Mary-Ann Abida MBA, CDFA, CPFA

A couple of factors have shaped my destiny to pursue a career in finance, foremost, like most major decisions in my life, my father. I have witnessed him scouring The Financial Times and over heard conversations with his Financial Advisor over the years and I was simply intrigued. As an adult my frustration with my inability to comprehend basic financial principals incited a need to get seriously educated which subsequently led to a career guiding the most accomplished thought leaders in their industries piecing together the many components of their financial lives. There is something extremely gratifying about helping the accomplished minds in the athletic, medical and corporate cosmos achieve their goals.

As a child I grew up in Saudi Arabia, it was simply the most divine childhood. My feet spent more time dangling from trees, running to base in Manhunt games, and sashaying around town in my roller skates than they did on the ground. I was surrounded by true friends, mine and my folk's which substantially contributed to my happiness. In addition to being fluent in the Circassian language (my heritage), I learned Arabic during the many years living abroad.

Life today is quarterbacking the busy lives of my 3 children, enjoying a loving marriage to Ahmad, my rock, while balancing a rewarding career. There are few things that give me more joy than watching my boys play football, attempting to perfect my golf game (I have a long way to go), watching the NY Giants win, and spending time with my friends and clients who I consider family. When I need to tune the world out, I put on my headphones and start dancing like no one is watching.