Marie L. Taylor Makes History as First Woman to Receive Quad A’s Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award
Financial advisor and wealth strategist recognized during Quad A’s 25th anniversary VISION Conference after 25 years in
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Financial advisor and wealth strategist recognized during Quad A’s 25th anniversary VISION Conference after 25 years in the financial services industry
NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Marie L. Taylor, a Financial Advisor and Wealth Strategist with Edward Jones, marked a major career milestone at the Association of African American Financial Advisors’ 2026 VISION Conference, becoming the first woman in Quad A’s history to receive the Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award.
The recognition came during a milestone year for both Taylor and Quad A, as each celebrates 25 years in the financial services industry and profession.
The Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award is Quad A’s highest honor and recognizes leadership, influence, and a sustained commitment to advancing representation and opportunity for Black and African American professionals within financial services.
“This year marks my 25th year in this profession and Quad A’s 25th anniversary,” Taylor shared while accepting the award. “Our journeys began at almost the same time.”
Taylor’s recognition was part of a much larger leadership presence throughout VISION 2026. She served as moderator for the main stage executive panel, “State of the Profession: The Great Wealth Shift,” alongside senior financial industry leaders from Vanguard, Wells Fargo Advisors, UBS Financial Services and Morgan Stanley. She was also selected to deliver closing remarks during the conference.
The annual VISION Conference is Quad A’s premier gathering of Black and African American financial professionals and industry leaders. Held September 10 through 12 in Washington, D.C., the 2026 conference centered on the theme “The Wealth Shift: Ownership, Legacy & the Next Era,” bringing together leaders to examine wealth, ownership, and the future of the financial services profession. The conference also commemorated Quad A’s 25th anniversary.
For Taylor, the moment represented more than receiving an award. It reflected a career built around financial guidance, leadership, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others.
Throughout her career, Taylor has experienced what it means to enter professional spaces as the only woman, the only Black and African American professional, or one of very few. Those experiences have shaped how she approaches leadership today.
“Presence must become influence, and influence must create opportunity for someone else,” Taylor said.
That message also connects closely with Taylor’s work as an author and the themes explored in her Beyond the Spotlight books, including her newly released memoir, Beyond the Spotlight: Ava Without Apology. Her work explores what happens beyond professional accomplishments and public recognition, including the resilience, identity, voice, leadership and legacy required to become the person others ultimately see.
Taylor also used the historic moment to recognize Quad A founder LeCount Davis, the first Black and African American to earn the CFP® certification, and the importance of leaders who create opportunities for those coming behind them.
As the first woman to receive the Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award, Taylor made clear that she does not want the significance of the moment to end with her.
“Being first is not the legacy. Making sure there is a second, a third, and eventually a generation for whom being here is no longer unusual, that is the legacy.”
She closed with a message that captured both the recognition and what comes next:
“I am grateful for the flowers. But tomorrow, I will keep planting seeds. Take your seat. Use your voice. Open the door. And when someone comes behind you, make sure you leave it open.”
For Taylor, VISION 2026 was not simply another conference appearance. It was a full-circle moment that recognized 25 years of experience, leadership, and impact, while positioning her voice as part of the conversation shaping what comes next in financial services.
About the Association of African American Financial Advisors
The Association of African American Financial Advisors, known as Quad A, is a national nonprofit membership organization focused on advancing the professional development and advocacy priorities of licensed Black and African American financial professionals in wealth management. In 2026, the organization celebrated 25 years of leadership, advocacy, and impact within the financial services profession. Learn more about Quad A
About Marie L. Taylor
Marie L. Taylor is a Financial Advisor and Wealth Strategist with 25 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her work extends beyond financial guidance into conversations surrounding financial independence, leadership, identity, and legacy. She is also an author and a member of the Quad A Board of Directors. Learn more about Marie L. Taylor
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