Mariana Llamas is an associate planner with Xena Financial Planning. She began her journey toward financial planning at eight years old after moving to the United States, where she was simultaneously required to learn English and acclimate to a foreign culture. Those earliest experiences in America steered her toward financial advocacy for independent women and minorities.

While obtaining her degree in International Business at West Chester University, Llamas started working for an independent financial advisory firm servicing high-net-worth clients. It was there she first learned about financial planning and the impact of building generational wealth. Although she enjoyed the work of helping individuals and their families, she struggled to reconcile the fact that the industry was primarily focused on particular audiences of considerable wealth at the expense of people early in their careers and from diverse backgrounds.

As a result, Llamas made accessibility and inclusivity in the financial services industry her mission. At Xena Financial Planning, she is excited to realize her dream of working with young professionals seeking more than stock tips, but financial advice tailored to their specific income and lifestyle.