2022 FSP Intern Career Conference

Keynote Speaker: Corliss V Garner, CFP, CTFA

Corliss Garner is Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at Old National. Prior to this role, she was the head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at First Midwest, which merged with Old National in 2022.

Before joining First Midwest in 2019, Corliss served in various leadership roles at BMO Harris Bank for more than 20 years. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance from DePaul University and is also a Certified Financial Planner and a Certified Trust and Financial Advisor.

She is a Life Director and past chair of the advisory board for the Chicago Community Trust African American Legacy Fund and has also served on the boards of Chicago State University, the Executive Service Corps of Chicago and the DePaul University Coleman Entrepreneurship Center.

Mindfulness Facilitator: Ela Aktay

Ela Aktay is a writer and certified meditation instructor whose mission is to help people lead less stressful and more mindful lives.

How to Elevate Your Personal Brand: Lindrea Reynolds

Lindrea is an agency founder and marketing expert, with expertise in personal brand development – perfect for this session. With more than 15 years of marketing experience and a deep passion for reimagining storytelling approaches, she has helped businesses and individuals inspire positive change, gain visibility, and create lasting connections.

As the Founder and Chief Brand Strategist of LR Brand Consulting, Inc., and host and executive producer of Next Level Brand Behavior, she and her team believe that addressing brand-building with a holistic, human-centered approach is the key to developing transformative relationships. This philosophy has been adopted by organizations and game-changing leaders across the public and private sectors nationwide.

How to Elevate Your Personal Brand: Wendy Perdomo

Wendy Perdomo, is the Founder and Executive Leadership and Life Coach of Coaching Women of Color. As an Executive Coach she is on a mission to help professional women of color to build the confidence and skills that will provide greater access and opportunity to senior, executive and c-suite leadership roles. She is also a motivational and international speaker and is passionate about addressing issues of women’s empowerment and mindset.

With over two decades in the non-profit educational sector Wendy is an expert facilitator and certified coach and has successfully developed management and leadership development training programs to support middle, senior and executive level managers to achieve high impact results in the workplace. She trains and coaches on a variety of leadership topics some of which include addressing imposter syndrome, effective team management, developing executive presence, creating greater work-life balance, providing effective feedback, navigating difficult conversations, microaggressions in the workplace and handling salary negotiations. She has facilitated training and webinars for the NYC Department of Education, TD Bank, Hills-Pet Nutrition, Wonder Girls, International Coaching and Leadership Institute, ATD Maryland, ELLEVATE, Colgate University and has been featured on Bloomberg’s Quick take.

Wendy holds a B.A. from Colgate University, an M.P.A., M.S.ED from Baruch College School of Public Affairs. She is a certified DiSC facilitator, a graduate of the Accomplishment Coaches Training Program and Columbia’s University Business School Program for Developing Leaders for Non-Profit Professionals. To learn more about Wendy’s coaching practice, visit: https://coachingwomenofcolor.com/

Increase Your Knowledge on Your Personal Finances and Cryptocurrency: Natalie LLorente

As a Financial Wellbeing Coach with HOPE, Natalie helps people accomplish their financial goals through planning. It’s not planning to fail, but failing to plan where most people get lost in translation. Natalie can help you to put the proper steps into place to make those incremental improvements. Take a step towards your financial freedom by working directly with Natalie. Backed by Operation HOPE which is a powerhouse of Financial Literacy professionals across the U.S. We help people drive their personal success!

Increase Your Knowledge on Your Personal Finances and Cryptocurrency: Nic Solecki

Nic Solecki, is a research associate for Marquette Associates and joined the firm in 2021. He works with asset class analysts and the director of manager research on research projects, performs asset allocation studies, and develops macroeconomic and capital markets research.

Prior to joining Marquette, Nic was a business development manager at Ford Credit and previously held several positions in financial operations, executive strategy, and credit analysis. Nic served in the United States Marine Corps from 2009 through 2013 with expeditionary and combat deployments. As part of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, he deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 as a foreign military advisor team and infantry squad leader.

Nic holds a B.S. in international economic relations from Cracow University of Economics and a B.A. in international relations from Grand Valley State University. He earned the Certificate in Blockchain and Digital Assets℠ issued by the Digital Assets Council of Financial Professionals and is a member of the DACFP.

