Sowing seeds of community spirit, with Lanta Evans-Motte
Maryland-based advisor Lanta Evans-Motte is an educator, a leader and a strong proponent for inclusion in financial services. She experienced a financial advising epiphany that led her to combine her deep-rooted passion for finance with her drive to make a difference in people’s lives.
The roots of her calling
Growing up on a farm equipped Lanta Evans-Motte with the thoughtful discipline that would shape her work ethic and business mentality. This foundation, coupled with her academic pursuits – an undergraduate degree in accounting followed by an MBA – eventually steered her toward a corporate career and, later, to financial services.
But “It was the intersection of my financial knowledge and my passion for community service that ultimately defined my professional path,” Evans-Motte said.
Her early career at Hewlett-Packard marked a turning point as she began to learn and unravel the intricacies of employee benefits, sparking a desire to share her knowledge with others. An educator to her core, Evans-Motte began to lead informal workshops on financial basics, initially within her immediate family but quickly branching out to community groups and faith-based organizations with which she was involved.
Evans-Motte offered these sessions free of charge, but she found great fulfillment – and great potential – in her impact. In 2003 she co-founded the Literacy Institute for Financial Enrichment (LIFE), which focuses on financial literacy for low-income and minority communities, and for youth.
Over time she had come to realize the help she was offering on a volunteer basis had become help she wanted to offer professionally. Launching her career as a financial advisor was a natural outgrowth.
The blossoming of her career
Before becoming an advisor, Evans-Motte made a deliberate effort to participate in employee networks at each workplace.
“I volunteered a lot and, in turn, benefited from the proficiencies I developed and connections I made,” said Evans-Motte. “When I began advising I was fortunate enough to ask the right people for help. I connected with LeCount Davis Sr., who is a prominent figure in the Black financial advising community. He became a mentor and collaborator.”
Within the first month of Evans-Motte joining the financial services world, Davis was in the process of launching the Association of African American Financial Advisors – an organization also known as Quad-A.
Evans-Motte was invited to become a charter member in the organization’s leadership. As an inaugural board member, she helped Quad-A get off the ground and stabilize, and she was able to build a strong, long-lasting rapport with Davis and other industry leaders.
Her 16-year tenure on the Quad-A board and her leadership role in the organization underscore her dedication to her craft and to creating opportunities for others. She leveraged her own experiences to benefit both communities and individuals, particularly those who lack access to the same opportunities she had.
“As an advisor, there’s no greater sense of fulfillment than the ability to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Evans-Motte. “From helping my clients figure out college financing to estate planning, I enjoy being a connective tissue between multiple generations.”
Her client-first approach was a fundamental consideration when considering a financial services firm to join. The culture of integrity at Raymond James initially resonated with her own professional ethos. “After all, I want the financial planning I offer to help ensure my clients’ aspirations become blessings for them and the people and causes they care about,” said Evans-Motte.
THE 7 HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE®
“This is now a well-known book by Stephen Covey and is an influential read that I was fortunate to find early in my career. I’ve gifted this book and I refer to it often. Two of the concepts that stand out are Habit 4: Think Win-Win® and Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood®.
As advisors, so much of what we do is built on listening to people and guiding them. I think we have a unique opportunity to enlighten people as individuals, as families, as communities, and strive together to create a society where everyone has the chance to thrive,” said Evans-Motte.
The flowering of her influence
Evans-Motte’s advocacy for inclusion and equity extends to her involvement with the Commission for Women in Prince George’s County, an area of over a million people, where she served as co-chair for public relations and community outreach. She was also a leader on an advisory board for the Greater Washington Community Foundation and University of Maryland Board of Governors.
Her efforts in various initiatives focused on women and children demonstrate her deep understanding of the importance of advocating for women’s issues, particularly for Black women. For her work in uplifting others over several decades, Evans-Motte has been recognized nationally for her contributions to community service and non-profit organizations.
“Every recognition I’ve received is deeply appreciated and humbling,” said Evans-Motte. “Service is embedded in my family’s DNA, so my parents and older siblings always instilled in me to focus on the work and caring about other people over the reward or recognition. Whether it comes in the form of recognition, or in the form of me cheering on my clients, I understand the value of encouragement. It’s the fuel that keeps me going.”
As part of her work outside advising, she has also previously been involved in the writing and publishing efforts of various non-profit projects and organizations. An enthusiastic writer, she is excited about completing her own book project within the year.
Looking ahead, she believes the financial services industry has the opportunity to lead in ways other industries cannot, particularly in the areas of inclusion and equity. “My hope for the future is one that focuses on shared prosperity and well-being,” concluded Evans-Motte.
PLANTING, CULTIVATING, FLOURISHING
Over time, Evans-Motte has become a keen gardener. She sees her enjoyment of gardening as both a connection to her agricultural roots and a source of well-being. She takes pride in her garden, appreciating the beauty, the work over the years and the natural benefits of the produce she grows.
Inspired by a client’s “friendship garden,” where plants and shrubs are exchanged as reminders of friends, Evans-Motte has created her own. She’s come to value an abundance mindset of sharing and encourages others to try the same in their own spaces (whether in gardening or in life).
“Especially during the tougher times, I prioritize supporting fellow advisors of color and women. I do that because I recognize the importance of encouragement from someone who truly understands the distinctive challenges we face as advisors.”
Raymond James is not affiliated with any of the 3rd party organizations mentioned.
This piece was featured in Aspire Magazine, a biannual publication from the Women Financial Advisors Network. View the latest.
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