financial wellness needs of minoritized groups and individuals.
Regarding the first, Liz has led the DEI Committee since its inception and has created multiple office-wide training initiatives to increase awareness around various DEI issues and provide actionable advice to enhance service to our diverse client base. Each quarter, a new training topic is chosen, and education is conducted by either members of the DEI Committee or outside experts. Some of these initiatives include:
- Unconscious bias and combatting microaggressions
- Financial wellness for people with disabilities
- Financial planning considerations stemming from cultural differences
- Unique financial planning needs of the LGBTQ+ community
Additionally, she has created and taught multiple classes and webinars for our client base that specifically address the unique financial wellness needs of minoritized individuals and communities, such as:
- Building Financial Confidence for Global Families
- Building Wealth for Hispanic Households
- Women and Money
Liz approaches her work with a genuine passion to understand the unique needs of all groups, has remained committed to the work, and has created a more inclusive, collaborative, and just workplace; one that supports minoritized individuals and offers opportunities for learning and growth that positively impact the Francis team and our clients.
Congratulations, Liz! The team is so grateful for all of her incredible work.
PLANADVISER 2024 Retirement Plan Adviser of the Year recognition received based on response to Asset International’s 2024 PLANADVISER Retirement Plan Adviser Nomination. Eligible advisors required nomination as a Retirement Plan Advisor of the Year or self-nomination by providing industry references. No submission fees required. Francis is not affiliated with, does not receive remuneration from, or provide remuneration to Asset International. Receipt of this award should not be construed as a guarantee of future performance or results.
