Lisa Gallegos

Retirement Sales Consultant

Paychex

My current job involves…  Selling 401k recordkeeping services to small businesses

My first job in the retirement industry was… at Paine Webber as a Sales Assistant 22 years ago

I first learned about WiPN when… My manager suggested I get involved, and I’ve met so many amazing women in the retirement industry!

I love the retirement industry because… we get to help people retire with dignity every day.

Other women should join WiPN because…  it’s fun!  The women are so supportive and nice.

More women would get involved in the retirement industry if… I think if they knew it wasn’t so intimidating!

When I’m not working I am… Spending time with family.

Carrie Ohm

VP of Advisor Development

Resources Investment Advisors

My current job involves… Identifying the industry’s best and brightest retirement plan advisors and firms to create partnerships where, through a collaborative affiliate model, we can leverage our scale to offer the best ideas, tools and talent for our clients.

I love the retirement industry because… As I say, “these are my people”! As the daughter of a construction superintendent with no retirement date in sight, I’ve seen firsthand how financial stress creates a lasting burden on the entire family. My parents needed every dollar of every paycheck and when offered a 401(k), my Dad probably thought it didn’t apply to his situation, considering he wasn’t wealthy enough to invest. Twenty years after graduating college with a degree in Personal Financial Planning, I hadn’t found my calling until I found the retirement industry. Instead of managing money for the wealthy, our work enables us to reach the average American worker, like my Dad, who need our help the most.

Other women should join WiPN because… Women are intrinsically natural connectors and can help other women advance in their careers. Our desire to belong, combined with our ability to nurture, make us the perfect species for networking.

More women would get involved in the retirement industry if… they realized that being a woman in the boardroom is an asset as well as a differentiator. A women’s ability to listen, empathize, communicate and find solutions makes us the perfect consultant.

I wish I’d known years ago… that I had good ideas, knowledge and experiences to contribute in the workplace. Instead of waiting to be asked, I would’ve spoken up, approached the key players, and provided my input. Not only could I have impacted my professional growth, but my perspective would’ve impacted the direction, hopefully positively.

I’d love people to ask me about… my financial planning degree. My favorite thing to do when I’m not working or watching my kids in sports is mentoring college students. As a first-generation college grad, I had no idea what to expect in the real world after college. I enjoy sharing my perspectives and encouraging students to believe in themselves. I’m a big fan of Simon Senik and coaching students about finding their “why”. “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucious