Nancy Du knows what it means to start from nothing and build tremendous success. Growing up in China, Du faced numerous challenges. As an adult, she left everything behind and immigrated to the United States with her seven-year-old son.
She found herself in a new country, where her understanding of the language was basic and the business culture and financial system were unfamiliar, presenting significant challenges as she tried to establish a future for herself and her son. “For many immigrants — and even many people born in America — financial concepts like retirement accounts, cash flow and taxes are overwhelming. Most kids aren’t learning about this in high school or even college,” says Du. She knew she wanted to help others gain financial confidence and get on the right path with their money.
She worked hard to put herself through school, earning an MBA from the University of Georgia, and then earning specialty certifications from the American College of Financial Services. She had to be creative about funding the high cost of college and even worked as a teacher’s assistant while pursuing her MBA.
Embracing the Uncomfortable
As she began her career in finance, she often found that she was the only female in the room at business meetings, and certainly the only Asian woman. “I felt out of place at first, but this was the career path I had chosen and I was determined to build success here,” says Du. “Being uncomfortable is part of life. You have to get over it and focus on your dream.”
Du has built a strong record of achievement in the financial industry and has been named one of the Top Women Advisors in Atlanta by the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA) Georgia Chapter for each of the last five years. She currently serves clients as a Financial Advisor with Ashford Advisors who does financial planning in Gwinnett County and holds multiple industry certifications: Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP®️) and Certified Financial Planner (CFP®️).
Finding Resources and Giving Back in the Community
She recognizes the value of strong community engagement and appreciates how the Gwinnett Chamber has been instrumental in her success. “In the Gwinnett Chamber, I found role models who were willing to spend time with me, give me guidance and share their experiences. That really helped me understand this community and feel part of it,” she says. “I love the culture of the Gwinnett Chamber and Chairman’s Club where people look for ways to help each other.”
Du now serves as a board member for the Gwinnett Chamber Foundation, focusing on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses led by minorities, veterans and women. This role aligns closely with her vision of service.
Looking forward, Du remains focused on helping clients “live life joyfully with financial clarity and confidence,” she says. “I want to encourage everyone, especially women and immigrants, to pursue their dreams even when it feels difficult. Be willing to put in the hard work and take it one step at a time. We’re strong, and we can all live the life that we strive for.”
Nancy Du, Registered Representative and Financial Advisor of Park Avenue Securities LLC (PAS). Securities products and advisory services offered through PAS, member FINRA, SIPC. Financial Representative of The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America® (Guardian), New York, NY. PAS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Guardian. Ashford Advisors, Inc. is not an affiliate or subsidiary of PAS or Guardian. Ashford Advisors, Inc. is not registered in any state or with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as a Registered Investment Advisor. CA Insurance License #0M90615, AR Insurance License #17406709. The 2023 & 2024 NAIFA Top Women Advisors in Atlanta is not issued by Guardian or its subsidiaries. No compensation was provided in connection with obtaining this award. Past performance is not an indication of future results. 2024-177870. Exp. 7/26