The College of Business and Public Policy (CBPP) recently welcomed students, faculty, and staff to an engaging panel discussion, "Unlocking Your Financial Potential: Industry Leaders Share Their Secrets." The event, organized and sponsored by Alaska Wealth Advisors, was coordinated by CBPP alumnus Vlad Finko, who played a key role in bringing top financial professionals to share career insights and industry trends with attendees.

Held in Rasmuson Hall, the event featured a distinguished panel of experts, including Kirsten Halpin (Alaska Wealth Advisors), Chantal Michael (S&P Dow Jones Indices), Dan Madden (Northern Trust), and Marcel Benjamin (State Street Global Advisors). The discussion covered topics ranging from investment strategies and market trends to professional development within the financial sector.

Students had the opportunity to explore potential career paths, learn about internship opportunities, and build valuable networking connections.

"We are dedicated to offering UAA students opportunities to learn from industry experts. Our spring panel event is just the start of future events designed to connect business students with developmental opportunities and to network with local and national finance professionals," said Dave Valdez, Partner & Chief Operating Officer of Alaska Wealth Advisors.

CBPP Interim Dean Nelson emphasized the importance of such events in aligning with the college’s mission. "At CBPP, we are committed to preparing our students for leadership in an evolving world. Providing opportunities for students to engage with industry experts bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Events like this exemplify our dedication to delivering high-quality education, fostering professional development, and equipping students with the tools they need to make meaningful contributions to their communities," said Dr. Terry Nelson.

The event also highlighted the contributions of Women in ETF (WE), an organization dedicated to advancing gender diversity and inclusion in the exchange-traded fund industry. Their participation in the panel discussion emphasized the value of varied leadership styles and broad perspectives in investment decision-making.

CBPP extends its gratitude to Alaska Wealth Advisors, Vlad Finko, Women in ETF, and all panelists for their support in making this insightful discussion possible. Their contributions reflect a shared commitment to fostering student success and expanding professional opportunities in the finance industry.