Starting in January 2024, Judy L. Redpath, MBA ’84, has deepened her connection with the Costello College of Business at George Mason University.
A founding member of the Financial Planning and Wealth Management Advisory Board, she recently joined the Dean’s Advisory Council and established the Judy L. Redpath Finance Endowed Scholarship in early 2024. This scholarship supports undergraduate Costello students pursuing a concentration in finance or financial planning and wealth management. Redpath takes pride in her roots and is equally proud of her alma mater’s evolution into a top-performing business school on a vibrant, thriving campus.
One of Redpath’s most memorable MBA experiences was a team-based project centered on the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry. At a time of seismic change in the sector, she and her team conducted in-depth research on the industry, and each student focused on a specific company and presented their findings to the class. The project not only sharpened her analytical skills but also mirrored the dynamics of a real-world business environment—effectively preparing her for future roles in consulting and entrepreneurship.
Another moment that had a profound effect on Redpath was when she was asked to write her own obituary as part of an in-class assignment. While others scribbled away, she stared at a blank page. “I couldn't write about what I had accomplished to date in my life that I thought was meaningful enough to put in an obituary,” she says. “That assignment started me down the path of knowing that I was going to be an entrepreneur, knowing that I wasn't doing what I was meant to be doing. When I finished my MBA, I was going to focus on launching myself into my future self and career, so that, in the future, I would be very comfortable being able to complete that very same assignment.”
Redpath has been impressed with Costello’s commitment to workforce development and regional economic growth, evident in its strategic initiatives and partnerships. “The focus of the College on launching professionals and/or enhancing the capabilities of professionals in the marketplace is special,” she says. “The university is feeding the region’s businesses with workforce-ready, academically prepared, qualified candidates.” She also recognizes the vital role that the college’s Centers of Excellence play in strengthening the region’s business ecosystem and facilitating networking opportunities between alumni and employers.
“As a business owner, I consider the college a great resource for future interns, future hires.”
— Judy L. Redpath, Founder, VISTA Wealth Strategies LLC
“As a business owner, I consider the college a great resource for future interns, future hires,” she says. “Faculty have sent students to me for advice, and I’m happy to share what I know to help students who are graduating find their first position.” In addition to service on the Dean’s Advisory Council, Redpath regularly returns to campus to judge events, including the Montano Student Managed Investment Fund. She cherishes the opportunity to give back to the university by supporting students in demonstrating what’s possible as a successful entrepreneur—especially as a woman business owner.
When Judy Redpath attended George Mason University, the campus consisted of only a handful of buildings. Today, it stands as the largest public university in the Commonwealth, home to one of its most prominent business schools. Just as the university has grown, so, too, has Redpath—who once struggled to identify personal and professional accomplishments for a class assignment. Now, her remarkable career includes accolades such as multiple recognitions by Forbes as a top women wealth advisor1. She looks forward to the naming of the first recipients of the Judy L. Redpath Finance Endowed Scholarship and is eager to continue building meaningful connections and supporting students. Redpath’s enduring commitment to the Costello College of Business reflects her belief in the school’s ability to empower and prepare future generations to shape their own meaningful paths.
12025 Forbes Top Women Best-in-State Wealth Advisors, created by SHOOK Research. Presented in 02/2025; based on data gathered from 09/2023-09/2024. Not indicative of advisor’s future performance. Your experience may vary.