Scholarship Spotlights
The Investments & Wealth Foundation scholarship program has helped talented professionals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences earn the certifications and expertise that define great careers in wealth management. Below, we share some of those stories and the role the Foundation played in their journey.
Meet Your Peers in the Investment & Wealth Institute
Jin Liu, CPWA®, CIMA®
Wealth Advisor
The Lerner Group at Hightower Advisors
What is your current title and business name?
I am a Wealth Advisor at the Lerner Group at Hightower Advisors, where I focus on advising high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth families on investment strategy, wealth planning, and intergenerational goals.
Can you share your journey into the financial advisory profession? What inspired you to pursue this career?
My path into wealth management started from the client's side. About eight years ago, I was actively interviewing financial advisors to better understand how to manage wealth and plan long-term. Through that process, I realized how impactful the right advice can be—not just financially, but for a family's overall direction and legacy.
Although I didn't enter the industry right away, I stayed in touch with an advisor who later encouraged me to join the profession. What inspired me most was the opportunity to combine analytical thinking with meaningful human relationships, helping families make complex decisions with clarity and confidence.
How did receiving the scholarship from the Investments & Wealth Institute’s Foundation impact your professional journey?
Receiving support from the Investments & Wealth Institute was both practical and symbolic. Practically, it helped me pursue advanced certifications like CIMA® and CPWA®, which significantly deepened my technical knowledge in portfolio construction, risk management, and advanced planning.
More importantly, it reinforced a sense of belonging in the profession. It signaled that there is a place—and a need—for diverse perspectives in wealth management, which gave me additional confidence as I continued to grow my career.
In what ways do you believe your heritage contributes to your perspective on your profession and client relations?
My heritage gives me a strong appreciation for long-term thinking, family responsibility, and education—values that closely align with wealth planning. It also helps me connect with clients from international or first-generation backgrounds, particularly those navigating cross-border wealth, cultural expectations, and multigenerational priorities.
I tend to approach client relationships with a high level of attentiveness and respect for trust-building, which is especially important when advising families on deeply personal financial decisions.
How do you celebrate your heritage in your professional life?
I incorporate my heritage primarily through how I build relationships and communicate with clients. For example, I am comfortable working with international families, including those with ties to China, and I understand the nuances around family dynamics, legacy, and decision-making across generations.
I also actively build bridges—whether connecting clients with the right professionals or helping them navigate unfamiliar financial systems—so they feel more confident and supported.
What advice would you give to other minorities who are considering pursuing advanced certifications in this field?
Don't wait until you feel "ready." Certifications like CIMA® and CPWA® are not just credentials—they are frameworks that accelerate your growth and help you build confidence faster.
Also, be intentional about leveraging the network around programs like those offered by the Investments & Wealth Institute. The relationships you build can be just as valuable as technical knowledge.
Finally, recognize that your perspective is an asset. Clients increasingly value advisors who understand different backgrounds and experiences, so bring that into your work with confidence.
Past Spotlights
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