Marianela Collado is breaking the glass ceiling. As Chief Executive Officer and Co-Owner of Tobias Financial Advisors, she is one of few Hispanic women thriving in the male-dominated financial services industry. She will be recognized for her accomplishments this month at the Hispanic Women of Distinction luncheon.
Collado is one of 12 honorees, selected from more than 60 nominations of Latina business leaders. The Hispanic Women of Distinction are chosen for their American entrepreneurship combined with a commitment to their core values and traditions. These women are considered role models and an inspiration to the next generation of Latin women.
Collado says she is honored to have been selected, confirming that her efforts are being recognized. “When I think of what this award represents to me, it is about recognition. My efforts in my community are being noticed. As a CPA and holistic Certified Financial Planner, I hope to make an impact not only in the lives of my clients but my community. I’ve made significant contributions to help educate the Hispanic community on various financial planning techniques and opportunities.”
She feels it is important to target the Hispanic community because it is one the fastest growing populations in the country. “Hispanics are building wealth at a much faster pace than any other demographic group. This is an opportunity for us to carve our niche and help serve the Latino community from their perspective.”
Collado is equally committed to serving and empowering women. “What I find most fascinating is that we are so willing to support each other and lift each other up. I specifically run a women’s empowerment group called Women, Wealth, Wisdom and Wine, where our mission is to help empower each other in areas of not only financial wellness, but mental, physical, spiritual and, recently, environmental wellness.”
As a Hispanic Woman of Distinction, Collado is recognized as a role model in the community, but what she says she takes greatest pride in is being a role model to her three sons. “I know they are watching my every move.”
Collado lives her personal and professional life by a set of core values – integrity, passion, transparency, teamwork, community and family, to name a few.
“I also believe in kindness and it multiplying itself,” she notes. “I always do right by people and genuinely care to actually help. I don’t think about ‘what’s in it for me’. I’m driven by the idea of actually looking out for people.”
When not caring for her family, clients and colleagues, Collado serves on the Board of Gilda’s Club of South Florida and stays involved in her sons’ schools. It’s her way of giving back to the Weston community that she and her family love being a part of.
- The 2019 Hispanic Women of Distinction luncheon takes place on August 23rd at Signature Grand. The event benefits March of Dimes and Take Stock in Children. For more information go to www.HispanicWomenOfDistinction.com.