Women in Finance Series
What if? That is a big question, one our friend Lucy asked and answered when she successfully launched her own firm in 2018. During 2023, in addition to our scholarship and grant awards, we will highlight women who are tackling the big ‘what ifs’. These women are dreaming big and making an impact in their communities and financial profession.
Meet Bonnie Maize with Maize Financial
Sometimes, a tiny spark can ignite a flame many years later. Starting her career as a public policy lawyer, Bonnie always felt that she was on the wrong path until a magazine article piqued her interest in Financial Planning. As she looked into Financial planning, she recalls, "I quickly ran into the barrier of a lack of financial resources. There was no way I could afford even more education and the costs of starting my own firm."
Fast forward 15 plus years of supporting her family by raising and homeschooling three neurodivergent children, that spark reignited, and Bonnie returned to school at age 41. Bonnie realized that she wanted to shake things up and drive change in the industry to be "diverse, inclusive, and focused on solving social issues like wealth inequality rather than exacerbating them."
Dreaming boldly, Bonnie opened Maize Financial in 2021 with an intention to serve marginalized communities - women, LGBTQ+ people, members of minority races, and the working class. She charges low fees and runs a lean business keeping her services affordable and offering pro bono planning for those who currently can't afford her services.
“People who don’t meet the definition of an “ideal” client for other planners find a welcoming, supportive space at my firm—no matter their identity or net worth.”
Her vision is expansive and long-term. She dreams of doing much more to impact her community and profession by offering internship programs for women, especially women of color, and building career frameworks for women to join her and advance as lead planners or business owners.
“I have been supported by so many people, mostly women, on my journey, and dream of not only being that support for others but also building a self-sustaining model that can multiply my impact. I want to support women who will support other women and change the face of this profession.”
Maize Financial is located in Topeka, KS and offers services locally and virtually. Click here to learn more about Bonnie and Maize Financial.
