2025 NextGen Financial Services Professional Award

First established in 2016, the NextGen Financial Services Professional Award celebrates the next generation of financial professionals, under the age of 40. These leaders have significantly contributed to the profession, while demonstrating a desire to give back to their communities.

Aaron Gose, ChFC^®, FSCP^®, RICP^®, WMCP^®

Aaron Gose studied civil engineering and finance at the University of Colorado, Denver. He spent nearly six years as a HUNCH Engineer with NASA focusing on hydrology in micro-gravity environments and as a Civil Engineering professional with the Mile High Flood District focusing on stormwater management systems. His love for problem solving extended beyond the engineering world with a career shift to finance in 2021.

He is the principal financial advisor at the Engineer's Financial Group LLC with a focus on helping clients in the engineering market. He is FINRA Series 6, 7, 63, and 65 licensed. In his additional studies, Gose has earned numerous designations from The American College of Financial Services, including the Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®), Financial Services Certified Professional® (FSCP®), Retirement Income Certified Professional® (RICP®), and Wealth Management Certified Professional® (WMCP®).

In his free time, Gose is a Firefighter with the Snohomish County Fire District #5. He holds Firefighter 1 and Hazmat certifications from the Department of Fire Prevention and Control.

Gose lives with his beautiful wife, Michelle, who is his backbone and constant motivation to live the most fulfilling life. Without her support, none of this would have been possible.

Mariana Llamas, CFP^®

[Body] Mariana Llamas is an associate financial planner at Brio Financial Group, with over eight years of experience in the financial services industry. She works closely with non-traditional individuals and families, helping ensure their financial plans align with the lives they aspire to live. As a proud first-generation Mexican immigrant, Llamas brings cultural fluency and empathy to her work, empowering clients and peers alike through financial education and community building.

Her commitment to equity and access has guided her involvement in various initiatives, including mentoring first-generation college students, leading financial literacy workshops for underserved communities, and advising industry leaders on inclusive hiring practices. Llamas served two years on The American College of Financial Services’ NextGen Task Force, advocating for the retention and development of diverse talent within the profession. Whether on stage speaking to RIA firm owners or organizing peer mastermind groups, she is dedicated to fostering connection and driving meaningful change in the financial planning profession.

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