I'm a 30-year finance professional, currently Senior Portfolio Advisor/Financial Advisor with the Beacon Group of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

 

I joined the Board of EDsnaps, a wonderful nonprofit which encourages underserved middle- and high school female students to pursue STEM studies and careers.  I'm also the host of “Invest in Yourself” educational/networking workshops for professional and entrepreneurial women. We focus on unique skill & knowledge development & getting ready for that next great opportunity, plus making connections with amazing women across business sectors who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to meet. 

 

I grew up in California, but have called NJ/NY my home since transferring here with Cargill in 1990. I've lived in and travel often to Western Europe and Asia; I always love to hear ideas on exploring Eastern Europe, South America and Africa. I've been married for 30 years to a midwestern guy who’s rough around the edges but has a true heart of gold. My youngest daughter is getting ready for college next year; loves “saving lives” as an EMT and will be pursuing a paramedic certification, then hopefully on to Med school. My oldest daughter is figuring out how to weave her passion for caring for animals into a career.

 

I’m addicted to Audible on my commute - I “read” a dozen classic novels & professional development books last year, which is about a dozen more than I’ve had the time & attention span to finish in the last 10 years!

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I'm always looking to make connections so feel free to e-mail me at joanne.spears@ml.com or connect via LinkedIn.