Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, Palesa brings a vibrant global perspective to everything she does. She joined Equitable Advisors, LLC and her mother, Marilyn, in 2025. 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.