Our Los Angeles team had the honor of attending the 5000 Role Models Orientation for LAUSD. During the program, we had the opportunity to learn more about the incredible impact this mentorship initiative is having on students throughout the second-largest school district in the nation. We were also grateful to serve lunch to the 70+ school representatives in attendance and share a few words on stage about the importance of financial literacy—not only for our youth, but also for their families and the educators who pour so much into their lives. A special thank you to Michael Pile for being such a great partner and for helping push the vision of advancing financial wellness throughout LAUSD and the Greater Los Angeles Area. I’m excited for what’s ahead and grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our community through financial education and mentorship.

Last month, I had the opportunity to attend the NAFIC 2026 Conference in Chandler, Arizona. The lineup of speakers was packed with industry leaders and valuable insights. From hearing Dave Resseguie host the conference, to learning new tax strategy concepts from Ed Slott, CPA, an incredible breakdown of the power of whole life insurance from Tom Wall, Ph.D. 🎙️👨🏻‍💻 and Bobby Samuelson , and a powerful message from Jim Effner on the opportunity advisors have to build a lasting legacy for both themselves and their clients—to name just a few. I’m grateful to Modern Woodmen of America for creating opportunities like this to learn, grow, and have meaningful conversations with professionals and organizations that share a core belief: Leave people in a better position than when you met them. That mindset continues to shape how I approach financial planning and the clients I have the privilege of serving. I’m looking forward to finishing the year strong, continuing to learn, and—most importantly—providing even more value to the individuals, families, and businesses I serve.

Our region had the opportunity to serve alongside the incredible men and women of Station 89 in Los Angeles. Modern Woodmen was honored to donate a new gym to the station, providing the crew with a dedicated space to stay physically prepared for the demands of their work. During our time at the station, we experienced a glimpse into the everyday responsibilities of our firefighters. From washing trucks and maintaining equipment to preparing meals for the crew. It was a meaningful reminder that serving a community goes far beyond responding to emergencies. It requires discipline, teamwork, preparation, and a commitment to showing up every day. Thank you to Station 89 for the hospitality, the laughs, and the opportunity to serve alongside you. It was an honor to share a meal and spend time with the people who dedicate their lives to serving others.