“Laila Pence: From the Ruins of Suez to the Pinnacle of Wall Street An Exclusive Interview for Charisma Newspaper with America’s Egyptian Wealth Icon”
“The $2.2 Billion Woman: Laila Pence Reveals the Secrets to Financial Success for Immigrants in America”
“Laila Pence to Charisma: From Harsh New York Winters to a Presidential Honor—This Is My Story”
Laila Pence: From Suez to the Summit of American Finance.
Laila Pence is one of the most prominent financial advisors in the United States and the President of Pence Wealth Management, a financial advisory firm based in Newport Beach, California. With over 35 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management, she has become a recognized authority in her field.
Born in Egypt, Laila immigrated to the United States at the age of 12 with her mother after losing their home during the 1967 war. Her journey in America began in the late 1970s under difficult circumstances. Settling in New York, she faced a harsh climate, financial hardships, and the challenge of learning English, all while working and attending school. Despite these obstacles, Laila excelled academically, while attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and later becoming a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) through the College for Financial Planning.
Under her leadership, Pence Wealth Management now oversees $2.2 billion in assets. Laila specializes in financial planning for individuals and businesses, with a focus on tax strategies and retirement planning. Her exceptional work has earned her numerous accolades, including being ranked No. 1 by Forbes among America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors for six consecutive years in Southern California, and No. 5 nationally among all women advisors. She was also named to Barron’s prestigious list of the Top 100 Independent Financial Advisors as well as the Barron’s Advisor Hall of Fame.
Beyond her professional success, Laila is deeply committed to philanthropy, particularly in supporting medical and educational initiatives in Egypt. In 2017, she was honored by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during the “Egyptian Women Can” conference in recognition of her achievements and contributions. She is also a vocal supporter of Egypt’s presidential initiative “Decent Life” (Hayah Karima), and a proud participant in the “Egypt Can – Empowered Women” conference and a big supporter of children’s hospitals in Egypt.
Laila Pence embodies the essence of the American dream—perseverance, excellence, and service. Her inspiring story continues to resonate with immigrant communities and aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.
In this exclusive interview with Charisma Newspaper, we sat down with Ms. Pence to discuss the pressing issues facing Egyptian and Arab expatriates today, particularly in light of global economic shifts and the ongoing challenges of building a secure financial future abroad.
1- As one of the most successful financial advisors in the United States, what do you believe are the key financial challenges faced by the Arab and Egyptian communities when settling in America?
Getting a good job with benefits and then building a foundation by buying a home and making other investments. The key challenge is learning the American taxation system and how that affects your wealth.
2- “What are some of the most common financial mistakes that new Arab immigrants tend to make, particularly when it comes to saving or establishing credit history in the U.S.?”
Not realizing how the income and property taxes affect their living expenses. Paying cash for everything and not establishing a credit history.
3. What advice would you offer to young Arabs or Egyptians who were born or currently reside in the U.S. when it comes to building a stable financial future?
Pay yourself first. Put aside at least 10% of what you make. Contribute the maximum to a Roth IRA. Money grows tax free and future withdrawals at retirement are tax free. I believe that tax-free compounding is the 9th wonder of the world and they should consider investing in the stock market for long term growth.
4. When should individuals begin thinking about retirement planning, and are there specific tools or strategies you recommend?
Save as early as possible. They should take advantage of retirement plans at work including maximum 401k contributions and in addition to setting up their own IRA Roth accounts. If they have their own business, there are many retirement plans they could set up for themselves and their employees. This would help them not only save for retirement but also reduce their income taxes.
5. At what point does someone need a financial advisor, and what key qualities should they look for when choosing one?
Financial advisors can help with cash flow, financial planning, retirement planning, tax planning, investment planning, estate planning among others. An individual should seek out a financial advisor when they have excess cash to invest and when they need assistance with any of the above areas. Make sure that you choose a Certified Financial Planner. You can get a list online for local Certified Financial Planners in your area. Also, asking friends and family. Most of all you should interview your financial advisor to make sure they have your best interest at heart and you are comfortable with them.
6. Given the volatility of the market and global economy, what investment diversification strategies would you recommend to members of the Arab community?
