In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of finance, breaking through barriers requires a combination of skill, vision, and resilience. Few embody these traits better than Taunya Villicana, a native Tucsonan who has spent over three decades transforming not only her career but also the lives of countless clients and community members.
Taunya's entry into the financial sector started at Merrill Lynch, where she was introduced to the industry by trusted college friends. With the esteemed Regent’s Scholarship in hand, she attended Arizona State University and swiftly made a name for herself in finance. In 1996, she was recruited by Dean Witter and later progressed her career at Morgan Stanley. Her journey took root on the bustling floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and in her offices at 2 World Trade Center. This exhilarating environment solidified her commitment to empowering clients with informed financial guidance.
Determined to offer a unique, client-focused experience, Taunya founded Aspirational Wealth Management. There, she leads an all-women team dedicated to providing personalized financial strategies. Her firm reflects her unwavering commitment to elevating women’s voices in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
For Taunya, leadership extends beyond managing a successful firm. She is a staunch advocate for mentorship, particularly for women aspiring to leadership roles. Recognizing the societal pressures women often face, she encourages them to embrace challenges as opportunities and to seek mentorship from those they admire. “You don’t have to know everything from the start,” she says. “Adapt, learn, and surround yourself with people who inspire you.”
Her philosophy is rooted in personal experience. From her time on community boards to her professional networks, Taunya has absorbed lessons from women who excel in their fields. She emphasizes the importance of learning from others—whether it’s through observing their management styles or asking deep, strategic questions.
At Aspirational Wealth Management, inclusion is more than a buzzword—it’s a cornerstone of the company’s culture. Taunya has created an environment where her team feels ownership and pride in their work. “We spend more time together than we do at home,” she says. “It’s crucial to build a culture where everyone feels valued and connected.”
This culture of inclusion extends to their clients. By fostering meaningful relationships, the firm celebrates milestones with their clients, from funding college plans to witnessing generational achievements. For Taunya, these connections are the heart of her work.
Taunya’s impact reaches far beyond her office walls. An active participant in Tucson’s community, she serves on multiple boards, focusing on initiatives that strengthen the local economy and enhance residents’ lives. She believes deeply in the power of giving back, encouraging others to find their own ways to contribute. “Every one of us is a philanthropist,” she says. “It’s about action, even in small, incremental ways.”
Her dedication to philanthropy and community involvement underscores her holistic approach to success. For Taunya, true achievement is measured not just in financial growth but in the positive impact on people’s lives.
As an industry veteran, Taunya is keenly aware of the progress still needed to achieve gender parity in finance. While she has seen advancements, she continues to mentor and advocate for women entering the field, providing them with the tools and confidence to succeed. Her efforts are paving the way for a more inclusive future, one where diverse leadership is the norm rather than the exception.
Taunya Villicana’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and impact. Through her leadership at Aspirational Wealth Management, her dedication to mentorship, and her commitment to her community, she exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose. Her journey reminds us that success is not just about reaching personal goals but about uplifting others and creating a legacy of empowerment.