Staffing & Culture | 04.30.25
Student Perspectives From the BISA Annual Conference
by: BISA Staff
Last year, the BISA Black Voices Unmuted (BVU) Subcommittee launched a partnership with the Financial Alliance for Representation and Empowerment (FARE) to support their mission of advancing inclusion within the financial services industry through education, professional development and community empowerment. As part of this partnership, the BVU extended an invitation to two students — Jasmine Pierce and Imani B. Washington — to attend the BISA Annual Conference in March. Recommended by FARE for this opportunity, Pierce and Washington share their reflections of the conference below.
What was the most memorable or impactful moment of the BISA Annual Conference for you?
Jasmine Pierce (JP): The most impactful moment of the conference was hearing firsthand from industry leaders about their unique journeys into financial services. Their openness about the obstacles they faced, especially as underrepresented professionals, made the field feel more accessible and encouraged me to explore new possibilities I hadn’t previously considered. It reminded me that success in this industry doesn’t come from a linear path — it’s about persistence, adaptability and curiosity.
Imani B. Washington (IBW): The most impactful moment of the conference for me was the Amplifying Women in the Industry Through Mentorship and Allyship panel during the Women’s Luncheon. Hearing from such inspiring women was truly empowering. I had the opportunity to ask Anamika Alam for advice on entering the workforce, and her response — "always be you" — resonated deeply with me. While it sounds simple, it’s something we often forget. Her words left a lasting impression, and I’m excited to carry that mindset into my full-time role.
How did attending the conference influence your interest in financial services or your future career path?
JP: Attending the conference broadened my understanding of the many roles and opportunities available in financial services. I had previously viewed the industry as very numbers-focused, but this experience showed me how much strategy, communication and innovation are involved. It sparked a genuine interest in exploring marketing, consulting or client experience roles within financial services, where I can combine my passion for strategy with my creativity.
Did you have the opportunity to meet any industry professionals or mentors who influenced your perspective?
IBW: I can confidently say that everyone I met at the conference is someone I plan to stay in touch with, whether through LinkedIn or personal conversations. Two individuals in particular stood out to me.
First, BISA Membership Growth Senior Coordinator and DE&I Committee Staff Lead Candice Young, who played a key role in securing the FARE partnership, which made my attendance possible. Her efforts in fostering meaningful connections and creating opportunities for others did not go unnoticed, and I truly appreciate the impact she had in making this experience a reality for me.
Second, Paul Haines of CUSO Financial Services left a lasting impact on me. Our first conversation at the Night Cap event revolved around his son and me both studying financial planning, highlighting the significance of our field. However, his session the next day, Simplified Holistic Financial Planning: Integrating Wellness and Life Coaching for a Happier and Longer Life, truly inspired me. He demonstrated how financial planning goes beyond numbers — it’s about balancing wellness and life, a perspective I aim to incorporate into my career. His ability to break down complex concepts into simple, actionable steps made his session both insightful and motivating.
What skills or strategies did you learn that you plan to apply in your academic or professional journey?
JP: One of the key takeaways was the importance of intentional networking and personal branding. Several speakers emphasized the value of showing up authentically and building relationships before you need them. I plan to be more proactive in attending industry events, reaching out to professionals for informational interviews and refining how I present my skills both online and in person.
IBW: One of the key takeaways from the conference that I plan to apply in my academic and professional journey is the importance of staying true to myself while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of corporate America. As a young Black woman entering the workforce, I recognize that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives may shift over time, but my work ethic, values and commitment to excellence will remain constant.
I’ve learned that investing in myself — whether through continuous education, networking or personal development — is essential not only for my growth but also for the success of my future clients. Building and maintaining strong relationships is just as important as technical skills in the financial industry. Additionally, I now have a deeper understanding of how crucial work-life balance is to my overall well-being. Prioritizing wellness ensures that I can show up as my best self, both professionally and personally, which ultimately contributes to long-term success.
Anything else you’d like to share?
IBW: I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire BISA team for making it possible for me to attend this conference during my spring break. This was truly one of the best conferences I’ve experienced, allowing me to connect with incredible financial professionals who I will continue to stay in touch with. I gained valuable insights, such as Kylie Murray of Sammons Group's advice on planning not only for myself and my clients, but also for the important people in our lives, like our parents and grandparents.
Beyond that, I challenged myself to step outside my comfort zone by exploring industries and companies I had never heard of before. Embracing discomfort as a learning opportunity has been a transformative experience, and for that I am forever grateful.
Learn more about Pierce and Washington in this previous Q&A.
Jasmine Pierce is a senior marketing student at Virginia State University (VSU) with a passion for digital marketing, brand strategy and content creation. As president of the American Marketing Association (AMA) at VSU, she has led initiatives to connect students with industry professionals and career opportunities. Pierce has gained hands-on experience through internships at Fortune 500 companies and startups, focusing on social media management, analytics and strategic marketing. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between creativity and data-driven decision-making in the marketing and financial services industries.
Imani B. Washington is a graduating senior at Delaware State University (DSU), majoring in political science with a minor in financial planning. A Harlem, New York native, she is a lifelong member of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. Throughout her time at DSU, Washington has been deeply involved in campus life, serving as HBCU Miss Sophomore of the Year 2022-23, corresponding secretary of the Student Government Association, and now the 68th Miss Delaware State University. She is passionate about leadership, service and financial literacy — aspiring to financially empower her community. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods and writing poetry.