On this episode of The Power of the Ask, we welcome Melissa Cisco, Esq., Director of High School Innovation and Special Projects, NYC Department of Education, for a discussion on the surprising intersection of education and real estate. Melissa shares her journey of discovering the power of property ownership for building wealth and how she empowers her students with this knowledge. Tune in for these key takeaways:

• Unlocking Wealth with Real Estate: Discover how a legal lens on the property market reveals pathways to building significant wealth, accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Making Smart Money Moves: Learn strategies for successful real estate investments, understanding the long-term game versus the quick flip for sustainable growth.
• Educating for Economic Empowerment: Understand how forward-thinking educators can equip students with financial literacy skills.
• Igniting Transformation Through Opportunity: Hear about Melissa's dedication to creating life-changing experiences for students, both in their local communities and across the globe.

About Melissa Cisco:
Melissa is an educator, attorney, and advocate for generational wealth and global learning. With 15 years in education and a legal focus in real estate, education, and immigration, she empowers families through smart investment strategies and teaches students the value of real estate. As Director of High School Innovation and Special Projects , she supports NYC’s 1.1 million students and has led international trips to expand their worldviews. Melissa is passionate about creating meaningful, transformative opportunities for the next generation.

Welcome, Melissa! We’re so excited to have you with us today. To kick things off, why don’t you share something with our audience, something that they wouldn’t know just from reading your bio?

Important Links:

• Savvy Ladies
• Precious Williams' LinkedIn
• Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn
• Melissa Cisco's LinkedIn

In this episode of the Power of the Ask podcast, hosts Lisa Zeiderman and Precious Williams reconnect with investor, writer, and facilitator Nirupa Umapathy. Nirupa explores the significance of embracing life’s transitions and advocating for your financial value. Discover how learning to say “no” and understanding your financial landscape can empower you to ask for and receive what you truly need.

Key Takeaways:

• Community is Crucial: In times of chaos and division, the strength of your network and the people around you is paramount for support and growth.
• Seven-Year Cycles of Change: Recognize and embrace the natural rhythms of significant shifts and evolutions in your life and career.
• Advocate for Your Worth: Never undervalue yourself or index your expectations to the lowest baseline; aim for compensation and recognition that reflect your true value.
• Financial Literacy is Foundational: Understand your cost of living, liabilities, and the levers you can control in your financial life.
• Timing and Context in Asking: Be mindful of when and how you make an ask, always considering the context and the other person’s perspective.
• Become a Champion Receiver: Recognize and actively work against societal conditioning that may prioritize giving over receiving, particularly for women.

------
About Nirupa:

Nirupa Umapathy is an independent SG-focused investor, writer, facilitator, and classical Pilates teacher. A former Managing Director at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Whitebox Advisors, she was known for executing complex deals in structured credit markets. After leaving finance in 2017, she redesigned her life around joy and creativity.

Nirupa founded Salons for Life, a community fostering connection through unstructured play, and writes on empowered transitions. She also curates a unique alternatives portfolio, drawing on her financial expertise. Nirupa holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Economics from Smith College.

Important Links:
Savvy Ladies
Precious Williams' LinkedIn
Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn
Nirupa Umapathy LinkedIn

In this episode of The Power of the Ask, Jacqueline (JaQ) Campbell reveals her incredible story from a 16-year-old intern to a powerhouse wealth advisor. As founder and CEO of Alexander Legacy Private Wealth Management, she emphasizes the critical role of mentorship and is dedicated to empowering the next generation of financial leaders. Learn how her experiences have shaped her mission to create opportunities for women and people of color in the financial industry. Join us as we discuss:

• Intern to Icon: Hear about JaQ’s remarkable journey from a high school internship to leading a multi-billion-dollar investment team.
• The Power of Mentorship: Learn how mentors shaped her career and why she’s passionate about mentoring the next generation of advisors.
• Advancing Future Leaders: Explore her mission to create opportunities for women and people of color in the financial industry.
• Building Generational Wealth: Gain insights into strategies for sustaining and growing wealth for future generations.
• Navigating the Future of Finance: Understand the importance of human connection and personalized advice in an increasingly AI-driven world.
• The Importance of the Ask: Learn why JaQ, like all our guests, believes asking for what you want and deserve is crucial for financial success.

More About Jacqueline “JaQ” Campbell:

Her professional background began in 1993 as a high school intern for Comerica’s Private Bank. She ascended from high school intern to running a $1.8 billion investment team for Chase Wealth Management, and now leads Alexander Legacy Private Wealth Management, as Founder, CEO and Senior Wealth Advisor, where her mission is to advance the next generation of advisors and investors in wealth management. JaQ holds her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts with a focus area on Diverse Leadership in Financial Services from DePaul University. She also holds her Series 63 & 65 securities registrations.

Important Links:

• Savvy Ladies
• Precious Williams' LinkedIn
• Lisa Zeiderman's LinkedIn
• Jacqueline “JaQ” Campbell’s LinkedIn