BOSTON — Alice Avanian recently travelled to Hong Kong to be honored by CFA Institute as a Volunteer of the Year. The award is in recognition of Alice’s years of service to the CFA Society Boston, the local affiliate for Chartered Financial Analysts and particularly, her leadership in Financial Literacy training.
Educating the public about personal finance and investing has become a passion for Avanian. She started the Financial Literacy initiative as Chair of the Boston Board in 2013. She was inspired by her son, Shaant, a math teacher in an inner-city high school. Whenever he was ahead of his curriculum on Friday afternoons, he would teach such topics as credit cards. She thought, “If he could do it, why weren’t we doing it, as finance professionals?”
CFA Society Boston is a non-profit professional society that has been a point of connection for the Boston investment community since 1946. The Society provides an open forum for the exchange of fresh perspectives on industry issues and promotes ethics and integrity. Originally called the Boston Security Analysts Society, Inc. (BSAS), the Society changed its name to CFA Society Boston, Inc. in 2017.
CFA Society Boston is New England’s largest membership organization for investment professionals with more than 5,800 members.
Now in its fifth year, the Financial Literacy program has grown to 80 events with over 100 volunteers. CFA Society Boston creates alliances with community organizations and schools, which provide built-in audiences and logistical support. Alliances and events are driven by volunteers, for example at local libraries, or by incoming requests, such as Newton North H.S. and Mattapan Boys & Girls Club. In February, volunteers presented at an event hosted by AIWA at the Watertown Library.
The Volunteer Award also recognizes Alice’s other contributions over the years. She served on the Boston Board for 12 years, during which time she was Treasurer, VP of Education, as well as on committees for Personnel, Nominations and Governance.
