When Cory, BS Finance ’18, and Ashley Brooks (formerly Reichert), BS Finance and Marketing ’19, first started dating at George Mason University nearly a decade ago, they didn’t yet realize that their love story would one day turn into marriage, both working as wealth advisors for the same company, volunteering their time at the school where they first met, becoming parents to a beautiful baby girl—and so much more.
Around the time Cory and Ashley met, Cory was taking a gap year to care for his grandfather. During that period, he had been contemplating which career path was right for him and looked inward, taking inspiration from his mother, who had become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® when he was a child. The example set by Cory’s mom would ultimately provide the push that sent both him and his wife Ashley into the wealth management industry. The couple would go on to take finance courses together and even intern at the same company while they were still at the Costello College of Business.
Through their academic courses and networking, Cory and Ashley became well acquainted with several members of the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board at Costello—a board of which they are now members. Dan Lash, BS Economics ’97, one of the founding members of the board and owner of VLP Financial Advisors, hired Cory and Ashley as interns when they were in school. Another founding board member is their close friend and former classmate, Ali Kahil, BS Finance ’19, who, after being inspired by the Brooks family, decided to create a scholarship in honor of their daughter.
Having graduated before the introduction of the Certified Financial Planning program at the Costello College of Business, Cory and Ashley recognize what a game changer the program is for current and prospective students. “When this program got developed, it was awesome. Companies can hire directly from the university and have the opportunity to get George Mason students the internships and the experiences they need,” says Cory Brooks, BS Finance ’18.
Now, through the Daphne Diana Brooks Scholarship Fund, they are excited to give back even more. The scholarship supports students pursuing undergraduate degrees, especially in business, with a focus on financial planning and wealth management. “Ali, who is passionate about supporting others, is now paying it forward by establishing a named scholarship in honor of the Brooks’ newborn daughter, Daphne, a hopeful future Patriot,” says Christina Spring, director of advancement and alumni relations at the Costello College of Business. A named scholarship at George Mason University does more than provide financial support; it forges a meaningful connection between the student receiving support and the donor, often someone who has walked in their shoes. It’s a powerful reminder that success is within reach and that they are not alone on their journey.
Today, Cory and Ashley Brooks work as wealth advisors at Focus Partners Wealth (formerly Buckingham Strategic Wealth), a firm that shares their values. “We wanted to work for a firm that really valued tax planning, estate planning, holistic wealth management, and cared about their clients. It is our passion helping families just like our own work to secure their financial futures, no matter where they are in life,” says Ashley. Though they work on separate teams—giving them different perspectives—they really enjoy working toward the same goals at the same firm each day. “I think a lot of people come home every day and think about how to make their spouse understand their work life without boring them to tears,” says Ashley. “That’s not how it is in our house. We speak the same language and know the same jargon!”
“We have students who reach out to us and ask us for advice, and I think they are going to achieve more because they are asking the important questions,” says Cory. He and Ashley understand firsthand how helpful it is to have a mentor you can talk with about the industry, careers, and even life.
Having gone through the process of making professional and personal connections and overcoming challenges within their careers, the Brooks have a good idea of what students pursuing financial planning and wealth management are dealing with. “I’m pretty passionate about helping students secure not just a job but helping them start their careers so that they’re comfortable when they come out of college,” says Ashley.
As engaged alumni, they are contributing their time, talent, and treasure to help Costello students reach their goals and get to where they want to be. They are inspiring the next generation. “Cory and Ashley are the epitome of what a Mason family should be. ‘Full circle’ wouldn’t be sufficient enough to describe how incredible of a journey these two have been on and the future they continue to write today as husband and wife, working in service to the Mason community!” says their friend Ali.
With the Daphne Diana Brooks Scholarship Fund, Cory and Ashley are ensuring that Costello students have the tools, support, and network they need to thrive in the world of financial planning and wealth management.