About Me
Certificates
Licenses
Awards
Education
AR State License
CA Insurance License
Marilyn was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, with her two sisters, whom she cherishes. She crossed the Atlantic to pursue higher education at Howard University in Washington, D.C., attaining both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from her Alma Mater. She is the proud parent of her daughter, Palesa, who is also a Howard University graduate. She resides in the Alexandria community in Northern Virginia, just outside of Washington D.C., and enjoys running, Zumba, traveling, and solving crossword puzzles as her leisure and personal downtime. She is also a Reiki level one master, which she has been practicing with family and friends for the past 20 years.
As a financial services veteran of more than 20 years, Marilyn focuses on working with corporate, entrepreneurial, individual, and familial clients to help them pursue their financial goals. She holds Series 7, 63, and 65 securities licenses, as well as the life, health, and variable insurance licenses. She also holds the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor® designation. Marilyn has also written various articles for the Annandale Chamber of Commerce magazine on the topic of finance and investments.
Active in her community, Marilyn served as the past president for two terms in the Annandale Chamber of Commerce in Annandale, Virginia, and had been a director on the Chamber’s Board for nine years. As the Chamber’s former Volunteer Coordinator, she directed the collective volunteer efforts for many events, including the annual Fall Festival and Parade, Bed Race, and Haunted House. Other community organization involvement includes supporting the Urban Financial Services Coalition in their mission to support, advocate, and develop financial advisors throughout the area.
Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Palesa brings a vibrant global perspective to everything she does. She joined Stifel Independent Advisors and her mother, Marilyn, in 2025. Prior to joining Stifel Independent Advisors, Palesa has worn many hats – from helping launch D.C. staples Capo Italian Deli and Gogi Yogi, to supporting students as a Financial Aid Advisor at Strayer University. Most recently, she worked at Future Green, a FinTech startup, delivering seamless customer support for its users.
Palesa is a proud graduate with a degree in Fine Arts from Howard University. While attending Howard University, she focused on her passion for storytelling in the theatre, serving as an Assistant Director for their largest musical production, “Sarafina!,” a deeply meaningful experience that connected her heritage with her alma mater.
Palesa lives right outside her birthplace in Alexandria, Virginia, and is an avid lover of music, the arts, and global travel. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit fuel her love for exploring new cultures, attending music festivals, and discovering artistic expression around the world.
An active member in her community, Palesa has given back to the theatre community through volunteer work at the Kennedy Center’s Nordic Cool Festival, as well as the African American Theatre Festival in Washington D.C., celebrating the rich legacy of Black artistry.