DENVER (March 24, 2021) — The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals and those who support the financial planning process, strives to create a more inclusive community within our Association and beyond. We stand for and with all groups who contribute to the vibrant diversity of our membership, our country and the world. We condemn recent acts of violence against Asian Americans and the pervasive discrimination and stereotyping that has harmed Asian American lives.
Our Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community is a vital source of leadership and strength for FPA and the financial planning profession. Our future depends on ensuring that they, and people of all backgrounds, can flourish fully. We will continue to support and work with our AAPI members, volunteers, and leaders to build a better world.
FPA understands that during this time, the AAPI community is seeking means of coming together. To make this sense of community possible within financial planning, we are pleased to launch the FPA Asian American/Pacific Islander Knowledge Circle to provide a safe environment for members to come together to share, learn and grow from their collective experiences.
"Diversity and inclusion are fundamental to elevating the financial planning profession. As the leading membership organization for financial planners, it is our responsibility to champion efforts that promote greater opportunities for inclusivity within the profession," says FPA CEO Patrick D. Mahoney. “With the launch of the FPA Asian American/Pacific Islander Knowledge Circle, we are continuing our efforts to help diverse members find the sense of community they desire.”
The FPA Asian American/Pacific Islander Knowledge Circle is led by FPA members John Eing, CFP®, CPA, and Michelle Wong, FPQP®. The Knowledge Circle will launch with an open discussion on Thursday, April 29 at 3:00 p.m. ET/12:00 p.m. PT. FPA leaders and members will explore and discuss how FPA can meet AAPI planners' needs and grow the community. This new Knowledge Circle will explore additional educational initiatives and thought leadership content that can benefit AAPI members and those who serve this community over the coming months. While the Knowledge Circle is member-only, participation is open to all FPA members and not restricted to only members who identify as AAPI.
FPA’s diversity and inclusion efforts are led by the FPA Diversity and Inclusion Committee chaired by Christopher Woods, CFP® of LifePoint Financial Group in Alexandria, Va. The Committee is working with the FPA Board of Directors to spearhead a multi-year plan that includes D&I education opportunities and resources for FPA members and leaders, opportunities for building community, scholarships that lead to growth in planning, and collaboration with like-minded organizations.
FPA members can now join the FPA Asian American/Pacific Islander Knowledge Circle. Journalists interested in learning more about the new FPA online community can contact Ryanne Harrah at rharrah@onefpa.org.
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About the Financial Planning Association
The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professionals, educators, financial services professionals and students who are committed to elevating the profession that transforms lives through the power of financial planning. With a focus on the practice, business and profession of financial planning, FPA advances financial planning practitioners through every phase of their careers, from novice to master to leader of the profession. Learn more about FPA at FinancialPlanningAssociation.org and follow on Twitter at twitter.com/fpassociation.