Vicki Brackens, President of Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC (BFSN), has over 30 years of experience in financial education and services. After a successful career with Metropolitan Life Financial Services, she associated BFSN with LPL Financial in 2018. Known as “America’s Money Maven,” Vicki co-founded Heritage Financial Partners to increase diversity in the financial services industry. She is an active community leader, holding numerous board positions and accolades, including the Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business award. Vicki is joyously married and resides in Syracuse, NY.

Michael, a Syracuse University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Forensic Science, transitioned into a financial advisor role to better serve his community. Passionate about connecting with people, he volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Red Shoe Society and champions the Downtown Syracuse Residents through the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and exploring the city.

Sheena joined the Gifford Foundation in 2007 and became Executive Director in January 2019. She has played a key role in expanding community impact initiatives and designing the Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program, which focuses on diversifying nonprofit boards. Sheena is a 2012 graduate of the PLACES program and now serves as its Advisory Board Chair. Passionate about racial justice, equity, and inclusion, she also serves on various local and national boards. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys family time and is committed to fostering growth and celebrating diversity in the community.

David Ocasio Ross is the Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Sales at AmeriCU Credit Union, leading a team of 14 across Northern, Central, and Upstate New York. With over a decade of experience in banking and finance, David joined AmeriCU in 2022 to expand his skillset and grow the Mortgage Loan Origination Team. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his daughter, traveling, exercising, and volunteering as a girls’ youth basketball coach. Connect with David and the AmeriCU team for all your homeownership needs, from buying to refinancing, with competitive rates and exceptional service.

Sherri Falck is Managing Vice President, and she oversees the Upstate New York market as well as Special Initiatives across the entire company footprint that includes NY, NJ, PA, CT and IL. Pursuit’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) aims to help businesses grow by providing business loans and advisory services when traditional bank financing is not an option. Since 2016, Sherri has served entrepreneurs across Upstate New York.

Crystal Wallace is the Project Manager of the Founders Go Big Program at Launch NY, bringing 19 years of experience in project management, training, business strategy, and assessment. Her work spans both public and private sectors, integrating learning, technology, strategy, and entrepreneurship. Crystal is dedicated to raising awareness about disparity and access through her involvement with the National Society of Black Engineers, the Face to Face Initiative, and other organizations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an MBA from Canisius College. Crystal has also taught at the University at Buffalo, Canisius College, and Bryant & Stratton College.

Gwen is the founder of Gwen, Inc., a company dedicated to supporting mid to executive-level leaders on their leadership journey. With 30 years of leadership experience, Gwen identified a common struggle among leaders who, despite their technical skills, lacked the strategic relationship-building necessary to motivate and inspire teams. Through The Leadership Connection®, Gwen, Inc. offers leadership education, consulting, mentoring, and coaching to help leaders reach their potential. Gwen is also the founder of You Can’t Fail Inc., a nonprofit providing multicultural leadership development for women of color. She is a sought-after speaker known for her insights into leadership development.