FORT WASHINGTON, Pa. & SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Equita Financial Network, a network of independent, women-led financial planning firms nationwide, announced that Laura Mattia, Ph.D., MBA, CFP, CDFA has engaged with the firm as Chief Mentor and Facilitator of the Women’s Advocacy Circle Program.

Mattia provides all Member Firms of the Equita network with a combination of peer to peer mentoring and experiential exercises to address issues, encourage collaboration, support, mentoring and advocacy. The Program relies on research, insights and experience from women in the financial planning industry, and it is specifically focused on issues most critical for career success. Member Firms of Equita will be introduced into the Program with a group retreat, followed by applied monthly meetings and ongoing communication connecting members, facilitators and mentors.

“This is the piece that is missing for women in the financial services industry today. Inclusion to a collaborative group of women is the cornerstone of the Equita platform,” said Bridget Grimes, CFP® and Co-Founder of Equita Financial Network. “Laura’s expertise in leadership and development of The Women’s Advocacy Program™ (WAC) provides a huge opportunity for collaboration, mentorship and support for all Equita members.”

Mattia brings a unique background of advanced financial degrees and certifications, including a psychology degree and further course work in positive psychology, along with over 30 years of financial leadership experience as a CFO/Controller for Fortune 500 companies. She is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA), the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) and also recently authored the book “Gender on Wall Street:Uncovering Opportunities for Women in Financial Services”.

About Equita Financial Network

Equita Financial Network is a collaboration of independent, women-led financial planning firms. Its mission is to help women financial planners succeed by providing an excellent business platform and collaborative network of women CFP professionals. Founded by Katie Burke, CFP®, and Bridget Grimes, CFP®, Equita provides a business platform to each Member Firm with the resources needed to operate a financial planning firm. It also provides Member Firms a network with which to collaborate, share best practices and resources, and identify succession planning options. Learn more at www.equitafn.com.