Her Story
About Jennifer
Jennifer Guzman is a first-generation Dominican entrepreneur, financial strategist, Certified Financial Coach, educator, speaker, and advocate whose story is rooted in resilience, reinvention, and the belief that no one rises alone.
Born and raised in the Dominican Republic, Jennifer carries forward the values of education, financial independence, discipline, and perseverance instilled in her by her family. She credits her parents, mentors, peers, and community for shaping the woman she has become and for teaching her that growth is rarely an individual journey. For Jennifer, success has never simply been about how far she can go, but about what becomes possible when others are supported along the way.
A graduate of Lehman College and Rutgers University, Jennifer began her professional journey in chemistry before ultimately answering a deeper calling toward entrepreneurship, financial empowerment, and community impact. That transition from science to finance became one of the defining pivots of her life, proof that reinvention does not require abandoning who you were, but rather learning how to carry your experiences, skills, and lessons into what comes next.
In 2022, Jennifer founded what is now Lumina Financials, where her work is centered around a simple but deeply personal mission: to teach women how to build wealth with intention. Through culturally aware financial coaching, tax strategy, accounting services, and education, she helps women and emerging entrepreneurs build stronger financial foundations, make informed decisions, and develop the confidence to create wealth on their own terms.
For Jennifer, financial empowerment is about far more than numbers. She believes money can become a tool for dignity, choice, opportunity, and legacy. Her work is especially informed by her own experiences with rebuilding and understanding what it means to make decisions from a place of survival. Today, she is committed to helping women develop the emotional, professional, and financial agency to make choices from possibility instead.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jennifer
01What do you attribute your success to?
Having a big why like motherhood and wanting to do something different as the first in my family to achieve higher education. Also community that inspires me and pushes me forward when I am on the verge of giving up.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Always be a student. Never settle for just knowing the least. Walk in the room asking questions and be willing to learn from people at every level.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Be ambitious and don't let challenges discourage you. Build a life with purpose beyond money. Amplify your voice so other women know it is possible for them.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Finance is a very male dominated industry. At times I feel not qualified enough to be in the room and experience self-doubt and imposter syndrome. Community provides opportunities to speak and share my story to overcome this.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Independence, freedom, honesty, and respect.
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