Erica James

“Leading with Care and Compassion”

I am passionate about providing financial literacy and education planning services to individuals in underserved communities. Prior to my work in real estate and financial services, I spent several years in Supportive Housing industry helping HUD Certified disabled and homeless women find permanent housing. I decided to shift gears professionally after realizing that a comprehensive philanthropic approach, one that included the possibility of business ownership, and/or a means to secure sustainable, long-term employment was necessary to truly help those in need.

Once I discovered the dearth of financial professionals with the genuine ability to bridge this gap, I made it my purpose to fill this void. I worked as a real estate professional before making the initial transition into the financial services industry as a Self-Directed IRA consultant in 2012.

After spending time helping wealthy individuals diversify retirement assets into alternative asset classes such as real estate and private placements, I transitioned into a role as Marketing Director for a Municipal Bond broker dealer that also owned a registered investment advisory subsidiary. I later became the first African American woman in the 30 year history of that firm to achieve status as a dually licensed representative after obtaining my Series 7, 63 & 65 licenses.

Despite the time I spent helping high-net-worth individuals protect and build wealth for future generations, my passion has remained assisting those in disenfranchised and underrepresented communities. The insights I have gained over the last decade have allowed me to develop a specialized educational program that incorporates the financial, investment and retirement planning strategies necessary to realize long-term financial success.

In a world driven by profit, my personal philosophy is “Leading with Care and Compassion.” My work as an Academic Counselor & Adjunct Professor helping first generation, low-income students navigate higher education, with an eye towards avoiding debt and obtaining viable - financially rewarding careers allows me to continue fulfilling this passion.

I also serve as Policy Chair, New Jersey for the Black Child Development Institute (BCDI), Paramus - a community based organization dedicated to improving and advancing the quality of life for Black children and families through education and advocacy.