Five Star Professional Women in Wealth

Consumers looking for someone to help them manage their retirement funds, save for their kids’ college education or navigate a major life transition might just feel like they’ve wandered into a boys’ club.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 31 percent of U.S. financial advisers are women.

But that’s not the whole story. Consumer demand for women financial advisers, according to a Pershing study titled “Americans Crave a New Kind of Leader — and Women Are Ready to Deliver,” is projected to rise in the coming years. Women entering the financial services professions bring new skills and fresh outlooks to bear on industry challenges.

Low Supply, High Demand

These cultural and industrial shifts translate into opportunities for the women professionals who have already made their mark in the world of wealth management.

While the number of women managing money with financial services firms remains relatively low, many firms have implemented focused recruiting efforts, adviser networks and networking events geared toward women, along with other career development initiatives that encourage women to both enter into financial services professions and to thrive in them.

Equality … and Opportunity

Analysts agree, corporate and industry initiatives to hire more women as wealth managers aren’t only about equality. They’re also simply a smart business practice. Successfully recruiting more women into the financial services profession means that firms are tapping into a much broader and deeper pool of talent.

Furthermore, financial institutions are only helped by expanding the base of women in the profession and supporting outstanding women wealth managers. When service professions are monolithic, that can serve as a barrier against attracting new and varying kinds of customers. Here again, diversifying the wealth management workforce isn’t just the right thing to do, it also stands to bring in a more diverse set of potential clients.

In November 2025, Newsweek published their America’s Top Financial Advisory Firms 2026, and we’re proud to share that Alpha Capital Family Office was honored to be included on the list that reflects the trust placed in us and the purpose that guides our work every day.

While recognitions like this are never the goal, this moment gives us time to reflect with gratitude. It represents the countless conversations, careful decisions, and shared milestones we’ve supported together. For our team, it’s a reminder that meaningful progress happens when expertise and genuine partnership come together.

At AC Family Office, we are committed to surrounding every family and partner we support with a Team of Experts, and these independent recognitions are one way we hope to reinforce that confidence. Our team brings together diverse skill sets because the world we live in is complex and requires specialized expertise to navigate the planning and investing issues that matter most. Above all, our focus remains clear: helping our clients succeed with purpose and achieve what is most meaningful to their businesses and families.

Our CEO, Mike, said, “I am grateful to work alongside a team that measures success not by the number of clients we serve or the recognitions we receive, but by the meaningful impact we have on the lives of those we support.”

Thank you for being part of our journey. If you are not yet a client, we invite you to book an appointment today and learn how our team can help you achieve your financial goals with purpose and confidence.

In November 2025, InvestmentNews published its third annual Hot List, highlighting 100 leaders whose work is shaping the wealth management industry. The list reflects nominations from wealth professionals nationwide and spotlights individuals making a significant impact on clients, investment strategies, and industry innovation.

AC Family Office is proud to share that Will Coughlin, Senior Investment Strategist and Partner, was included in this independently conducted editorial. As the only advisor from Colorado featured, this recognition underscores how top wealth professionals navigate a dynamic environment, guide clients through market disruptions, and meet growing expectations for sophisticated, personalized guidance.

The article also highlights key industry trends, including the rise of independent RIAs, the shift toward advice-driven relationships over product-based sales, and the growing use of low-cost, tax-efficient investment vehicles such as ETFs alongside mutual funds. While we did not purchase rights to this award or feature, we are proud to celebrate Will’s inclusion and the industry contributions it represents.

Will’s steady approach and focus on long-term strategy reflect AC Family Office’s commitment to guiding clients with discipline and perspective—helping them succeed with purpose.

At AC Family Office, we are proud to share that Will Coughlin has been named a 2025 InvestmentNews Excellence Awardee for Advisor of the Year (Regional – West), a highly respected honor in the wealth management and financial services.

The InvestmentNews Excellence Awards recognize professionals who are helping shape the future of the industry through integrity, innovation, and meaningful client impact. This award highlights advisors who demonstrate outstanding client service, strategic business growth, and a clear commitment to their communities and the profession at large.

Will celebrated at the InvestmentNews Annual Gala in New York City on June 24, where industry leaders from across the country gathered to honor this year’s award recipients. 

We congratulate Will on this well-earned recognition and thank InvestmentNews for celebrating the work of advisors who are advancing the profession in thoughtful and impactful ways. We are proud of Will and even prouder of what is success signifies for the future of AC Family Office.

Interested in learning more about how our team can support your financial goals? Contact us today.

Michael Dieschbourg CIMA®

CEO & CIO, AC Family Office

Denver, CO – Colorado Companies to Watch (CCTW), a nonprofit awards program, has announced its 2025 finalists, showcasing 50 second-stage companies who have demonstrated innovation efforts, generated quality employment opportunities and delivered significant economic impact throughout Colorado.

This year’s Colorado Companies to Watch Summit, Expo, and Finalist Reception will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm at Geotech Environmental Equipment in Denver, where attendees can recognize this year’s second-stage companies. This event will feature a forum of speakers, networking opportunities and the recognition of the finalists in front of an audience of 250 people.

“Colorado Companies to Watch celebrates the business leaders and entrepreneurs who are driving innovation and economic growth in our state,” said Matt Frary, board chair, CCTW. “The companies selected as finalists demonstrate a commitment to creating jobs, investing in their communities, and finding creative solutions to the challenges facing their industries. We’re proud to recognize them for their efforts and look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at the CCTW Summit, Expo & Finalist Reception,” he added.

The 2025 Colorado Companies to Watch Award winners will be announced on June 20, 2025, at the Annual Awards Gala at the Wings Over The Rockies Museum starting at 5:30 pm.

