Mandie Hendricks is a Vice President and Wealth Management Financial Advisor at Janney Montgomery Scott in Wilkes-Barre. In this role, she provides investment management and financial planning services to individuals, families, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Mandie’s passion is helping her clients pursue a secure financial future and gain financial independence by motivating them to save and invest for the future. She is proud to act as a fiduciary and offer comprehensive financial advice and investment strategies that are always in her client’s best interests. Mandie holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and is a Certified Financial Planner™.  She serves on the board of directors for the Luzerne County Community College Foundation and the Freeland YMCA.

What makes a woman powerful? Do all powerful women have the same characteristics? Is there room for different kinds of power?

A powerful woman is someone who confidently goes after what they want and doesn’t let fear hold them back. They encourage and support other women. A powerful woman sets boundaries and doesn’t apologize for having them. Some women are powerful by standing up and leading a team or organization and other women show their power by allowing others lead them to their fullest potential. I think powerful women have different characteristics; some women are powerful in the boardroom while others are successful caretakers of their children. Some women shine in the spotlight while others thrive on the behind-the-scenes work. By appreciating our diverse sources of power, feeling safe communicating our preferences and respecting others’ boundaries, there is always room for different kinds of power.

What does “inspire inclusion”  mean for you and how can you use your voice to help inspire inclusion?

To me, inclusion means giving everyone a fair chance to be part of a group or included in an opportunity. If I am in a social setting, I always try to go out of my way to include someone who is shy and might be feeling excluded. In meetings, I think it’s essential to take turns leading so everyone has a voice and opportunity to show their leadership style. I’m a big advocate for hearing everyone’s viewpoint so that all input is considered when making decisions. You can learn so much from listening to others.

Who were your female mentors in your career, and how would you suggest growing leaders identify possible mentors for their growth?

There are many female financial advisors who came before me and paved the way for the industry to be a more inclusive, diverse profession. I look up to women who took risks and never backed down in the face of adversity. My two immediate mentors are both male and have always treated me as an equal and motivated me to achieve my career aspirations. They are always willing to answer any questions I have and give me advice without dictating how I do things. I would recommend looking for a mentor who you can see as your ally, who pushes you to perform at your best level and always listens to your ideas.

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, it is very easy to feel powerless at times. I struggled with finding the confidence I needed to move up and second-guessed myself along the way. I made a commitment to myself to work on improving my confidence. By setting goals to put myself out there and take risks, I grew into the confident leader I always wanted to be. I have been able to find my niche and learned how to use my strengths to my advantage. I love building relationships and educating others about finances, which has helped me achieve success.

As a powerful woman, what would you tell a woman who is struggling in her career and/or having a hard time finding her own voice?

I would encourage young women starting out to go after what they want and don’t hold back.  Putting yourself out there and taking risks will help you grow as a person and also professionally. Try to stand out and don’t let others with negative opinions about your company or industry drag you down. Try to network as much as possible and build connections along the way. If you do find senior members of your team who are willing to help and mentor you, learn as much as you possibly can from them but don’t be afraid to share new ideas. Take credit for your contributions and keep a list of your accomplishments. Never stop growing and learning. Don’t feel like you have to sacrifice your career to start a family, you can successfully do both. Find a partner who supports your career and life goals and celebrates your successes.

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.