<p><span class="p-body">Moving from a small town in Arkansas and becoming a powerhouse in the financial world speaks to Gena Lovett's determination, adaptability, and drive to continuously evolve. Born in Warren, Arkansas, and raised on a farm until she was eight, Gena's early years in Banks and then Little Rock shaped her grounded perspective. Today, she applies that resilience and resourcefulness in her career, consulting on projects that require her sharp financial expertise.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">After graduating with a Diploma in Financial Management from NYU SPS, Gena has been making waves in her industry. We were excited to catch up with her to see what she has been up to.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Gena's decision to pursue a diploma in Financial Management at NYU School of Professional Studies came from a desire to sharpen her financial skills. &quot;I needed to hone my financial management skills by reading financial statements,&quot; she explains.&nbsp; NYU SPS offered her the perfect opportunity to stay updated on industry trends and advance her career. The program not only expanded her knowledge but also provided her with a reputable certification that bolstered her competitiveness in a constantly evolving job market.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">What stood out most during her time at NYU was the sense of purpose shared by her peers. Attending school at night with a cohort of students equally committed to getting the most out of their coursework created a focused and driven learning environment. &quot;Financial statement analysis is not always exciting, but the instructor was great,&quot; Gena reflects.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Now consulting on a variety of projects where her knowledge of financial statements is invaluable, Gena's expertise continues to open doors. She has expanded her focus, taking courses in sustainability and the carbon credit space while also sitting on several nonprofit boards. Her talents in finance, audits, and proposal writing have been instrumental in contributing to community programs through these organizations.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Beyond her technical skills, Gena is particularly proud of the unseen impact she has made. &quot;It's exhilarating to see those who have benefited from my unspoken mentorship thriving in their life successes,&quot; she shares. Her ability to inspire and uplift others has been one of her most meaningful achievements. Gena also sits on a few nonprofit boards, contributing her talents, strategic planning abilities, leadership, relationship-building, financial management, and audit knowledge.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">One of Gena's most notable and unexpected accomplishments was gracing the cover of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/2008/11/06/064.html" title="Forbes Woman magazine">Forbes Woman magazine</a>. She has also been featured in the<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/23/nyregion/23junior.html" title=" New York Times">&nbsp;New York Times</a>&nbsp;for her involvement with&nbsp;<a href="https://thejuniorleagueinternational.org/about-us/our-leadership/gena-lovett/" title="The Junior League International">The Junior League International</a>&nbsp;and received&nbsp;<a href="/content/sps-nyu/info/information-for-additional-groups/information-for-alumni/alumni-awards.html" title="NYU SPS Alumni Awards">NYU SPS' Award for Professional Service and Outreach</a>&nbsp;in 2008. While all this recognition was an incredible blessing, it also brought a new kind of pressure to continue excelling in her field. Yet, Gena has always been driven by her love for helping others and her desire to constantly learn and grow.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">As she continues to contribute her talents to finance and sustainability, Gena hints at a potential shift in her career trajectory. &quot;Maybe politics…stay tuned,&quot; she teases. It's clear that whatever direction she takes, Gena will continue to leverage her expertise to make a meaningful impact.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For those just starting their programs at NYU SPS, Gena offers invaluable advice: &quot;Actively engage with the campus and community, prioritize networking with peers and faculty to maximize your professional development, and actively seek out opportunities to apply your learning in real-world situations through internships or projects.&quot; For her, the importance of building relationships and applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations cannot be understated.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Reflecting on her own academic and professional career, Gena shares a piece of wisdom: &quot;Life is short, so try to decide what you want to be when you grow up sooner rather than later.&quot; She has built a remarkable career from the ground up, yet remains focused on learning, growth, and giving back to others.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Step into the center of the finance world when you pursue an&nbsp;<a href="/content/dam/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-financial-planning.html" title="Master's in Financial Planning">MS in Financial Planning</a>&nbsp;at NYU SPS today.</span></p>