Melissa Siew
Melissa Siew is a seasoned financial professional specializing in financial and data analytics, financial modeling, forecasting, and AI-driven insights. She currently serves as a Financial Coach at Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners while also supporting students as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at Georgetown University McDonough School of Business, where she earned her Master of Science in Finance. Melissa’s career journey reflects a unique blend of military service, corporate finance, licensed wealth management, and financial education, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to helping others achieve financial clarity and success.
Melissa began her professional path transitioning from the military into corporate finance and private client banking, becoming the first in Arizona to move from internal controls into a licensed wealth management role at JPMorgan Chase. Her dedication to mentorship, veteran support, and community engagement is evident through her leadership with FourBlock, the Student Veterans of America, and the National Association of Black Accountants. Melissa has co-authored articles advocating for broader corporate opportunities for community college students and has appeared on national platforms, including the Drew Barrymore Show, to highlight her work and advocacy.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Melissa is deeply passionate about education, travel, and wellness. She enjoys spending time outdoors with her three dogs and values lifelong learning, curiosity, and authentic connections. Whether coaching clients, mentoring students, or supporting veterans through career readiness programs, Melissa combines expertise, empathy, and strategic insight to empower individuals to reach their financial and professional goals.
• Georgetown University McDonough School of Business - MSF
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of mentorship, guidance, and personal discipline. My FourBlock mentor, Damien Bertolo, and my career advisor at Georgetown, Donna Tannenbaum, have both played pivotal roles in shaping my career path. My military training instilled in me discipline and resilience, and the support I’ve received from the nonprofit community has been invaluable.
I am deeply committed to human capital, empathy, and respect in every interaction. I’ve learned that many people underestimate how profoundly fear, shame, or confusion around money can affect individuals. My ability to build trust, meet people where they are, and treat everyone with dignity has been the true foundation of my success.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to speak up—even when you’re scared. Women belong in these spaces, and staying silent only protects the wrong people. I’ve found that asking for help, reaching out to other women, and refusing to “suffer in silence” have all been essential in propelling me forward.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t shrink yourself—your perspective is valuable. Reach out to other women; solidarity makes the path easier. Never be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes, and seek out mentors early. Your voice matters—use it.
I especially encourage veteran women transitioning into finance to leverage their discipline, adaptability, and lived experience—they are often more qualified than they realize.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field right now include clients’ fear of discussing finances, widespread mistrust of the financial system, helping people rebuild after economic hardship, and navigating authenticity in an age of scams and misinformation.
At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities. Community-based financial coaching, financial education for veterans and military families, cross-sector collaboration between nonprofits, tech, and banks, increasing access for underserved populations, and empowering women in financial services are all areas where meaningful impact can be made.
I see my future not necessarily as a CEO, but as a mentor, a guide, and a catalyst for helping others rise.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The most important values to me in both my work and personal life are respect and integrity, putting human capital before profit, and embracing curiosity and continuous learning. I strive to practice patience and empathy, engage in community service, and prioritize mentorship by uplifting others. Authenticity and transparency are also central to my approach, especially given the prevalence of scams and misinformation in the financial space.
I am particularly committed to supporting women and veterans, who often lack access to financial literacy and trustworthy guidance.
Locations
Neighborhood Trust Financial Partners
Tucsan, AZ 85706