If I Can See It, I Can Be It: Manifesting Your Career by Sharing Our Journeys: Charmayne Beverly

Charmayne Beverly, has 20 years of experience in Human Resources specializing in the areas of employee relations, culture and staff engagement, talent acquisitions and development. She joined the Federal Home Loan Bank Chicago (FHLB Chicago) in 2018 and currently serves as a Vice President, Sr. HR Business Partner. In this capacity, she provides coaching and strategic direction to senior management and employees.

Previously, Charmayne served as the Director of Talent Management for United Way of Metro Chicago, where she collaborated with executive leadership to integrate comprehensive people strategies with business and organizational priorities. Before United Way, Charmayne served as the Director of Human Resources, responsible for leading all facets of human resources function at Levy Restaurants (Arlington Race Track, Cubs Park, Sox Park and McCormick Convention Center).

Charmayne completed the 2021 Financial Services Pipeline and Korn Ferry Accelerate high potential leadership development program (11-month journey to support professional development and advancement as a leader at the Bank).

Charmayne danced professionally for seven years and earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Dance from Western Michigan University. Outside of work enjoys dancing, yoga, meditation and swimming. She is an advocate for Breast Cancer/Alzheimer Awareness and serves as a mentor to young girls from Lawndale College Prep.

Fun fact: Charmayne has never applied for a career opportunity through an application process. Each of her roles were secured through relationships that she has cultivated throughout her career.

If I Can See It, I Can Be It: Manifesting Your Career by Sharing Our Journeys: Joe Aguilar

Joe Aguilar, is the Chief Investment Officer for Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs. In his role, Mr. Aguilar directs seven investment portfolios spanning across public and private market investments on behalf of the Illinois Treasury’s combined $48 billion investment portfolio including the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund, a $1B impact investment fund investing across venture, buyout and private credit, two 529 College Saving Plans, the State’s Achieving a Better Life Experience program, Student Innovation Investments, Infrastructure Development Account, and the Secure Choice Retirement Savings Program. As the Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Aguilar leads all aspects of investment implementation, including the development of processes and procedures, the Office’s sustainable investment strategy, and the selection of investment products and managers. He is responsible for leading the investment team and the stewardship for all investments and external public and private market investment managers including venture, private equity, and private credit managers invested through the office’s platforms.

Mr. Aguilar was previously the Director of Investment Analysis and Due Diligence with the Illinois State Treasury in which he led due diligence efforts in which he led the manager selection process, assessment, and monitoring of all investment managers and co-investments. Prior to joining the Illinois Treasury, he worked for Fortaleza Asset Management. Mr. Aguilar holds a B.S. with a double major in Finance and Business & Commerce from Aurora University and an M.S. in Finance from the University of Miami’s Herbert Business School. He also serves as a Board member and Chair of the Investment Committee for the Field Foundation of Illinois and is an Adjunct Professor at Aurora University.

If I Can See It, I Can Be It: Manifesting Your Career by Sharing Our Journeys: Krystal Rivera

Krystal is a graduate from Cleveland State University with a bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Krystal joined the FHLBank Chicago in July 2020, as part of the Rotational Analyst program. Her 4 rotations have included working in Financial Reporting & Analysis, Internal Audit, Mortgage Analytics and Collateral Credit Risk. She will join the Internal Audit team as a full-time Staff Auditor in July 2022. Prior to joining the Bank, Krystal had two summer internships at Bank of America in Charlotte, NC. She worked for the Global Loan Portfolio Management team and the Banking Controller team of BOA.

Career Pathways, Business General: Matt Gambs

Matt Gambs is a banking executive with more than 25 years of experience in
financial services and is currently an executive with Wintrust Financial Corporation’s
Community Impact team. Community Impact’s mission is to align with Wintrust
values and integrate with teams and bankers to facilitate valuable relationships
with local businesses, business stakeholders, and nonprofits. Prior to his position at
Wintrust, Gambs also served as the president and CEO of both Bloomingdale Bank
& Trust and Diamond Bancorp.

Gambs serves on the boards of numerous business and professional organizations,
including the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Intersect Illinois, Turning
Pointe Foundation, and Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He has also served on
various boards in the past, including his role as the Chairman of the Illinois Chamber
of Commerce, Chairman of the Heritage YMCA, and All Saints Catholic Academy.

Gambs served honorably for six years in the U.S. Marine Corp Reserves. During his
time in the military he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in economics and a
Bachelor of Arts in political science from Regis University in Denver, Colorado. He
also earned his master’s in liberal studies from North Central College in Naperville,
Illinois.

Matt and Chris Gambs have been married for 20 years and currently reside in
Naperville with their sons Charlie and Mike.

