Brenda Tarjan and Lisa Garcia Drake Cultivate Community at SageView Advisory Group

SageView Advisory Group is a leading financial consultant that advises on over 1,900 contribution, defined benefit, and deferred compensation plans for more than 4,000 households.

But SageView’s proprietary processes, insight, and commitment to demystifying retirement advisory aren’t the only things that set it apart from its competitors. The company is also known for its commitment to its people, including those from diverse backgrounds. Brenda Tarjan (retirement plan relationship manager) and Lisa Garcia Drake (retirement plan consultant) are a testament to that. The two leaders were drawn to the company because of its culture and community and have been proud to contribute in their way. In a conversation with Hispanic Executive, they share their career journeys, passions, roles at SageView, and more.

Brenda Tarjan

Tarjan grew up in a Hispanic family that stressed the importance of graduating from college. But not just with any degree.

“My parents always emphasized the importance of earning a degree in business administration because, in their minds, it was the only way to ensure I would have a successful career that would provide meaningful, consistent income,” she says. “I do not regret taking their advice.”

After graduating from Loyola Marymount University, Tarjan started her career with a bank that provided 401(k) retirement recordkeeping services to a Fortune 500 company. So began her enthusiasm for the financial services industry.

“I am passionate about empowering individuals to achieve financial security and independence by saving for their future needs,” she says. “I am also passionate about teaching Latinos in the workforce the importance of saving, even if it’s one dollar at a time. Everyone deserves access to quality financial guidance and education, and I want to make an impact in this area.”

Tarjan had spent years in the financial services industry when she learned of SageView Advisory Group. It had a reputation for excellence in its commitment to client-focused service, and she wanted to be part of that culture. She also was attracted to the firm’s collaborative environment and growth opportunities. She joined the company in 2011.

Today she serves as a retirement plan relationship manager and is responsible for delivering exceptional service to plan sponsor clients by being the dedicated point of contact for all aspects of the client’s company retirement plan. She conducts educational meetings in Spanish and English to ensure all plan participants can access vital information about their 401(k) plan. She also plays a central role in facilitating retirement plan conversions and providing ongoing plan management consulting.

In addition to serving as the “quarterback” for client retirement plans, Tarjan has brought her leadership to SageLatinos, a Latino employee resource group (ERG) that contributes to a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. As cochair, Tarjan gains unique insight into the challenges and experiences of her colleagues and has an opportunity to support them. In that capacity, she has initiated member meetings, invited guest speakers, and coordinated virtual events.

For her, the ERG represents “a step forward in showcasing the impactful contributions Latinos can bring to the SageView family.”

“This ERG is important because it fosters a sense of belonging and encourages diverse perspectives, ultimately driving innovation and success within the company,” she says. “We are in it all together!”

The ERG and other efforts to boost diversity at SageView make Tarjan particularly proud to be in the organization.

“Latino representation at SageView is incredibly important as it reflects the diversity of the communities we serve and brings a variety of perspectives to the table,” she says. “We foster an environment of mutual learning and collaboration. I am proud to be the cochair of SageLatinos and to proudly voice that I am a Latina working for SageView.”

Lisa Garcia Drake

Drake became exposed to the financial services industry in college when she worked as a file clerk for a private firm. She remembers being drawn to the industry’s dynamic nature, constant learning opportunities, and variety of work challenges. It made her want to learn more and inspired her to become a licensed sales assistant and to start her journey to becoming a financial advisor. But getting started wasn’t easy.

“There were hurdles in the beginning that were daunting for a recent college graduate including navigating the commission-only compensation structure and a male-dominated field,” Drake reflects. “Nonetheless, I remained passionate about the role I could play in someone’s financial life and eventually discovered the institutional retirement market niche.”

Drake went on to serve as a financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial Services, account manager for CBIZ, and managing director at NFP. After nearly fifteen years of honing her expertise, Drake was ready to step outside her comfort zone. SageView was the perfect place to do it.

“I have worked at other firms but found a culture and community at SageView that resonates deeply with me. I am impressed not only by SageView’s organizational culture but also by the caliber of individuals at the firm,” she says. “From the founder, the executive team, and especially my local team who have become a second family, the people here embody excellence.”

Since then, her professional trajectory has accelerated. She participated in a 2022 panel discussion commemorating Latino Equal Pay Day at the US Capitol. She also served on the National Association of Plan Advisors Leadership Council and is now the president-elect of the organization.

Today, she also serves as a retirement plan consultant at SageView. In that capacity, she assists organizations in meeting their fiduciary obligations concerning their 401(k) or pension plans. Additionally, she offers financial wellness guidance to employees, aiming to bolster their confidence in securing a stable financial future. These responsibilities allow her to fulfill a lifelong dream.

“When I was younger, I had initially envisioned a career in teaching,” she shares. “Interestingly, in my current role, I find numerous teaching opportunities. Whether it’s leading discussions in boardrooms with committees or, more significantly, when discussing finances with individuals. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the sense of relief experienced by employees after our meetings and being able to relate to many of the employees I meet with.”

Beyond her responsibilities as a retirement plan consultant, Drake also advocates for the underserved as a member of the SageWomen ERG.

“Historically, the financial services sector has been predominantly male-dominated, often relegating women to supportive roles. It is important to me not only to advocate for increased representation of minority women in executive positions but also to encourage women to transition from support-type roles,” Drake says. “I hope I can instill the confidence necessary for women to step out of their comfort zones, take a risk, and pursue leadership roles.”