As 33-year-old president and CEO of The Women’s Financial Group, Regina Malveaux helps women make positive life choices. Her agency is a nonprofit organization that provides financial literacy, investment education and empowerment services to women and girls.

Formerly a mortgage loan officer, Malveaux believes home ownership is the key to economic stability. “Social welfare programs and safety programs are important,” she says, “but mothers need a position of empowerment in order to get great jobs and create assets for their kids.” She hopes eventually her company will expand services to include low- to no-cost legal services for women.

Malveaux graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in social policy and from Howard University School of Law in Washington, D.C., with a focus in public policy. While in Washington, she was an intern in the office of Rep. Maxine Waters. She also was president and founder of the Howard University School of Law Child Advocacy Law Association and a member of Court Appointed Special Advocates. Locally, Malveaux is on the board of San Diego Dress for Success and is a member of the Lawyers Club and the National Association of Female Executives.

Previously, Malveaux served on the boards of the NAACP and San Diego Stands for Children. In 1999, she was selected as one of 10 national policy fellows working on behalf of issues affecting children.

When she isn’t working, Malveaux is writing one of three books: a political commentary about female empowerment; a book for young girls with self-esteem issues; and “Through Rose-Colored Glasses,” a fictional narrative that contains autobiographical undertones. She also enjoys family activities with her children ages 12 and 10.

— Katherine Lyon