Visionary Women Set Sights on the Future, Open Doors for Next Generation of Female Executives while Giving Back to Community
From left to right: Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Executive Director, NBA Players Association Foundation; Shannon Eusey, CEO, Beacon Pointe Advisors; Lisa Bhathal Merage, Chief Impact Officer and Managing Partner, Revitate; Courtney La Bau, Commissioner, Los Angeles World Airports
Transforming the City of Baltimore through improved public safety and education. Building the largest female-owned wealth management firm with a focus on female financial literacy. Expanding Los Angeles International Airport while solving traffic and protecting neighboring communities.
These are just a few of the impressive accomplishments boasted by the esteemed Visionary Women of Impact panel that convened at the Revitate 2023 Social Impact Summit, an annual gathering of investors and business partners with the Revitate investment platform that funds impactful and profitable strategies in real estate, sports and consumer sectors.
Each visionary woman rose to the top of their field in their own unique way. However, all of them shared a common bond and commitment to both leave the world a better place then they found it, and help the next generation of female business leaders follow in the footsteps.
Nancy Neal, Director at Citi Private Bank opening the conversation, before turning the conversation over to our own Lisa Bhathal Merage, Chief Impact Officer and Managing Partner of Revitate. Joining Lisa were three three prominent executives:
Shannon Eusey: Founder and CEO, Beacon Pointe Advisors, the largest female-led RIA firm in the nation working with institutions, defined contribution plans, individuals and families
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake: Executive Director, National Basketball Players Association Foundation; Founding Member of the Revitate Social Impact Council; and Former Mayor of City of Baltimore
Courtney La Bau: Commissioner, Los Angeles World Airports
“Take your seat at the table”
Shannon focused her comments on the statistical realities that women face in the U.S. economy. She notes that while the majority of households are run by female breadwinners, only a third of all investments are owned by women. In that gap between equity and discretionary spending, Shannon says, lies an opportunity for women to keep striving for equality.
Through her firm, Beacon Pointe, Shannon employs mostly women and encourages financial literacy among women who are clients as well as those in the community. She recalled starting in the industry when it was dominated by men, and that it has been getting a lot more balanced. Though there is still much work to be done, she warns.
The advice she gives to younger female professionals is to understand that they deserve to be in the same rooms with male business leaders and projecting their voices. By claiming their rightful access to power, Shannon says, women can take their seats at the table – literally and figuratively – and use their voices for impact.
“Pass it down to your daughters,” Shannon says. “Unless you are heard, you can’t move up. Unless you are heard, you can’t make a change.”
“We are all tenants of the Earth, and making a positive difference is the rent we pay to live this life”
Courtney walked through the work she has been involved with at LAX to improve operations both internally and for the surrounding communities, including traffic solutions and protecting local homes. She notes that the initiatives undertaken by the airport impact a much broader sphere, including all the vendors and contractors. Courtney has ensured that Los Angeles World Airports partners with other businesses that look like the communities it serves, such as small businesses and women-owned enterprises.
One important life lesson Courtney shared came from an older female trader at JP Morgan, where she started her career as an investment banker – “When you get to where you want to be, turn around and pull up.” She says it speaks to the notion of paying it forward and empowering others to have the same opportunities – a calling that impacts people in business as well as society at large.
“I appreciate the differences but look for the similarities”
Stephanie discussed her upbringing and how it shaped her to be the leader she is today, using her skills and talents to have impact.
Her drive, she says, is rooted in a desire to help others and leave a legacy, but not expecting others to do the same for her. As a Black woman, Stephanie says she feels a heightened sense of responsibility to help and empower communities as well as self-educate and improve herself – then using those abilities for impact.
Stephanie has brought people together at the municipal level and influenced significant change that improved thousands of lives. However, now with the NBA Players Association, her perspective has changed to help active and retired players serve and amplify the causes they believe in around the world. It’s a broader perspective, she says, but one rooted in the same spirit to bring people together and make an impact.
Revitate appreciates this year’s panelists and attendees for making another Social Impact Summit an inspiring and enlightening event.
