Meet Katy Bryan – Member of Skylight’s LGBTQ Resource Team

For Pride Month, we would like to introduce the different members of our LGBT Resource Team and find out why they are passionate about serving the LGBT community. Meet the last of our team – Katy Bryan, Senior Associate and Financial Planner in our Cleveland office (pictured at FLARE (focused LGBTQ allies and rising entrepreneurs) event at Skylight penthouse).

What motivated you to specialize in LGBT financial planning?

I started working with LGBTQ clients who had special needs children three years ago and found that I could help impact LGBTQ families by not only helping them feel comfortable and confident about their planning but also could become involved in many of the causes and organizations that are important to me and my clients.

What’s the most common financial concern you hear from your LGBT clients?

Clients typically still feel that although they are partners or married that their assets are still separate. This often can cause issues if one has a lot of debt or if together they don’t have a plan if something were to happen to one of them. As laws and regulations change we need to be at the forefront so our clients know how changes may impact their financial future. Most of all my clients want to know they are working in a safe and welcoming environment.

How do feel you can best serve your LGBT clients?

I can best serve my clients by listening to their specific concerns, being an advocate for them, and reassuring them that as life and laws change we are changing with them to make sure they meet their goals.

Beyond financial planning, how do you integrate with and support the LGBT community and/or help in the fight for better understanding, inclusion and diversity?

I serve on the LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, Plexus, as well as play an advisory role for a community residential home for LGBTQ individuals over the age of 55, called A place for Us.  Last year our LGBTQ group also started a young professional entrepreneur group called FLARE (focused LGBTQ allies and rising entrepreneurs). It is great to be a part of so many great groups and resources.

Who in the LGBT community would you most like to meet – alive or dead (and why)?

I would love to meet Ellen! Her heart, comedic nature, and brilliant writing make me smile every day.