Sara Cortes
Women’s Alliance Member
Wealth Advisor, Evermay Wealth Management
Quick 10:
#1 Tell us a bit about yourself and your work
I am a Wealth Advisor at Evermay Wealth Management. Evermay is a registered investment adviser headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. I spent nearly 25 years practicing law, including 14 years at the SEC, where I focused on investment adviser regulation and policy. I left the SEC a few years after surviving Stage 3 breast cancer, realizing that I needed a change but not knowing what should come next. I joined CFP Board as the head of ethical standards, which involved substantial work with amazing CFP® professional volunteers. Everyone I met seemed so fulfilled by their work, and I realized I had found my calling for the second act of my professional life.
#2 What draws you to a career in financial advising?
I like to be the person who helps someone surrounded by chaos navigate a clear path forward and to find a sense of calm and empowerment.
#3 What part of transitioning into financial advising feels most challenging or uncertain right now?
The most challenging aspect is recognizing that no two clients or financial situations are exactly alike. That requires me to continually expand my knowledge and consider each situation thoughtfully. I bring 25 years of professional experience to those conversations, along with a commitment to listening carefully, collaborating with colleagues, and providing clients with well-informed guidance.
#4 What’s a piece of advice you’ve received that you find yourself returning to often?
Using the phrase “Tell me more” in a discussion is a great way to put yourself in a curious mindset and prevent rushing to judgment or jumping to a conclusion.
#5 What’s one way a female has positively influenced your professional or personal growth?
As mentioned above, I had the opportunity to work with CFP® professionals that volunteered their time with CFP Board, including several amazing women. They served as great role models for how to serve clients’ best interests and how to be leaders in this profession. I owe my successes in this new career to them.
#6 What unexpected skill, hobby, or practice brings you joy right now?
I am a triathlete with a local club. I’m generally in the back of the pack when I race, but I don’t care (or at least not much). I love training with my team.
#7 Describe a unique strength or superpower you have that rarely shows up on a résumé.
I can deeply empathize with others facing hardship, grief, or uncertainty without getting swept into the emotion myself. Staying both compassionate and grounded in those situations is key to providing the support the person needs.
#8 What’s a daily or weekly ritual you rely on to feel grounded?
(Almost) daily meditation.
#9 Share your three all-time favorite books.
Rising Strong, Brene Brown. I love all of her work, but this book introduced me to one of my favorite tools. When I find myself jumping to conclusions about a situation, I reframe it as “The story in my head is….” It helps me identify all the aspects that really are just a story, and not facts.
Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingslover. Beautiful writing, exquisite story. Anyone can appreciate this book, but if you read David Copperfield first, you will even more deeply recognize Kingslover’s genius.
His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman (I’m cheating – this is a trilogy). His protagonist, Lyra Silvertongue, is one of my favorite literary characters – headstrong, cheeky, passionate, loyal, and brave.
#10 If you could host a themed girls’ night, what would the theme be?
90’s dance party, but it starts at 5 p.m., so that we can get a good night’s sleep!
