This week, we are proud to feature Mandie Hendricks, a Vice President and Wealth Management Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC in Wilkes-Barre. In this capacity, she delivers expert investment management and financial planning services to individuals, families, non-profit organizations and businesses. With a strong passion for empowering clients, Mandie is dedicated to guiding them toward a secure financial future and helping them achieve financial independence through strategic saving and investing.

As a proud fiduciary, she is committed to providing unbiased financial advice and investment strategies that always prioritize her clients’ best interests. Mandie holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and is a Certified Financial Planner™. Additionally, she contributes to her community by serving on the board of directors for both the Luzerne County Community College Foundation and the Freeland YMCA.

We asked Mandie to share more about her journey, her thoughts on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Accelerate Action,” and the advice she has for women looking to break barriers in their careers:

In your professional and personal lives, what achievements and successes have made you feel powerful?  How can other women learn from these stories?

In both my professional and personal life, several achievements have made me feel empowered. Professionally, stepping into leadership roles, earning the trust of clients, and being recognized as a confident decision-maker has been incredibly fulfilling. Personally, navigating challenges while balancing my career and family life has shown me my own strength and resilience.

What does Accelerate Action (this year’s theme for IWD day) mean for you and how can you use your voice to help Accelerate Action?

“Accelerate Action” resonates deeply with me because it’s about moving beyond awareness and taking real, tangible steps toward change. For me, it means using my platform, skills, and experiences to create opportunities for others, especially women, to rise and lead in their own spaces. It’s about encouraging action, not just talk—whether that’s advocating for more inclusive practices in the workplace or supporting women in their personal and professional growth.

I can use my voice to accelerate action by sharing my story and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. By speaking out about the challenges women face, I can help others realize they’re not alone and inspire them to take risks and own their power. Additionally, I can continue to support other women, helping to build a network of empowered individuals who lift each other up.

How have you acted as a mentor to other women, either in your personal life or in the workplace?  What makes this kind of mentorship important?

In my professional role, I look for opportunities to mentor those who are newer to the industry. Whether it’s offering advice, sharing experiences, or helping them navigate challenging situations, I’ve made it a point to be a sounding board and guide. I also encourage them to take ownership of their contributions and celebrate their successes, no matter how small they may seem.

Mentorship, especially for women, is important because it provides the support, validation, and encouragement that can often be lacking in male-dominated environments. It creates a sense of community and empowers women to step into leadership roles and believe in their own potential. Having someone who believes in you, who can share advice, and help you see your strengths is invaluable. Mentorship helps to build confidence, create networks, and pave the way for future generations of women to succeed.

What barriers have you faced in your life (professionally and/or personally that you feel comfortable sharing) and how did you overcome them?

Being in a male-dominated industry, I often felt powerless and struggled with finding the confidence I needed to advance. There were times when I second-guessed myself. However, I made a commitment to work on boosting my confidence. By setting clear goals, stepping outside my comfort zone, and taking risks, I grew into the confident leader I always aspired to be. Over time, I discovered my niche and learned to leverage my strengths to my advantage. My passion for building relationships and educating others about finances has been key to my success.

As a powerful woman, what would you tell a woman who is struggling in her career and/or having a hard time moving ahead and achieving her goals?

My advice to young women just starting out is to pursue what you want without hesitation. Taking risks and putting yourself out there will help you grow both personally and professionally. Don’t let negative opinions about your company or industry hold you back—stand out and stay focused on your goals. Network as much as possible and build meaningful connections along the way. If you find senior team members who are willing to mentor you, take full advantage of their guidance, but also don’t be afraid to share your own ideas. Always take credit for your contributions and keep track of your achievements. Never stop learning or growing. And remember, you don’t have to choose between career and family—you can do both successfully. Surround yourself with a partner who supports your ambitions and celebrates your accomplishments.

This Women’s History Month, let’s celebrate women like Mandie who use their voices to accelerate action, break barriers, and uplift others. Let’s continue creating spaces where women feel empowered to lead, succeed, and inspire!

About Dress for Success

Dress for Success ® is an international not-for-profit organization that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Since starting operations in 1997, Dress for Success has expanded to nearly 150 cities in 30 countries. To date, Dress for Success has helped more than 2,000,000 women work towards self-sufficiency.

Since Dress for Success Luzerne County became operational in December of 2010, the program has reached 2,500 economically challenged women from the area by providing clothing, job interview support and workforce guidance. Dress for Success Luzerne County continues to create programs to enhance economic and social development, encouraging self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention.