Quad-A VISION Conference Draws 900 Attendees, JPMorgan, UBS, Wells Fargo Sponsorships Despite DEI Backlash

The Association of African American Financial Advisors' 25th annual VISION conference drew 900 attendees in Washington, D.C., up from prior years, with sponsorships from JPMorgan Wealth Management, UBS and Wells Fargo, the organization said. The event, held earlier in September 2026 under the theme "The Wealth Shift: Ownership, Legacy & the Next Era," featured ESPN's Stephen A. Smith and financial literacy advocate John Hope Bryant, plus a collaboration with nonprofit Invest in Others, Quad-A CEO Sheena Gray said. Edward Jones advisor Marie Taylor became the first woman to receive the Spirit of the VISION Leadership Award. Ten professionals under 50, including UBS sports and entertainment head Wale Ogunleye, were named Leaders to Watch in Wealth. Gray attributed growth to rising membership and expanded corporate partnerships, saying firms are sending more advisors than ever. Quad-A plans year-round programming and 2027 events at the NYSE, Nasdaq and Capitol Hill.