20 Year Financial Professional to Business Owner of Hestia Wealth and Wellness:
Meet Ann Hynek
Ann Hynek, a seasoned financial professional with 20 years in the industry, is using her expertise to make a meaningful impact on the disability community. Inspired by her son’s autism diagnosis and a desire to support families navigating the complexities of special needs planning, she is launching Hestia Wealth & Wellness in Denver. In addition to her work as a financial advisor, Ann serves as a GlobalMindED Board Member and a national and global leader in the ability rights space, advocating for inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment. Through her efforts, she highlights the unique financial challenges and opportunities facing individuals with disabilities and their families, helping them build security, independence, and a lasting legacy.
Tell us about your personal journey.
After spending 20 years in financial services—most recently as Head of Marketing for Flat Rock Global, an alternative asset manager—I reached a point where I wanted my work to feel more personal and purpose-driven. Earlier this year, after the sudden passing of a colleague, I found myself asking, “If it all ended tomorrow, would I be happy doing what I’m doing?” The answer was that while my career had been fulfilling, I felt called to something different—something that could make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
That moment of reflection, combined with my experience as a parent to a child with autism, inspired me to create Hestia Wealth & Wellness, a Denver-based registered investment advisor dedicated to serving individuals with disabilities, their families, and those who support them. When my son was diagnosed three years ago, I remember wishing there was someone I could turn to who not only understood the financial aspects—like 529 plans or trusts—but also the emotional and logistical realities of raising a child with special needs. Now, I want to be that person for other families: a trusted guide who can help them plan confidently for both their own future and their child’s.
What pivotal experiences shaped your current path?
Two experiences deeply shaped my decision to launch Hestia Wealth & Wellness. The first was the loss of a colleague, which reminded me how fleeting life can be and pushed me to align my career with my values. The second was my son’s autism diagnosis. Navigating that journey opened my eyes to the unique financial and emotional challenges families like mine face—questions about government benefits, long-term care, education, and planning for “two lifetimes.”
Through conversations with organizations like the Autism Society of Colorado, I discovered that so many families were searching for this kind of specialized financial guidance. That realization—along with my own lived experience—set me on a new path to combine my financial expertise with advocacy, compassion, and community. My goal now is simple: to help families build stability, security, and peace of mind for the people they love most.
What are the most valuable lessons you've learned through your work?
One of the things I learned very early on is that the worst thing anyone can tell you is no. You have to ask the question to get an answer. And if it's a no, then it's not for you. Move on. There's something better for you.
What drives your desire to contribute and make a difference?
I spent the first half of my career working very hard for large corporations and working with some very intelligent, driven people. We did a lot of volunteer work. For this next part of my career, I want to have a bigger impact on my immediate community, making a difference that I can see and feel. I want to be a resource for parents and guardians of young children and adult children who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Navigating benefits, therapy options, and school programs is a full-time job. I want to help them find the resources they need. I want to be the expert I wish I'd had when my son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 3.
What are your highest hopes for democracy to unite, uplift, and inspire?
I believe that everyone has a similar goal: To build a better future for their loved ones. While "better" may mean different things to different people, the fundamental desire for safety, security, and love unite us all. I wish more people would remember that and reflect that in their words and actions.
How can GlobalMindED support leaders like yourself in achieving your goals and advancing your aspirations?
GlobalMindED's selfless advocacy for students and young professionals is something we can all get behind. The better we support the next generation, the better off all of us will be.
Contact Ann Hynek
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