This year’s finalists include:

Alpha Capital Family Office

DWC CPAs and Advisors

Focused Energy

Foster Graham Milstein & Calisher, LLP

BridgeView

ThrivePass Inc

View article of full list:

Job title: Partner & Senior Wealth Strategist

Hometown: Smithtown, New York

Describe your role: My role as a Partner & Senior Wealth Strategist at AC Family Office is anchored in providing full-service wealth management to ultra-affluent families. While every client is unique, my role can often be summed up in two words: simplification and solutions. Oftentimes, this includes creating strategies around multi-generational engagement, long-term investment management, estate planning, tax optimization, and risk management. Other families lean on me to lead strategic business consulting projects and coordination of their full bench of advisors (attorneys, accountants, etc.), as well as overseeing execution of their philanthropic values. AC Family Office is an outsourced family office with 250+ years of collective experience serving complex clients nationwide. As independent fiduciaries, our mission is to simplify and manage every aspect of clients’ financial lives. This gives clients valuable time back and peace of mind that qualified specialists are leading a holistic financial strategy for their families and businesses.

Big accomplishment: One of my proudest accomplishments has been the transition I made last year from the structured environment of a big private bank to the independence and flexibility offered by a family office. Specifically, this move allowed me to embrace fiduciary independence; my team and I are able to create highly personalized wealth and business management strategies for clients sourced from the full universe of providers as we are no longer captive to the thoughts, research, and products of a single institution. Stepping in as a Partner at AC Family Office, while incredibly challenging in many of the traditional “business building” aspects, has given me the freedom to develop deep relationships with clients focused on a holistic approach to their overall financial success.

Achievements in the past year: In order to truly capture my professional accomplishments over the past year, I focus on my resilience and adaption. In the face of significant changes to the industry that raised me, I spearheaded a move that empowered me to cement the needs of clients at the very core of everything I do professionally. Taking on the leadership responsibilities that accompany stepping into ownership at AC Family Office provides a testament to my tenacity and ambition. My ability to navigate a rapidly shifting environment in a way that created positive outcomes for clients showcases my unrelenting commitment to excellence.

What motivates you? I am deeply motivated by the opportunity to help families and businesses achieve their long-term goals. I find great joy in unpacking a client’s need by issue-spotting challenges and then developing tailored solutions that can create lasting impact. The challenge of navigating complex tax and legal landscapes, coupled with the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in clients’ lives, keeps me engaged and driven. Additionally, I find a deep sense of purpose in helping families navigate multigenerational challenges. The clients we work with at AC Family Office often face complex financial situations related to wealth transfer, estate planning, and managing assets across different age groups with varied financial needs and goals. I am driven by the responsibility of fostering financial literacy in rising generations and creating lasting legacies. Helping families understand the importance of passing down knowledge, values, and wealth in a responsible way is a powerful motivator for me.

What has been the most challenging part of your career? The most challenging part of my career has been navigating the complexities of building lasting trust and credibility. This was particularly challenging during the earliest chapters of my time in a male-dominated industry when I was proving my expertise and gaining the confidence of both clients and colleagues. To overcome this challenge, I focused on building deep technical knowledge and staying current with industry trends and regulations. I also made it a priority to develop strong communication skills, ensuring that I could explain complex financial concepts in a way that was clear and accessible to clients. Additionally, I sought mentorship from experienced professionals in the field, which gave me valuable insights and helped me avoid common pitfalls. Ultimately, through consistent dedication to learning, delivering high-quality service, and fostering genuine relationships with clients and peers, I earned trust and respect. Over time, my commitment to providing value and demonstrating my expertise allowed me to navigate this challenge and turn it into one of my strengths.

Next big move: My next big move is focused on continuing to grow as a leader while also balancing the responsibilities of family life. As I continue shepherding AC Family Office through its next chapter of growth, I see exciting opportunities to expand the ways in which I guide and inspire my team by modeling the importance of work-life integration. Balancing a rigorous career while also showing up for my family provides yet another frontier of growth. Strengthening muscle memory around things like time management, prioritization, and the need for a strong support system will be skills that directly contribute to my effectiveness as a corporate leader. As part of this, I plan to continue leading my team with a focus on fostering an environment that values both professional excellence and personal well-being. I want to demonstrate that it is possible to excel in one’s career while maintaining a healthy, balanced family life. One of my core goals is to empower my team to embrace flexibility in how and when they work, allowing them to juggle personal and professional responsibilities in a way that suits them. Ultimately, I believe that leading by example in this area will encourage my team to do the same, creating a supportive, high-performing work culture that values both achievement and well-being.

How do you give back? I am deeply committed to giving back to my community and draw on my professional experience and expertise to make a meaningful impact through various organizations. I currently serve as a Board Member on the Finance Committee for Denver CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), which provides support and advocacy for children involved in cases of abuse, dependency, and neglect. I am also an Advisory Council Member for the Jake Jabs Center for Entrepreneurship at CU Denver’s Business School as part of my commitment to laying groundwork for the next generation of business leaders in my community. Lastly, I strive to give back to my community through my deep commitment to mentorship. I’ve mentored junior talent at every stage of my career. One of my core values is “paying forward” investments that were made in me early on by sharing insights and experiences to empower future leaders.

Anything else? A special thank you to my family, peers, and friends who have been instrumental in my journey. Their unwavering support has shaped who I am today – personally and professionally. I am especially grateful to my husband, who has been a tremendous source of strength through every stage of my career, most especially this most recent transition to a leadership role at AC Family Office. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to the Denver Business Journal for this recognition Congratulations to the other honorees – I am humbled to be amongst such inspiring company.