Vicki Brackens, President of Brackens Financial Solutions Network, LLC (BFSN), has over 30 years of experience in financial education and services. After a successful career with Metropolitan Life Financial Services, she associated BFSN with LPL Financial in 2018. Known as “America’s Money Maven,” Vicki co-founded Heritage Financial Partners to increase diversity in the financial services industry. She is an active community leader, holding numerous board positions and accolades, including the Network Journal’s 25 Influential Black Women in Business award. Vicki is joyously married and resides in Syracuse, NY.

Michael, a Syracuse University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and Forensic Science, transitioned into a financial advisor role to better serve his community. Passionate about connecting with people, he volunteers with the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Red Shoe Society and champions the Downtown Syracuse Residents through the Downtown Committee of Syracuse. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and exploring the city.

Regina McArthur is a seasoned financial professional with a focus on community reinvestment and home mortgage financing. With over 20 years of experience, she is well-known for her work in Central New York, helping to drive economic growth and equity in underserved communities. Regina’s expertise in mortgage origination and community development makes her a trusted voice in financial empowerment.

In addition to her role at M&T Bank, Regina serves on various boards and committees, including the National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America (NAMMBA), and is actively involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Sheena joined the Gifford Foundation in 2007 and became Executive Director in January 2019. She has played a key role in expanding community impact initiatives and designing the Nourishing Tomorrow’s Leaders program, which focuses on diversifying nonprofit boards. Sheena is a 2012 graduate of the PLACES program and now serves as its Advisory Board Chair. Passionate about racial justice, equity, and inclusion, she also serves on various local and national boards. In her spare time, Sheena enjoys family time and is committed to fostering growth and celebrating diversity in the community.

David Ocasio Ross is the Assistant Vice President of Mortgage Sales at AmeriCU Credit Union, leading a team of 14 across Northern, Central, and Upstate New York. With over a decade of experience in banking and finance, David joined AmeriCU in 2022 to expand his skillset and grow the Mortgage Loan Origination Team. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his daughter, traveling, exercising, and volunteering as a girls’ youth basketball coach. Connect with David and the AmeriCU team for all your homeownership needs, from buying to refinancing, with competitive rates and exceptional service.

Sherri Falck is Managing Vice President, and she oversees the Upstate New York market as well as Special Initiatives across the entire company footprint that includes NY, NJ, PA, CT and IL. Pursuit’s Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) aims to help businesses grow by providing business loans and advisory services when traditional bank financing is not an option. Since 2016, Sherri has served entrepreneurs across Upstate New York.

Crystal Wallace is the founder of CMW Services, LLC a strategic consulting firm for entrepreneurs; and the Program Manager for Launch NY’s Founders Go Big (FGB), a DEIA initiative that supports the development of high growth businesses ideas by underrepresented and underserved founders through mentorship and investment opportunities. Through generous support of JPMC and other funders,  Founders Go Big is one of three specialized programs that furthers Launch NY’s overall mission to identify, support, and invest in high-growth, high-impact companies to create jobs and wealth and catalyze the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Upstate New York. 

Gwen is the founder of Gwen, Inc., a company dedicated to supporting mid to executive-level leaders on their leadership journey. With 30 years of leadership experience, Gwen identified a common struggle among leaders who, despite their technical skills, lacked the strategic relationship-building necessary to motivate and inspire teams. Through The Leadership Connection®, Gwen, Inc. offers leadership education, consulting, mentoring, and coaching to help leaders reach their potential. Gwen is also the founder of You Can’t Fail Inc., a nonprofit providing multicultural leadership development for women of color. She is a sought-after speaker known for her insights into leadership development.

Sharon F. Owens has over 30 years of experience in housing, community development, human services, and government. As Deputy Mayor of Syracuse, she oversees programs that enhance quality of life, including the Neighborhood and Business Development, Police, and Fire Departments. Owens leads initiatives under the Ben Walsh Administration, focusing on reducing gun violence, promoting diversity and inclusion, and supporting MWBE, DBE, and SDVOB firms. She has been pivotal in police reform and previously served as CEO of Syracuse Model Neighborhood Facility, Inc. Owens has extensive nonprofit experience and serves as Board President of Blueprint 15. She has received numerous awards for her community service and is proud of her roles as a wife and mother. Sharon is a graduate of Syracuse University.

Javier has over 15 years of experience in non-profit economic development and finance, including 10 years of managing and directing projects and programs. He specializes in organizational leadership, strategic planning, fundraising, and program growth. As a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) by the National Development Council, Javier excels in grant writing, financial planning, and business operations. His technology-savvy approach enables him to implement solutions that drive project success and program expansion.