ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL OF CLEVELAND

About the Program

Having a diverse workforce can benefit your organization in many ways. The program offers the opportunity to learn from peers and develop strategies to build and cultivate an inclusive workplace that attracts and retains the best diverse talent. Delivered through an interactive panel discussion, the program explores effective strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in today's organizations and communities. The panelists address current challenges and share successful approaches for creating inclusive environments. Key topics include implementing DEI policies, overcoming systemic biases, and measuring the impact of DEI initiatives. The discussion highlights the importance of leadership commitment, employee engagement, and continuous learning in driving meaningful and sustainable change. Combined with real-world best practices, the discussion emphasizes actionable steps toward meaningful change that will help move your organization toward your vision for diversity. Participants leave with practical tools and renewed motivation to advance DEI in their own spheres of influence.

About the Speakers

A’Shira Nelson is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Tax Manager at Wellspring Financial Advisors, where she leverages her expertise to guide clients through complex tax strategies and financial planning. AShira is also the founder of Savvy Girl Money, a platform dedicated to empowering women with financial literacy and education. She has gained recognition for her transparent and relatable approach to personal finance, particularly through her journey of paying off significant student loan debt. AShira is passionate about helping others achieve financial independence and fostering a supportive community for women in finance.

Michael Novak founded Wellspring Financial Advisors in 2007 and currently serves as CEO. He has extensive experience in the areas of estate planning, charitable gift planning, business succession planning, proactive tax planning and compliance, and family governance and education. Michael earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance from Ohio University. He is a Certified Public Accountant, a Personal Financial Specialist, holds the Accredited Estate Planner® designation, and is a 21/64 Certified Advisor. He is also a member of The Ohio Society of CPAs and a DEI Committee Member, and former RIA Advisory Board Member (2020-2023), of the Capital Group. Michael is actively involved in his community, serving as a Trustee of the Clevland Museum of Art, a Board Member and former President of Bluecoats, Vice President of the Board of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northeast Ohio, and Board Member of Solon Community Living. He is also a member of the Executive Roundtable for University Hospitals Diamond Advisory Group, the FBI Cleveland Citizens Alumni Association, and the Professional Advisory Council Steering Committee for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. Formerly, Michael served as President and Board Member of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland.

Heather Welsh is Sequoia’s Senior Vice President of Wealth Planning. In this role, Heather determines strategic direction for the spectrum of wealth planning solutions created for clients across the wealth continuum. Her passion is in enriching lives for generations by making wealth planning accessible, relevant, and a personalized experience for each individual and family. She graduated summa cum laude from Mercyhurst University with a BA in Business with a concentration in Finance and later earned her Master of Science in Financial Services from The American College of Financial Services. Heather is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, as well as an ACCREDITED ESTATE PLANNER®.  She works with multiple organizations to promote collaboration and lifelong learning throughout the financial services industry, including serving as a member of the inaugural class of FinServe Ambassadors and a member of the Alumni Council for The American College of Financial Services, a current Board member for the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, and a Past President for the former Cleveland-Akron Chapter of the Society of Financial Service Professionals.

Jaclyn M. Vary │ 2024-2025 Program Chair

Continuing Education – EPC Cleveland will request approval for this program from the CFP® Board of Standards for CFP® designation holders. A certificate of completion will be available for those AEP®, CPA, and CWS designees who feel the program satisfies their continuing education requirements.  

Reservation Policy –

IN PERSON: All attendees are encouraged to register in advance and walk-in reservations will be accepted on a space-available basis only.  The meeting cost is $35 for members when paid in advance before noon 10/04/24, $50 for members at the door, $50 for guests, and $210 for a table of six (can be mix of members and non-members - please submit names to admin@epccleveland.org by 10/04/24).  If you reserve and are unable to attend, please call the office to cancel by noon 10/04/24 to avoid a no-show reservation billing.

To reserve, click "Register Now" below. 

Thank you to our sponsor: