In this bold and inspiring episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita sits down with Lorena Cabezas, a leader in asset management who challenges every stereotype about what success is supposed to look like.

Lorena’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t have to choose between being analytical and people-oriented…or between being an introvert and excelling at business development. You don’t have to come from a traditional background to thrive in this industry. As an immigrant and first-generation college student, Lorena has carved a path that is anything but conventional—and that’s her greatest strength.

Together, we explore: How owning your uniqueness is a strategic advantage A fresh and thought-provoking take on what it really means to be “underrepresented” The mindset shift from hard work to self-advocacy Why leadership isn’t about loudness—it’s about clarity, conviction, and courage

This episode is for anyone who has ever felt “different” in their industry or environment—and wondered if that difference could be a strength. (Spoiler: it absolutely is.)

Share this conversation with the women in your life who are redefining success on their own terms—and don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review!

Some Resources:

Lorena Cabezas | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenacabezasloo/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: http://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this powerful episode, Anita highlights the inspiring journey of Vanessa Martinez, Founder and CEO of Expressive Wealth. Vanessa's parents were unable to pursue their own education due to civil war in their home countries. So they poured their hopes into giving their daughters the education they never had. Vanessa took that gift and ran with it, becoming a lifelong learner and passionate advocate for financial education and equity.

From mentoring underrepresented groups to empowering women with financial literacy, Vanessa is a force in the movement to reshape the finance and wealth management industry—and beyond. Her story is one of resilience, purpose, and impact.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• The power of education as a generational gift
• How personal history fuels professional purpose
• Why financial literacy is a cornerstone of equity
• The importance of representation and mentorship in wealth management
• How Vanessa contributes to building a more inclusive financial ecosystem

Some Resources:

Vanessa Martinez | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessa-n-martinez/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this powerful episode, Anita sits down with senior wealth management executive, Jennifer Hanau, to explore what it really means to show up with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Jennifer shares her personal journey—from her dream of wanting to be an actress, to taking risks in life, and knowing how to advocate for herself.

One of the most impactful moments in our conversation was her a-ha moment: the realization that preparation is everything. When you're prepared, you're not just occupying space—you’re ready to add value to the conversation. That’s how you set yourself apart.

This conversation is especially empowering for young women carving their path and for anyone ready to lead with presence and conviction.

Key Takeaways:

• The transformational power of preparation—being ready to contribute
• Why your unique perspective is your superpower
• How betting on yourself leads to growth and courage
• Shifting from fitting in to standing out with purpose

Jennifer Hanau is a thoughtful, purpose-driven leader who embodies resilience, clarity, and growth. Her story is an empowering example of what’s possible when you lead with authenticity and believe in your own value.

Some Resources:

Jennifer Hanau | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhanau/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this deeply honest and inspiring episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita sits down with Lucy Chang Evans, whose remarkable life path includes careers in engineering, the Secret Service, and now public service.

At the heart of Lucy’s evolution is a powerful truth: financial security reduces fear. It gave her the confidence to leave behind roles—and relationships—that no longer aligned with her values. From stepping away from a marriage to pivoting across high-stakes careers, Lucy reminds us that when women have financial stability, they also have freedom.

Her story isn’t just about reinvention—it’s about resilience. Lucy trusted her instincts and pursued purpose, knowing she had the financial foundation to fall back on—and rise again.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Lucy’s financial foundation gave her the courage to start over—professionally and personally
• The role of money in helping women navigate divorce and fear of the unknown
• What it really takes to follow your heart in male-dominated spaces
• Why financial security isn’t just about wealth—it’s about agency

Lucy’s life is proof that fear has less power when you have the financial means to choose your own direction. Her voice is an inspiration for any woman facing a turning point and wondering, “Can I really start over?”

Spoiler: yes, you can.

Some Resources:

Lucy Chang Evans | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-chang-evans/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

How do we shift from just building wealth… to using it as a tool for meaningful, transformative change?

In this episode, Anita sits down with renowned wealth management visionary and advocate Heather Ettinger, whose life’s work has centered on exactly that. As the founder of Luma Wealth and author of the bestselling book Lumination, Heather helps women align their financial resources with their values to create deep personal and community impact.

With more than 35 years in the wealth management industry, Heather is a true trailblazer—educating and activating women to not only build wealth, but use it to lead, influence, and uplift.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What happens when fathers raise daughters to lead boldly
• Why authenticity and self-honesty are the foundation of financial empowerment
• How Heather’s illumination process helps women turn clarity into impact
• Why advisors must stop making assumptions and start listening differently
• How to find your tribe, stay curious, and lead with purpose

Heather shares stories from the frontlines of women’s wealth—reminding us that financial power isn’t just about numbers. It’s about freedom, legacy, and showing up in the world with intention.

Some Resources:

Heather Ettinger | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherettinger14/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

What drives a white male advisor to champion women and minorities in a traditionally exclusive industry?

In this compelling episode, Anita sits down with Tom Canale, founder of Canale Financial Group and a dedicated ally committed to reshaping the wealth management landscape. Tom is on a mission to expand who gets to be in the room—and who gets to thrive.

With a powerful mindset of “I don’t have to be one to help one,” Tom shares how he’s mentoring and recruiting diverse talent in a field still dominated by sameness. His work proves that allyship isn’t about checking a box—it’s about building lasting impact.

🎧 For those exploring the advisor career path, this episode offers invaluable insights:

• What it really takes to succeed as a financial advisor (hint: it’s not just about sales)
• How your mindset can limit—or unlock—your potential
• Why financial planning is a career rooted in purpose, not just product
• How to find your voice in an industry that urgently needs more diverse perspectives

Whether you're considering a career in wealth management or mentoring someone who is, this conversation offers a fresh, purpose-driven lens on what it means to lead, serve, and grow in this field.

🔔 If you enjoy the episode, be sure to follow, rate, and share Women, Wealth & Wisdom—and help us amplify bold voices and new ideas in finance.

Some Resources:

Tom Canale | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomascanale/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Anita Knotts sits down with trailblazer Kathleen McQuiggan, whose journey from Division I basketball to Wall Street shaped her lifelong passion for gender equity. Inspired early on by the few women leaders she saw at Goldman Sachs, Kathleen has spent her career advocating for greater inclusion in finance—pioneering the movement around gender lens investing. She reminds us that "we are all investors", whether we realize it or not, and encourages listeners to align their money with their values. From joining Women Moving Millions to her annual self-audit ritual, Kathleen shares how she stays connected to purpose—and why investing in women and girls is not just a cause, but a strategy for change.

Some Resources:

Kathleen McQuiggan | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenmcquiggan/

Anita Knotts | LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anita-knotts/

Lotus Women's Institute: https://lotuswomensinstitute.com/

In this episode of Women, Wealth & Wisdom, Illinois Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton shares her perspective on why diverse leadership is essential — not just in government, but across every system that shapes our lives, including finance. She draws a powerful connection between political change and financial empowerment, reminding us that real progress happens when underrepresented voices have both a platform and the power to act. If we want more inclusive policies and more equitable wealth, we need more women at the table — in boardrooms and in office.

Some Resources:

Learn more about Juliana: https://ltgov.illinois.gov/

Follow Juliana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-stratton-esq-63719a12/