#WomensWork Feature: Jennifer Ceneviva

Written by Kate Racculia

Jennifer Ceneviva sees her job as a privilege—the privilege of being invited into other peoples’ lives. “This is so much more than business,” she says. “The work we do together is woven into the very fabric of life.” A financial advisor with Edward Jones, her motivation always comes from a desire to help people, to strive to make her corner of the world a better place. She loves working with her clients and their families every day to help them secure their financial goals, and help provide for future generations.

Ceneviva is focused on understanding each of her client’s individual needs, goals, and risks. She uses an established process to build personalized strategies and specific actions needed to help them achieve their goals. She works with her clients and their families throughout their lives, regularly reviewing their goals, risks, budgets, as well as their strategies, to help keep them on track.

As a woman who both runs a business and works with many families as a financial advisor, Ceneviva has a unique vantage point on the community—and she sees “so many fantastic women with strong careers and families who still give back to the community in meaningful ways. They are the backbone of Bethlehem.”

She would like to have even more conversations with people in the Lehigh Valley about their financial futures, as a partner who seeks to offers honest, straightforward advice. Finances can be intimidating, but the best time to act is always now. “It’s never too soon or too late to plan for a strong financial future,” she says. “And don’t apologize or be embarrassed for perceived imperfections. Start where you are. The first step is to have a conversation.

“A quote I have had with me since I started my practice at Edward Jones, and it is still on my desk today, is from Betty Bender,” she says. “Anything I’ve ever done that was ultimately worthwhile…initially scared me to death.” Starting her own business was daunting, but the experience has been absolutely worthwhile.

A little like starting a conversation about your financial future.