Career Pathways, Economic Research: Nahiomy Alvarez

Nahiomy Alvarez, works in the Financial Markets Group at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. She contributes to various research work streams focused on key policy issues impacting domestic and global financial markets. Prior to joining the Bank, Nahiomy worked as a consultant in Washington, DC and a PPIA fellow at the University of Michigan. Outside of work, Nahiomy is an active member of the QuestBridge Regional Association and a mentor for Chicago Scholars. She is pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and earned a B.A. degree in Political Economy from Williams College.

Career Pathways, Economic Research: Santiago I. Sordo Palacios

Santiago I. Sordo Palacios, is a senior financial markets analyst in the Financial Markets Group of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, where he contributes to financial markets briefings and conducts research on household finance, mortgage backed securities, and municipal bond markets. He was previously a research analyst on the Financial Economics team at the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. Santiago received a B.A. in Mathematics and Economics from Fordham University and is an alumnus of the American Economic Association Summer Training Program. He is currently pursuing a joint M.B.A and M.S. in Computer Science at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Career Pathways, Finance: Ernest L. Chang

Career Pathways, Finance: Letticia Flores Poole

Letticia Flores Poole- I have been in banking for over 20yrs. Joined BMO Harris Bank in 2016 current role of Co-Head for BMO for Black and Latinx Small Business Program. Recently awarded the Best Small Business Product amongst 700 others- showcasing the resiliency and the commitment for our local communities. I have the pleasure of providing financial education and solutions to Small Businesses. I enjoy educating and helping people in our communities reach their financial goals through teaching, coaching and connecting. I am viewed as a trusted advisor to the businesses I work with. Recently I had the opportunity to work with our State of Minority Small Business group, where I helped our minority businesses voices be heard. I have been a part of multiple organizations from Non-profits to resource groups throughout my career, where I held multiple positions on the board from President to Treasurer to Member at Large. To name a few Supporting Professionals Network Association, South Chicago Chamber, Northwest Connection Chamber, Latinas in Childcare, North side Latinos Progress.

Letticia is married with one son and one bonus daughter and 2 grand kids. Born and raised in Chicago. Loves to bike ride and explore new bike paths.

Career Pathways, Information Technology (IT): Joseph Daniels

Joseph Daniels, is the Chief Information Officer for the Illinois State Treasurer.  With over 14 years of active Cyber Security Experience both in Government and in the Private Sector, Joseph brings a wealth of knowledge that helps local Government remain agile and innovative in today’s Cyber Landscape. Joseph is known for moving agencies through successful digital transformations, build and grow the right teams for the right environment, replacing legacy infrastructure with modern technology, and being a Steward of trust for the people we serve. In addition to his role as the CIO for the State Treasurer, Joseph is also an active member of the Illinois National Guard, with several years on the Defensive Cyber Operations element.

Career Pathways, Information Technology (IT): Stephen Washington

Career Pathways, Information Technology (IT): Tia Butler

Tia Butler is a Software Engineer on Cboe’s regulatory team and joined the company in 2019.  She works with Cboe’s regulatory investigators and analysts to write surveillances that help identify bad actors and suspicious actions in the market.  Prior to joining Cboe, Tia worked for a small hedge-fund in Evanston for 5 years where she worked on building in-house fixed income applications and creating BI and reporting applications for regulatory purposes.  Before joining the financial industry, she did organometallic medicinal chemistry research for DePaul University.

Tia holds a B.S. in Applied Physics with a minor in Medicinal Chemistry from DePaul University and is working on completing a Master’s in Applied Mathematics.  She is also a farmer, entrepreneur and NASM certified personal trainer.

Career Pathways, HR/Marketing: Haseeb Siddiqui

People manager with an understanding of emotional intelligence; helping people connect, grow and innovate to a new tomorrow.

Desire to help people in life lead me from criminal justice to psychology and ultimately to human resources. Human Resources? you say…how does that give you the opportunity to help? Through my interactions with the many different individuals I meet and interact with on a daily basis, I always learn how each individual can be helped in a unique and different way. Whether it’s an interview, colleague or business partner, there is something to learn from everyone.

Keeping an open mind and maintaining a calm demeanor allows me to connect with individuals in a way unique to them. Is it perfect? Does it work all the time? No, mistakes will happen. However, learning, improving and knowing you genuinely made someone smile from the heart makes it worth pushing on.

Earned Bachelor of Science with a concentration in Human Resources Manager and Masters in Business Administration from DePaul University. Holds the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.