Draft:Leanna Haakons

• Comment: No secondary sources. What have people who are entirely unconnected to her written or said about her, without any input from herself? bonadea contributions talk 09:42, 12 November 2024 (UTC)

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Leanna Haakons

Leanna Haakons (Born Sept. 2nd, 1987) is a Canadian entrepreneur, finance and marketing expert, bestselling author, public speaker, media host, philanthropist and the Founder of Black Hawk Financial. Her first book, Young, Fun and Financially Free: Live the Good Life Now and Build a Kick-ass Future, discusses financial literacy among teens and young adults. She has been reoccurring finance and marketing commentator on outlets such as CNBC’s Squawk Box, Bloomberg ETFIQ, and Yahoo Finance, among others.

Education

In 2009 Haakons received her Bachelor of Commerce with honors from Ryerson University in Toronto.  She also completed master’s in international business courses at CERAM (now SKEMA) at Sophia Antipolis focusing on finance, international marketing, and global risk management.  In 2012, Haakons earned the Level 4 Investment Management Certificate (IMC) from the CFA Institute, certifying her as an expert in investment analysis recognized in 28 countries.  Additionally, Haakons received FCA Approved Person status to perform ‘controlled functions’ for the only authorized Investor Relations firm in the UK.

She continued her education by earning a Certificate in Private Markets (CIPCM) from Pepperdine University in 2014 as well as an Executive Masters Course in Journalism from Harvard University in 2017.

Career

Leanna began her career in investor relations with Canadian venture capital firm Validus Capital before completing her bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of her collegiate studies, she worked as a financial advisor with McCurdy Financial, focusing on portfolio management, investments, and life insurance. She then transitioned to the tech sector, working with the CFO of iQmetrix Software Development Corp. as the company expanded from startup to a 250-person team.  Leanna later joined Scott Harris UK Ltd, the only FCA-regulated investor relations firm in the UK, where she worked with FTSE100 clients on the London Stock Exchange, facilitating large scale transactions and relationship management. Scott Harris UK was later acquired by Rothschild & Co.

In 2014, Haakons founded Black Hawk Financial, a financial marketing, investor relations, and business development firm.

She is a speaker and host at several financial industry conferences including SALT, iConnections, and the Sovereign Wealth Fund Institute.

Black Hawk Financial

Black Hawk Financial Inc is a results-driven marketing firm specializing in business development and investor relations. Founded by Haakons in 2014, the company aims to increase brand awareness and investor retention through a comprehensive suite of consulting services.

Publications

In 2017 Leanna published her most popular work, “Young, Fun & Financially Free,” which educates readers on financial literacy through practical guidance and narrative. The book offers thoughts on how to start investing and tips for smart spending by living within one’s means. This book has been featured on numerous global financial programs and broadcast networks including Bloomberg, ABC, CNBC, Yahoo Finance and other national networks. One hundred percent of the author’s proceeds are donated to assist in the development of income opportunities and economic sustainability for people in developing countries.

Media

Leanna has been featured in the media as a live television host, emcee, and moderator at elite industry events worldwide.  She contributes as an expert for international media outlets including CNBC, Bloomberg, Yahoo Finance, NBC, ABC, BNN Bloomberg, and Worth Media.  She has served as a guest business expert, moderator, host, emcee, and adjudicator at hundreds of conferences, business competitions, private events, podcasts, and blogs

Philanthropy

Dame Leanna Haakons received her honorary title at the Palazzo di Parte Guelfa in 2023 for her contributions to social impact and sustainability around the globe.  She is an active member of the Los Angeles and New York Communities, volunteering with Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church “Meals on Heels" and other local organizations. Additionally, all proceeds from her book are donated to support economic sustainability in developing countries. She is a donor and a featured philanthropist in financial literacy, economic opportunity, and food insecurity communities in the U.S., Canada, and Africa.  

Haakons is a member of the Aspen Institute’s Society of Fellows, an international community of donors and ambassadors, committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society.