Ariel's Story

I entered college with the firm idea that I wanted to help people. Already an avid volunteer I worked with the American Red Cross (since 2011) as one of the only youth volunteers for years before they created a youth volunteer sector, and after that as the only one providing support for disaster relief. I also worked with My Shine Therapeutic Riding Center as a riding lesson and trail ride assistant for special needs riders; and the Amateur Radio Emergency Services (ARES) team helping to set up and maintain communication networks during drills and actual disasters.

As an Ambassador Girl Scout I had received the highest-level award a Girl Scout can receive, the Girl Scout Gold Award which involves developing a self-sustainable project; an award only 5.4% of eligible scouts receive. Following that I became a Girl Scout Leader for a troop who had been present at the award ceremony, and that had participated in some of my earlier events and workshops. I helped them to achieve their Girl Scout Bronze Award, and guided them in running their very first event.

I knew that whatever area of study I went into, my goal would be to help others achieve their goals.

To that end, I studied public relations, logistics and urban studies. After graduating from CUNY Hunter College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban Studies, I found Family Wealth Decisions Group and joined their team as a Financial Planning Assistant. They have given me the chance to do exactly as I had set out to do all those years ago: to help others achieve their goals, albeit in an unexpected way for me. Daily, I am privileged to work with a team of skilled individuals to help others work toward achieving their personal goals with their finances.