Liz Hand Recognized as Kestra Financial’s 2026 NextGen Advisor

We’re honored to share a meaningful milestone for our team.

Liz Hand has been named Kestra Financial’s 2026 NextGen Advisor, a distinction awarded to exceptional emerging leaders under the age of 40 who demonstrate leadership, dedication, and forward-thinking impact within the wealth management industry. The award was presented at Ascend 2026, Kestra’s annual conference, and selected from nearly 100 nominations nationwide. 

Kestra presents three national awards each year:  

• The Outstanding Business Award, honoring a top-tier wealth management firm with sustained growth supported by strong marketing, technology, and operational excellence.
• The NextGen Advisor Award, recognizing emerging leaders under 40 who are shaping the future of the industry.
• The Community Service Award, celebrating individuals or firms making a meaningful difference through service and community involvement.

This recognition reflects Liz’s steady leadership, her commitment to thoughtful financial planning, and her belief that the best outcomes are created through collaboration—with clients, colleagues, and trusted partners.

We’re grateful to partner with Kestra Financial, an organization that believes in long-term thinking, professional excellence, and doing what’s right for clients. Their advisor-first approach creates space for firms like Pleasant Wealth to serve retirement-age women with intention and care.

As part of the award, Kestra donated $5,000 to a charitable organization of Liz’s choosing. As an extension of Pleasant Wealth’s mission to support women, Liz selected Women’s Impact, Inc., an organization she has been involved with for more than 11 years and where she has served as a board member for the past four years. Women’s Impact is dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and strengthening communities through education, advocacy, and philanthropy.

“This recognition is meaningful because it reflects an industry I truly love—one where I can help influence positive change for decades to come,” Liz shared. “I’m grateful for a partner like Kestra, a team like Pleasant Wealth that trusts me with co-creative work, and the opportunity to support Women’s Impact, which has shaped my own leadership journey.”

At Pleasant Wealth, we believe financial planning is about more than numbers. It’s about relationships, shared values, and making thoughtful decisions that support the life you’re building. We’re proud of the leadership Liz brings to our clients, our firm, and our community.

If you’d like to learn more about our approach, or explore whether Pleasant Wealth may be the right partner for you, learn what it’s like to work with Pleasant Wealth.