As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, FP Canada created our first scholarship program aimed at increasing the diversity of financial planners in Canada. We were encouraged to see so many people from deserving communities apply. 

In their personal essays, the recipients outlined different reasons for wanting to pursue financial planning certification. These included the desire to financially empower newcomers and underrepresented communities, provide culturally aware financial planning advice, and explore AI’s capabilities to improve financial planning outcomes.

By awarding these scholarships to five aspiring CFP® professionals or QAFP® professionals, we’re helping promote and enhance diversity in the profession.

Please join us in congratulating our winners!


Manojkumar Ramachandran

Manojkumar is a Product Owner/Manager with over 18 years of experience in the insurance technology space, specializing in commercial-off-the-shelf platform solutions. He holds Fellow, Life Management Institute and Project Management Professional certifications and has a strong track record of advising on enterprise implementations. Currently exploring a career pivot into financial planning, he is keen to understand how AI tools can enhance personal finance strategies. His long-term goal is to integrate intelligent technologies into financial planning to drive better outcomes.

 

 

Joy Russell

At the age of 13, Joy experienced the loss of her mother – an event that profoundly influenced her decision to pursue a career in the insurance industry. This early experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for the importance of proactive financial planning, particularly within the Afro-Canadian community, where such practices are often overlooked. With over a decade of experience, Joy is a licensed independent insurance and investment advisor specializing in life insurance, living benefits, and investments. Through Plan With Joy Financial Services Inc., she remains dedicated to helping clients achieve financial security and build generational wealth through informed and strategic financial decisions.

 

 

Jay Saspara

Jay works as a financial planning associate at Ryan Lamontagne Inc., an independent, fee-for-service financial planning firm based in Ottawa. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Honors) with a double major in Finance and Marketing from Ontario Tech University, and an MBA from Carleton University. Jay is also pursuing his Chartered Financial Analyst designation to further his expertise. Previously, he worked as a marketing assistant developing retirement, investment, and financial planning content for wealth management firms across Canada and the U.S.

 

 

Efe Rich Akhibi

Efe is an independent life insurance advisor committed to enhancing financial literacy and inclusion among diverse Canadian families. Drawing on her background in digital marketing, she creates motivational social media content to demystify financial planning and empower others to achieve financial security. She is deeply passionate about supporting newcomers and underrepresented communities through education, advocacy, and accessible resources. Efe is honored to receive the FP Canada™ Diversity in Action Scholarship and is excited to take the next step in her career by pursuing professional certification in financial planning.

 

 

Simon Nkotanyi

Simon is honoured to accept the FP Canada Diversity in Action Scholarship. Throughout his career, he’s been recognized for his integrity, reliability, and collaborative approach, especially during complex projects like data migration. As an MBA graduate, he’s passionate about advancing financial literacy and helping underrepresented communities build financial confidence.