CAAFP Through the Years: Connecting Generations Through Community

Deborah Eskridge Glenn, MSM, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, recently retired from her role as senior vice president of administration and chief human resources officer at The College. We are grateful to her for sharing her thoughts on CAAFP and its history.

History of Inclusion

• CAAFP is rooted in an educational gathering founded by The College in honor of Lang Dixon, CLU®.
• Since then, CAAFP has gradually grown, turning into a conference that has seen noteworthy guest speakers and thought leaders.
• Gradually, the event has grown into the large community gathering it has today that is meant to serve as a pillar of inclusion in the financial services community.

CAAFP Origins

CAAFP began as a tribute to Lang Dixon, CLU®, a Philadelphia-based general agency owner and perennial Million-Dollar Round Table producer. A champion of lifelong learning, Dixon held numerous professional designations, including The College’s Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®). Following his untimely passing in 1994, and in recognition of Dixon’s commitment to advancing inclusivity in financial services, The College’s then African American Advisory Committee launched the first Lang Dixon Professional Education Day in 1995. With initial support from former College president Samuel Weiss and corporate sponsors like MetLife, that single-day gathering has grown into today’s three-day CAAFP.

Bringing Representation Into the Present

Over the years, CAAFP has welcomed an impressive array of speakers and thought leaders, from educators, media personalities, and highly ranked military members to policymakers, professional and Olympic award-winning athletes, entrepreneurs, and industry trailblazers. Their insights have enriched the conference and inspired attendees to elevate both their professional impact and community engagement.

A key priority has also been investing in the next generation. The conference has expanded its NextGen Program to include a student forum, curated workshops, and meaningful youth involvement, from performances to leadership development opportunities and professional licensing. Partnerships with organizations such as the Financial Alliance for Representation and Empowerment (FARE), the Coalition for Equity in Wholesaling, and Reimagine Talent have helped grow the program from a small cohort of students in 2018 to a nationwide network of emerging professionals. Student attendance and logistics are fully covered by generous sponsors.

CAAFP NextGen Accomplishments

• 57% of Black Gen Zers who are first-generation college students pick financial services as a top career choice¹
• 140+ students have participated since 2023
• Net promoter score of 91 from among participants, indicating world-class satisfaction

Forging the Path Forward  

In 2018, the Lang Dixon Leadership and Excellence in Achieving Diversity (LEAD) Award was established to honor individuals making significant contributions to inclusivity in the profession. Since then, a distinguished group of industry leaders have been recognized for their impact and commitment.  

When College President and CEO George Nichols III, CAP®, attended his first CAAFP in 2019, he issued a four-part call to action: increase personal production, recruit and mentor new African American advisors, share knowledge, and amplify the experience through social media. That challenge continues to resonate and shape the conference’s mission. According to President Nichols, “What you see, you can become!”  

Guided by themes such as “Expanding Our Collective Impact,” “Join Our Vision, Rise as One,” “Lift as You Climb,” “Pathways to Prosperity,” and “Reclaiming Black Wealth,” CAAFP has remained focused on empowering individuals while strengthening communities. The conference has also embraced moments of celebration, bringing people together through signature events that foster connection and purpose. Entertainment has included Doug E. Fresh and Sinbad, among many other popular personalities. At the same time, the conference has expanded to include a networking lounge with numerous activations like podcasts, headshots, and media opportunities as well as professional coaching, and has raised significant scholarship funds to support future leaders.  

Building Community

By 2024, CAAFP reached a milestone of over 1,000 registrants, alongside strong sponsorship support and consistently high attendee satisfaction. Participant feedback highlights the conference’s impact: providing inspiration, practical knowledge, and a sense of belonging that reinvigorates careers and strengthens professional networks.

Today, that sense of community continues to grow. The American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality (CEEE) officially launched the online CAAFP Community in 2025, creating an ongoing platform for connection, learning, and collaboration. Through this network, members gain access to education, peers, mentors, and resources that support professional growth and productivity.  

In closing, I extend my sincere gratitude to The College for recognizing the importance of CAAFP: not only for the advisors and students who attend, but for the communities they serve. The conference’s legacy will be one of connection, empowerment, and lasting impact for the generations to come.

More on Representation

• Visit the Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality
• Help Build Community With CEEE Online