You're a wealth manager but you are also the founder of a nonprofit. Why did you start a nonprofit?
During the first 12 years of my career, I spent several hours a week assisting women to understand and learn about their personal finances. I watched women be afraid to make any financial decisions as they went through the divorce process and realized I felt the same way when I was going through my own divorce. Even though I had an attorney assisting me with financial decisions, I made several mistakes that impacted me for years.

So in 2016, I started the non-profit WINGS (Women Inspiring a Network of Growth and Support) to have the opportunity to make a positive impact in my community. I am passionate about helping others and educating them on not making the same mistakes I made. Starting a nonprofit allowed me to use my business talent, education, and experience to empower women to stand up for themselves and make the right financial decision for the long term. This kind of purpose-driven experience has yielded intangible rewards that I find more valuable than any amount of wealth.

What's your favorite thing about what you do?
With my special expertise in helping women in transition, I love helping my clients feel empowered and knowing I make a difference in their life. Women are unique, and I specialize in treating them that way. My mission is to provide women with the knowledge and tools they need to face the financial challenges that come with big life transitions like divorce, widowhood, and retirement. My goal is to help provide women with a sense of peace and calm, knowing that their family finances are in good order—and, that they are making informed, well-educated decisions. I take pride in my ability to ask the right questions, listen to all thoughts and concerns, and make sure all of my clients feel comfortable in making decisions that implement their dreams for the future. I always strive to develop a long-term relationship with each client and make myself available to advise and guide them through all of life’s changes.

In the past, what have been your biggest obstacles in business? What helped you overcome those obstacles?
My biggest obstacle when I started in this business was building a successful book of business in a “man’s world”. I often attended meetings where I could count the number of women in the room on one hand. I quickly learned my clients highly respected me and were eager to start a long-term advisory relationship. I looked at the obstacles I faced as opportunities. I became enthusiastic to do “important work,” to see the positive benefits my efforts would have for my clients and to be in a career where it was all about “problem-solving,” “building relationships” and having direct control over my work.

What gets you up in the morning?
I have a beautiful, supporting family that believes in my dreams. I embrace the gift of life being a two-time breast cancer survivor. Cancer changed the way I look at life, my relationships, and career. “Cancer taught me that life is precious and so worth the struggles”. I am truly grateful that I have found a profession that allows me to do what I love.

What is your favorite trait about yourself?
Never giving up. Taking as many chances as I can to make a difference in someone else’s life and being there for others when they need it the most.

Do you have a favorite quote that you love?
"Your true character is most accurately measured by how you treat those who can do 'Nothing' for you." -Mother Teresa

Nadia Shokohi PhD, CDFA, CPFA is a financial planner with Shokohi Wealth Management Group. She's a passionate teacher and financial advisor for women going through life changes and is a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst and Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor. She's also the founder of WINGS, a nonprofit community providing personal empowerment through financial education and emotional wellness for women.