Written By: Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director

Gratitude

Heading into the office earlier this week, I was drawn to the quiet beauty of the fall morning. The sun was not quite up, and the colors of the trees were vibrant – highlighted by early morning rays of light across a still dark sky. In that moment, the golden hour, I felt an immense wave of gratitude.

Fall is my favorite time of year, and it’s a busy time for AFCPE. We have AFC® scholarship applications open; we are gearing up for our annual Symposium; and the team is busy developing and delivering programs that support our community and the people that they serve. Sometimes between the hustle and the juggle, I forget to pause and take in the beauty around me.

But today, I intentionally slowed down and took the time to reflect.

What I am grateful for:

  • The AFCPE Staff: For Michelle, Jarod, Kay, Noel, LaTonya, Valerie, Summer, Jessie, Ann, Heather, Zulairam, Tara, Sara, Sherry, Amanda, and Ashley. The AFCPE staff are thoughtful, innovative, smart, and incredibly passionate. They center our mission in the same way you center your clients. Their work helps expand knowledge, foster confidence, and build capacity to enhance the work you do to impact your clients and your communities.
  • The AFCPE Board: For their active leadership in strategy, governance, business development, and financial oversight. For providing diversity of thought; for lending their time and unique talents; for championing the staff; and for their commitment to the health and longevity of AFCPE.To further demonstrate their belief in and support of AFCPE’s mission and goals, this year the board voted to become a 100% giving board in 2025.
  • You: The AFCPE Community: As I reflect on all the ways AFCPE is making an impact in our field, at the heart of this work is you.
    • Thank you to those who have served as a speaker for an AFCPE webinar, lead a virtual member meet up, joined a task force or participated in an empowerment community, or shared your story on our podcast.
    • Thank you to the AFC® professionals who continue to support the Veterans Benefits Banking Program by offering pro bono counseling to our Veterans and their families.
    • Thank you to the group of AFC professionals who helped us create resources that AFCs can use to share their value. And thank you to those who are customizing these resources to share with clients and other professionals to spread the value of an AFC.
    • Thank you to the Government Relations Task Force for creating an Advocacy Toolkit that professionals can utilize to be a voice for change at the federal, state, and local levels.
    • Thank you to your organizations – nonprofits, banks/credit unions, higher education, and others – who are investing in AFC certification, membership, and capacity building courses to raise the standard for delivering financial counseling, coaching, and education.
    • And thank you to those who go through our programs and share your experience with others. Whether in a face-to-face conversation or a social post, your feedback helps amplify the value of AFCPE education, certification, and membership.

Looking Ahead

This November, the staff, board, and AFCPE community will gather. Together, we’ll share ideas, expand our networks, and go forth with new knowledge to expand our work and our impact. I hope to see many of you in Columbus, OH, but if travel isn’t an option, consider joining us virtually.

Why attend Symposium virtually?

  • It offers flexibility for a busy schedule and omits the cost of travel.
  • You’ll still be able to connect with onsite attendees and exhibitor resources through our interactive event app.
  • Keynotes will be livestreamed to you on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
  • You’ll gain access to more than 85 hours–worth of professional development content – recordings and on demand.
  • And one day (Friday, November 22) includes interactive watch parties, virtual networking, and a fun, closing activity.

The AFCPE Symposium is where our community comes together. It’s where Purpose Meets Passion.

We hope you’ll experience it with us this November.

SETTING THE STANDARD,

Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director

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