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nique for getting referrals that she still uses 10 years later.He reviewed the list, circled 30 associates and said, “‘Tell

them that I said they need to meet with you. I wish I had done much more fi nancial planning in my early years.’”

Much of her progress can be attributed to the work ethic that was instilled in her formidable years by her parents who wanted their children to lead successful lives. Lie-Nielsen’s core values are deeply rooted in family values. Born in Ni-caragua, her parents brought Lie-Nielsen, at the age of fi ve, and her siblings to the United States to provide their children with an opportunity to become all that they could be.

“They taught us to dream, to be kind to one another and oth-ers,” Lie-Nielsen said. “To be gracious, hardworking and thankful. These are meaningful character traits that mold a person for life.”

Those lessons have paid dividends for Lie-Nielsen. She’s no longer a rookie waiting to get in the game, but rather, a veteran helping other new fi nancial representatives by sharing her experiences as the fi rst Latina under 40 to achieve Forum at Northwestern Mutual, a distinction reserved for top producers.

“My hard work has paid off, not just for me, but for my clients,” Lie-Nielsen said. “I have an incredible busi-ness practice that allows me to be a loving wife, mother and daughter and still have time for my friends.”

Lie-Nielsen continues to set each year’s goal higher than the previous, but her reason for working hard evolved. Three years into the business, she received a call that one of her clients had passed away and the widow would need help fi l-ing their claim. Devastating news for anyone on any day, but on this day, it gave new meaning to Lie-Nielsen’s practice.

“My clients depend on me. At that moment, it stopped be-from scratch. Now, more than 10 years in, her address book could rival some of the best in the fi nancial services industry.

One career challenge came on a memorable day during her fi rst year with the company while striving to meet the required four daily appointments, a paradigm used in the industry to build strong fi nancial representatives and drive production.

As her day was winding down, Lie-Nielsen still had one con-sultation to complete in downtown Miami. The mass transit dropped her off four blocks from the law fi rm, and as she started to walk toward the building, the skies opened and a fi erce downpour ensued. Arriving drenched from head-to-toe, Lie-Nielsen approached the senior partner to go over her pitch. Though he did not buy a life insurance policy from Lie-Nielsen on that day, she was not deterred. Before leaving, she showed him a list with the names of his colleagues that she was plan-ning to contact and asked him for a recommendation, a tech-

Soon she discovered her career at the company had much more meaning than ac-colades and recognition. She was touching lives in a meaningful way by working hand-in-hand with her clients to build fi nancial security for

themselves and their families, one conversation at a time.As a fi rst-year fi nancial representative, Lie-Nielsen

faced what any new representative faces. “You work long hours and you endure rejection, but you

pick yourself up and become known for something much greater than the fi nancial services and products you offer,” said Lie-Nielsen. “Now integrity, focus and trust become your assets. And then you begin to build a practice and develop relationships that continue over a lifetime.”

Because she was not independently wealthy, her address book was empty of client possibilities, and she had to start

ing about the numbers, awards and recognition. It is and al-ways will be about the bigger picture and the relationships we build with our clients for a greater purpose. That purpose and plan always has fi nancial security and wellness at its core.”

Now in her early thirties, Lie-Nielsen still works at a breakneck pace, but has learned to manage work and family life. “I tell young women who want a career in the fi nancial services industry that tenacity is key. You have to be ‘grace under pressure,’” says Lie-Nielsen.

Lie-Nielsen proudly strives to represent her culture as a strong Latina. Part of the reason she has been so successful is that she never adhered to the social limits placed on her as a Latina, she said. The belief that Latinas cannot lead prominent, suc-

cessful lives is one that Lie-Nielsen said cannot be promoted anymore, and each of those stigmas must be challenged.

“Times are changing and I am thrilled to help carry our torch,” said Lie-Nielsen. “Success in my career was against all odds. The stigma needs to be dispelled because we Latina women are here today, and we’re not going anywhere.”

Lie-Nielsen hopes to instill in her children the legacy that they have a voice and can be fi nancially independent. One day, I hope to have someone tell my daughter or my son, “Because of your mother I am able to retire.”

“My hard work has paid off, not just for me, but for my clients,” Lie-Nielsen said. “I have an incredible business practice that allows me to be a loving wife, mother and daughter and still have time for my friends.”

Photos for Latino Leaders by Raul OspinaStory by Denise Marie

With channeled ambition, grit, boundless energy and relentless determination, Darling Lie-Nielsen has a life-size goal – to achieve all that is possible and to always dream big.

The then 21-year-old Cum Laude graduate of the University of Florida accepted a job with Northwestern Mutual and made it her goal to become a formidable success story of a Latina in the fi nancial services industry.

“I tell young women who want a career in the fi nancial services industry that tenacity is key. You

have to be ‘grace under pressure,’” says Lie-Nielsen.

Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life, and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries.

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