Sendero’s Female Leaders

 

 

Wealth Without Limits: Sendero’s Female Leaders on Full-Service Advisory

Inside the Partner-Led Firm Redefining  Integrated Wealth Management

 

Sendero has become known for its integrated approach to wealth management. How do you differentiate yourselves from traditional investment advisors?

 

Elizabeth Crawford, Partner | CEO | The Women’s Initiative Founder: While many firms provide investment management, we’ve built something fundamentally different. We’re navigating wealth beyond investments—serving our clients from their first million to their last million, and everything in between. We’re not just managing portfolios; we’re architects of multi-generational legacies.

 

Katherine Smelko, Partner Liaison | Philanthropic Specialist: We become our clients’ financial coordinator, delivering integrated wealth management by collaborating with attorneys, CPAs, and other advisors. Our approach streamlines and organizes financial affairs, enabling families to focus on what matters most.

 

What drives the focus on family engagement and empowering women financially?

 

Tara Maxwell, Partner | Family Engagement Founder: When families build lasting wealth, complexity can challenge healthy relationships. We offer tailored programs to support each generation in leadership, governance, transition, and value-based decision making. We designed The Women’s Initiative to address the distinct financial needs women face. Our platform empowers women to confidently manage their finances and fosters positive, long-term relationships with wealth.

 

How does your grants management and philanthropic advisory work transform client giving?

 

Carol Ocker, Director of Grants Management: My expertise in board governance and multi-generational family engagement helps families move from reactive giving to organized, intentional philanthropy. We help them build sustainable giving strategies that teach each generation to be thoughtful stewards of wealth while maximizing their charitable impact.

 

Carmen Goerges, Grants Manager: After a decade, I’ve seen how transformative strategic philanthropy can be. We guide families to support causes they value most while creating enthusiasm and structure that unites families across generations around shared values and purpose.

 

Family offices have become essential for ultra-high-net-worth families. How does Sendero approach this need?

 

Julie Gerron, General Counsel | Chief Compliance Officer: I’ve seen how complex wealthy families’ needs can become. My role ensures we maintain the highest standards while helping families coordinate all aspects of their financial lives. Family office services aren’t just about organization—they’re about creating a seamless experience where every element of a family’s wealth works together harmoniously.

 

Kristina Craig, Partner | CFO | Vice President Estate & Tax: Estate planning is deeply personal and incredibly complex. With over two decades of experience, I help clients navigate these decisions with clarity and confidence. Whether it’s understanding the tax implications of wealth transfer or considerations of structuring assets for the next generation, we simplify the complex while ensuring families maintain control of their legacy.

 

Investment management remains core to wealth management. How do you approach this responsibility?

 

Anne Chilton, Partner | Investment Advisor: I’ve focused on listening—really listening—to understand the challenges our clients face with wealth. Our approach is designed to deliver sophisticated and highly personal services focused on each family’s or individual’s unique needs. Many of our female clients appreciate having a woman advisor who understands both the numbers and the emotions behind financial decisions.

 

Lee Przybyla, Vice President Financial Planning: I’ve learned that success comes from focusing on the client’s entire financial picture. It’s about aligning financial decisions with values and life goals, from education planning to retirement transitions.

 

Sadie Schweers, Wealth Advisor: I work directly with families to understand their complete financial picture. We handle everything from business succession planning to risk management. My role is to ensure our clients can focus on living well while we handle the complexity of their wealth.

 

Q: What’s your vision for the future of wealth management?

 

Crawford: We’re proving that a local, partner-led firm can deliver institutional-quality investment management while maintaining deeply personal relationships. As one of San Antonio’s leading local firms, with four of twelve partners being women, we’re not just managing wealth—we’re redefining how families experience financial partnership.

 

Sendero Wealth Management, LLC provides this material for informational purposes only; it is not investment advice or a recommendation. Employee statements reflect personal views and are not guarantees of future results, and employees received no separate compensation for participating. Descriptions of Sendero’s services are summaries and may omit important details. Sendero offers advisory services only under a written agreement after evaluating each client’s objectives and circumstances. For our Form ADV and additional information, visit our website, www.sendero.com