A turning point in Solitaire Dasher-Smiley’s career came during the early stages of the pandemic, when she and her family uprooted their lives in Tampa and relocated to Scottsdale.
There, she had an opportunity as a financial advisor, a career she progressed to after spending the better part of a decade honing her skills in the alternatives investing group at Raymond James’ home office.
Moving, particularly with young children, “was a scary decision, but I knew it would get me one step closer to my goal,” Dasher-Smiley said.
In the new role, she proved herself, contributing to an increase in her new team’s return on assets of 31% over two years, growth in revenue by 13% and more than $1 million more in gross production.
“My role is to be an example and also to lift others up,” she said. “I absolutely recognize that much of the reason why I’m here today and that I’m successful today is because of trailblazers that came before me.”
Dasher-Smiley has been part of the Raymond James Black Financial Advisor Network and Women’s Financial Advisor Network for years, even before becoming an advisor, both seeking guidance and mentoring others. As an advisor, she has participated on panels held for minority students and women interested in financial services careers.
“We still face many obstacles today,” she said. “I’m always willing to be a listening ear, share advice or provide guidance.”
— Emile Hallez