Denise Sarkor
Denise Sarkor is a distinguished Private Wealth Advisor and the Principal of Sarkor Financial Advisors, an independent, fee-only wealth management firm. With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of financial services, entrepreneurship, and human development, she specializes in guiding career executives, small business owners, and trailblazing leaders through comprehensive financial planning, investment management, and legacy-building strategies. Denise combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to client empowerment, helping individuals and families navigate complex financial landscapes and seize transformative opportunities. Before founding Sarkor Financial Advisors, Denise built a diverse career that spans Wall Street investment banking, service at the World Bank, and leadership in executive coaching. She serves as a Business Acquisition, Growth, and Exit Advisor for top U.S. small business accelerator programs, including New Majority Capital and Goldman Sachs Foundation's 10,000 Small Businesses Program, helping entrepreneurs scale and transition their ventures successfully. Denise’s work has earned her recognition such as the Comcast RISE Community Impact Award, reflecting her commitment to driving meaningful, lasting impact both professionally and in her community. Denise holds a Master of International Affairs in International Finance and Economic Policy from Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and a Bachelor of Science in Business/Managerial Economics from The Wharton School. She is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®), Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®), and Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA). Beyond her professional practice, Denise mentors wealth management interns, supports small business owners through various organizations, and advocates for financial literacy and empowerment, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to helping others achieve financial success and global impact.
• Certified Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA)
• Advisor For Women™ Certificate
• Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®)
• Certified Business Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA®)
• Series 66 (65 & 63) - Uniform Combined State Law
• Series 7 - General Securities Representative
• Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) Exam
• IBM Blue Core Coach Supervisor & Trainer
• IBM Blue Core Executive Coach
• Certified Life Coach (CLC)
• Columbia University (SIPA) - MIA
• University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
• RISE Community Impact Award
• Prismatic Fellowship - 2024 Graduate - Cohort 1
• 2019 IBM Super Learner Award
• Columbia University Graduate Studies Academic Fellowship
• IFC Global Financial Markets Team Award
• UPenn Wharton Undergrad Full Academic & Leadership Scholarship
• XYPN
• NAPFA
• Fee-Only Network
• Exit Planning Institute
• Daylight IAN