SCBWA will host its June Luncheon Tuesday, June 18th from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm at The Green Flash. The luncheon will include a financial panel with Jesi Crane, Kelley Laird and Megan Marquardt as featured speakers.
The Panel will discuss Financial Wellness to encourage women to feel empowered in their financial decisions, both personal and business-related.
Jesi Crane, Financial Planner of Northwestern Mutual, is an Ohio native who relocated to Fort Myers in 2009 while working as a Flight Attendant. She spent over 15 years working in aviation in various roles but after the loss of her sister and mother a year apart, she decided to pursue a career that would allow her to use her personal and professional experience to help others. She began working in the Finance Industry providing insurance solutions which gave her the opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level. She shares her personal grievances, knowledge, and customer service experience to help individuals and families plan for their financial futures properly as a Financial Advisor with Northwestern Mutual. She believes in the importance of protecting those you love and care about by taking care of yourself first. A flight attendant always reminds you to “Put your oxygen mask on before assisting others.” A career in Financial Services gave her the flexibility to share her most precious asset, time, taking on many positive roles in her community. She serves on The Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors and Ambassadors Committee and She is most proud to serve as the Women in Business Committee Co-Chair. She is a member of the Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association and CAMEO of Lee County. She spends much of her free time volunteering in the community for various causes. She is grateful for the opportunity to bring her expertise to the lives of individuals and families every day and considers it a privilege to work with her clients. Jesi is committed to giving every client the close attention necessary to provide them with the best strategies for saving and protecting their assets.
Kelley Laird, Mortgage Professional of New American Funding, graduated from the University of Central Florida after graduating from Cottey College. She started her career in Hospitality, Luxury Resorts. 10 years ago, Laird moved to the financial sector and studied to become a Loan Officer, helping people with obtaining their financial success through home ownership. Over the years she has specialized in first home buyers, VA loans and investment properties, and helping those who need out of the box solutions. She is currently working with New American Funding, allowing her to close loans in multiple states. Her passion is teaching and traveling and enjoys jewelry making and scuba diving. Laird was born in Storm Lake, IA, and after 2 years in Jamaica, she moved to Cape Coral 1978-1992. She moved back in 2010, and has become very involved in the community both professionally and philanthropically.
Megan Marquardt, CFP®, CTFA Fort Myers President of Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, Megan Marquardt serves as president of the Sanibel Captiva Trust Co. She brings more than 20 years of experience serving trust and investment clients. Her responsibilities encompass understanding her clients’ financial and estate planning needs and collaborating with a dedicated team on how best to apply the company’s resources to reach their goals. Megan joined The Trust Company from Busey Wealth Management of Fort Myers, FL having served as a Senior Vice President and Private Wealth Advisor to high-net-worth families. She previously had a long tenure with FineMark National Bank & Trust in Southwest Florida, where she held several roles – the most recent as a Private Wealth Advisor. Originally from Cleveland, OH, Megan attended Indiana University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, followed by the University of Miami, where she received her Certificate of Financial Planning. She is also a graduate of the Florida Bankers Associates Graduate Trust School and obtained the Certified
Trust & Fiduciary Advisor designation in 2020 through the Institute of Certified Bankers, a subsidiary of the American Bankers Association. She is affiliated with the Estate Planning Council of Lee County, serves as a United Way Allocation Committee Team Lead, is a Sheriff’s Youth Activity League board member, and a past treasurer and executive board member of the Guardian Ad Litem Foundation.
Thank you to Jesi Crane of Northwestern Mutual for sponsoring the luncheon.
Sanibel Captiva Business Women’s Association is dedicated to empowering and supporting the women who work and live on the islands through networking, mentorship, continuing education and career advancement.
SCBWA aims to serve the community by offering an inclusive, supportive and diverse group of women supporting women. Our focus is the advancement of women’s career development targeted to workers, aspiring workers and the residents of Sanibel and Captiva. The group meets every third Tuesday of the month at various businesses and restaurants at noon.
Registration is required on Eventbrite.
For more information or to become a future lunch sponsor, please contact Taylor Osborne at [email protected].
Updates on upcoming events can be found on Eventbrite and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SanCapBWA/.
