Monument Wealth Management is proud to announce that our very own Jessica Gibbs, CFP® and Emily Harper, CFP® have both been ranked by Forbes as Top Women Advisors in the State of Virginia for 2025!
“As an advisor, I think a lot about helping Monument’s clients best navigate their unique paths. It’s a privilege to receive this recognition because it reaffirms that the path I chose—to become a financial planner—continues to be a fulfilling and meaningful journey for me. However, the real delight comes from helping others open the door to what is possible,” said Jessica.
This announcement comes on the heels of our previous recognition as Forbes Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State 2023, Forbes Top Next Gen Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, and Northern Virginia Magazine’s Top Financial Professionals.
This is Emily Harper’s first time ranking on this Forbes list, an honor that means a lot to her personally and professionally. Emily was also recently voted one of Northern Virginia’s Top Financial Professionals in 2023 by Northern Virginia Magazine.
“Working with our clients and their families to imagine ‘what’s possible’ and advising them on how to make those possibilities a reality is something that brings me joy. It’s an honor to participate in our clients’ lives in such a meaningful way and build shared success. I’m proud of this recognition and the great work we do at Monument as a team – I’m just one part of this group of smart talented professionals that deliver for our clients!” said Emily.
As a firm that places a focus on supporting women and our next generation of leaders, we are thrilled to join Jessica and Emily in celebrating this well-earned accomplishment.
Forbes’ list was compiled by SHOOK Research, which is based on an algorithm of qualitative data, learned through surveys and interviews conducted by telephone, in-person and virtually to evaluate best practices, such as service models, investing models and compliance records as well as quantitative data, such as revenue trends and assets under management.
SHOOK Research aims to create rankings of role models—advisors that are leading the way in offering best practices and providing a high-quality experience for clients. All advisors have a minimum of seven years’ experience. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings. SHOOK accepts advisors who meet pre-determined minimum thresholds and acceptable compliance records.
Jessica and Emily were ranked #53 and #54 in the State of Virginia
More About the SHOOK Research Methodology
SHOOK is not a “robo-ranker.” To ensure quality in their research, SHOOK collects both qualitative and quantitative data for their ranking algorithm.
Qualitative data is collected via in-person, virtual and telephone due diligence meetings to evaluate each advisor. This includes client impact, industry experience, review of best practices and compliance records, and firm nominations. Quantitative data is also collected including assets under management and revenue generated.
The Process
As part of the application process, our advisors’ information is submitted into the SHOOK system. Our advisors periodically review and update the information in the database, and SHOOK uses this information to select its nominees each year.
The following describes the requirements and metrics used in their ranking algorithm:
Basic Requirements for Top Women Wealth Advisors
- 7 years as an advisor
- Minimum 1 year at current firm, with exceptions such as acquisitions
- Advisor must be recommended, and nominated, by their firm
- Completion of an online survey
- Business that is conducted with individuals is evaluated
- Acceptable compliance record
Quantitative Metrics
- Weightings assigned for both revenue and production data
- Assets under management—and quality of those assets—both custodied and a scrutinized look at assets held away
- Client-related data, such as retention
- Portfolio performance is not a factor
Qualitative Metrics
- Telephone, virtual and in-person meetings with advisors
- Compliance records and U4s
- SHOOK measures client “impact,” a proprietary indicator that measures difference advisors make in the lives of their clients
- Advisors that provide a full client experience including service model, investing process, fee structure, breadth of services
- Credentials (years of service can serve as proxy)
- Use of team and team dynamics
- Community involvement
- Discussions with management, peers, competing peers
- Telephone, virtual and in-person meetings
- Ranking Algorithm
As described on their website, the algorithm is designed to fairly compare the business practices of a large group of advisors based on quantitative and qualitative elements. Data are weighted to ensure priorities are given to dynamics such as preferred “best practices,” business models, recent business activity, etc. Each variable is graded and represents a certain value for each measured component. This data is fed into an algorithm that measures thousands of advisors against each other.
For all of the details on the methodology used by SHOOK Research, click here.
Untapping Wealth Potential: Aligning Money with Meaning
It’s truly an honor to be recognized by Forbes. As a registered investment advisor (RIA) that operates as a fiduciary, it’s our clients’ opinions that truly matter. Check out our Google Reviews to read about our clients’ experiences, in their own words. Our mission is to not only help people untap their potential for wealth, but their potential for living. And when we’ve accomplished that, that is the mark of real success!
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