How Kaya Ladejobi helps executive women push past fear and shame to freedom and flexibility

I didn't know I needed a financial advisor. But my mentor—a Black executive from Kraft and board chair for many for-profit organizations—did.

So, she sent me a financial planning book from Schwab.

When I received the 1,000-page missive, I did what any self-respecting and well-educated woman of a certain age and means would do: I put it in a box (read: trash) and never looked at it again.

Paula Sneed, philanthropist, board member, and friend—thank you.

At the time, a company that required at least $1M in investable assets wasn't for me. And probably wouldn't be—until I was older. And not intimidated by the possibilities.

I'm not old. But I do have a financial advisor now—another Black woman.

Meet Kaya Ladejobi

Kaya Ladejobi is the Founder of Earn Into Wealth. She focuses on an underserved market poised for explosive growth: women without certified financial advisors who are culturally competent.

Across the U.S., less than 2% of CFPs are Black. That matters.

What Changed for Us

Since working with Kaya, our family has:

Moved money strategically from the proverbial mattress to 529 plans, family giving boundaries, and retirement accounts (the one thing for which no scholarships exist)
Made our biggest life moves including moving to a farm and building our family home
Planned major business transitions including the exit of one company and the launch of a venture capital fund
Extended wealth-building to our team by helping employees build wealth through 401K enhancements
Transformed our relationship with money from whispering about finances in private to talking about it confidently—with friends and with our children

But the most important shift? A change in mindset—from inaction and shame to flexibility and freedom.

Why This Work Matters

Many of us have received messages that we are not enough. From homes being undervalued (ours was), to being expected to tip less for worse service, to being denied loans or access to our own money—racial bias is baked into our financial institutions.

And no, wealth does not always protect you. Oprah was once denied entry to an expensive store. Beyoncé and Serena were ignored while giving birth.

We will not close the racial wealth gap in one generation through individual action. But we can run our leg of the race—and pass the baton.

Resources to start your journey

In honor of Paula Sneed and Kaya Ladejobi, I’m sharing the same names I’ve passed on to friends:

Kaya Ladejobi. Founder of Earn Into Wealth. Not cheap. Shouldn’t be. With one right decision, she pays for herself again and again.
Paris Woods. Dr. Woods wrote a book specifically for Black women building wealth. Get it. Gift it.
Facet Wealth. A tech-based solution. We haven’t used it at Offor, but if you do—let us know what you think.

A Final Word

May we be a Paula Sneed—introducing ideas others aren't ready for, but which shall grow.

May we create space for more Kayas, and for women who no longer have to choose between health and wealth.

This post is part of our premium content exploring the personal decisions that shape professional success. Because building wealth isn't just about money—it's about building the life you want to live.

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