Susan M. Stiles was selected as a 2021 Top Women in Finance by Finance & Commerce. Stiles was honored alongside other 2021 recipients at the Nov. 18 awards event in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“It’s humbling to be honored, because I love what I do,” said Stiles, who has been servicing clients since 1993. “I’ve worked hard my whole career for my clients and feel like I have been able to make a positive impact on people’s lives, families, companies and foundations.”
Finance & Commerce’s Top Women in Finance program recognizes women who are making an impact not only in their professions, but also in their communities in Minnesota. An outside panel of experts reviewed the nominations and helped to select the honorees.
Stiles is the founder of Stiles Financial Services, Inc., a holistic, independent portfolio and wealth management firm built on a foundation of fiduciary principals and based in Edina, Minnesota. Her team of experienced financial professionals work with families, business owners and non-profits to provide the advice and tools to help build wealth and a legacy as well as deliver fiduciary oversight for plan sponsors on behalf of their 401(k) and pension plans.
Stiles holds an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson School of Business, with a concentration in Finance and Accounting as well as a bachelor’s degree from the renowned School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University.
Her passion for animals and controlling overpopulation led her to join MN SNAP’s Board, where she is a Director and past Treasurer. She is also past President and Treasurer of the Minnesota Cornell Club, has been a Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network (CAAAN) volunteer and currently sits on her graduating class’ Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Susan was President of the Rotary Club of Minneapolis’ Foundation Board prior to joining the Rotary Club of Edina, where she most recently served as Director of the Edina Rotary Foundation and sits on the Club’s Race & Equity Committee. She has participated in the Club’s two services trips to Guatemala, working on water and sanitation projects and to improve the Hospital Regional de Escuintla, Guatemala.
In 2020, Stiles started the Stiles Financial Community Service Fund from which she makes annual contributions to local non-profits with a focus on education and youth. This year, the Fund made a substantial donation to the Northside Boxing Club, a non-profit boxing gym in North Minneapolis that keeps youth off the streets and teaches them the fundamentals about life, character, nutrition, education and boxing.
“I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I can give back to the community and provide opportunities for people who have worked for me over the years,” said Stiles. “I put a high emphasis on education when giving back. I’ll always encourage youth – and help however I can – to pursue their education, because it provides endless opportunities.”
For more information about Stiles Financial Services and the Stiles Financial Community Service Fund, visit stilesfinancial.com. For more information about the award, visit finance-commerce.com.
