Daniela SantaMaria
Daniela Santa Maria is a financial services entrepreneur, broker, and founder of WealthBuilders Intl., dedicated to empowering families to achieve financial freedom, security, and peace. With over 25 years of experience in the financial industry, including 18 years at Wells Fargo, she has developed deep expertise in banking, credit, commercial lending, and client relationship management. Her work focuses on simplifying financial education and helping individuals and families build sustainable wealth through practical strategies, mindset development, and long-term planning.
As a former Wells Fargo professional who progressed through roles including personal banker, business specialist, and program manager, Daniela transitioned from corporate banking to entrepreneurship to create greater impact in financial education and empowerment. Through WealthBuilders Intl., she leverages her experience in financial services to guide clients in understanding money, developing income streams, and building generational wealth. She is also certified as a Mental Fitness Coach and holds Life, Health & Accident insurance licenses in California, blending technical knowledge with mindset coaching to support holistic financial growth.
Beyond her professional work, Daniela is deeply committed to faith, personal development, and community impact. She is passionate about helping individuals grow in confidence, resilience, and financial awareness while emphasizing values such as integrity, trust, and perseverance. She supports initiatives such as Art for Healing and Global Christian Relief, reflecting her commitment to service and meaningful contribution. Her mission is centered on helping people transform their financial lives while building purpose-driven, empowered communities.
• Forte Mental Fitness Coach
• Life, Health & Accident Insurance Licenses
• University of Arizona, Eller College of Management — Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services
• Influential Women 2026
• Influential Women Network
• Art for Healing
• Global Christian Relief
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my Christian faith, which has guided me through challenges and given me strength to remain consistent in my purpose. I also credit my persistence and willingness to continue moving forward even during difficult seasons, especially when transitioning from corporate America into entrepreneurship. A key part of my success has been my commitment to personal growth, strong relationships, and continuously improving myself so I can better serve the families I work with.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that “failing forward is part of success.” I’ve learned that setbacks are not true failures unless you stop completely. This mindset has helped me stay resilient, especially during my transition from a stable corporate career into building my own business. It taught me to keep going, learn from challenges, and trust the process of growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell young women entering this industry to focus on what they can control: their mindset, personal development, and emotional resilience. Success in financial services is not just about technical knowledge, but about building trust, relationships, and genuine human connection. I also encourage them to stay consistent, keep learning, and not give up when things get difficult. The ability to persevere and grow personally will set them apart in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities in my field is the large underserved population beyond the top financial earners—there is significant potential to educate and empower everyday families with financial knowledge. Another opportunity is using modern tools and coaching approaches to help people build financial confidence and long-term stability. A major challenge, however, is helping individuals overcome fear, shame, and lack of trust around money so they can take ownership of their financial future and begin building wealth.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values in my life and work are honesty, integrity, trust, and resilience. I believe these principles are essential in building meaningful relationships with clients and in guiding them toward financial transformation. My faith is also a central foundation in my life, influencing how I show up, serve others, and remain grounded in purpose. I strive to lead with authenticity, compassion, and consistency in everything I do.
Locations
WealthBuilders Intl.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627