Having a diversified portfolio of stocks, cash, bonds and real estate is very important.
7. Are there any specific investment opportunities you currently see as particularly suitable for Egyptians and Arabs living in the U.S.?
I believe that the US stock markets, on a longer term basis, offer some of the best opportunities. It is very important to be patient when you are investing. Like Warren Buffet, one of the most successful investors of all time, says “The stock market is a device for transferring money from the impatient to the patient.”
I believe in that wholeheartedly. Time is your most important asset. Think long term and use it wisely.
8. How can we help strengthen financial literacy among second-generation Arab-American youth?
Teach them young the importance of saving and investing. I recommend that they take financial type of classes in school. Lead by example by having parents set up investment accounts for their children and grandchildren.
9. In your view, what role do women play in managing family finances, and what is your message to Arab women living in America?
Women are the backbone of the family and should not be afraid to learn about finances. I believe that all financial decisions should be made by both husband and wife. The woman should participate in bill paying, investing and other financial matters, so that she is not left without any knowledge of finances whatsoever if the husband passes away.
10. Are there particular financial tools or savings plans you recommend for families aiming to secure their children’s educational future?
Yes, absolutely. I recommend strongly that parents should set up 529 plans for each of their children. They can contribute monthly or annually. A husband and wife can invest as little as $100 a month or as much as $38,000 a year for each child. Have the money grow completely tax free and qualified educational costs can be withdrawn tax free for tuition, books, housing and other qualified expenses.
Prior to investing in a 529 Plan investors should consider whether the investor’s or designated beneficiary’s home state offers any state tax or other state benefits such as financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors that are only available for investments in such state’s qualified tuition program. Withdrawals used for qualified expenses are federally tax free. Tax treatment at the state level may vary. Please consult with your tax advisor before investing.
11. How important is insurance—whether health, life, or property—for Arab immigrants, and what should they prioritize?
Insurance is very important. Most important is health insurance, property insurance and then life and long-term care insurance.
12. What does “returning to your roots” mean to you personally? Are you involved in any initiatives that support the Egyptian or Arab community back home?
I support many of the charitable organizations including My Aswan which is Magdy Yacoub’s heart hospitals in Egypt. Also, Egypt Cancer Network which supports hospital 57357 as well as many other charitable organizations that support hospitals in upper Egypt and orphans.
13. what is your message to the Egyptian and Arab communities living in the U.S. as they navigate today’s economic challenges?
Be patient. America does really offer the American dream. I know because I’m living it. It takes hard work, dedication and surrounding yourself with smart, hardworking and talented people as well. Also to never give up and realize there will be hardships and setbacks but you have to work through them. If I can do it, anyone can.
About Your Daughter, Sarah Pence The Second Generation of Success:
1. How would you describe your daughter Sarah Pence on both a personal and professional level?
Sarah is truly a gift from God. She is our pride and joy. She is talented, smart and has a heart of gold. She is a college student, and I look forward to her success in the professional field as well.
2. Has Sarah followed in your footsteps in the financial field? What initially drew her to this industry?
No, not yet. She is a business student and still deciding what field she will be pursuing. However, whatever field she chooses she will be a success.
3. How did you manage to raise Sarah while balancing the demands of your career and professional responsibilities?
The key to balancing the demands is to have a support system. I was lucky enough to have my mother and my sisters live within 5 miles of me. My mother took care of Sarah all through high school. Not only was that a blessing but also instilled in her the love of the Arabic language.
4. What challenges has Sarah faced as the daughter of a renowned financial advisor? Has she ever felt pressure from being compared to you?
Sarah has matured into an independent woman yet still shares our values and priorities. She is devoted to her studies and even speaks 5 different languages.
5. Do you and Sarah share the same vision when it comes to wealth management and financial advising, or does she bring a different approach?
This is where role modeling comes into play. Since we have instilled in her the importance of wealth management, she shares our vision in that area.
6. In your view, what role should the second generation of the Arab-American community play in preserving cultural identity while building a successful financial future?
They should never forget their family’s roots. Masr om el donia.
7. Have you and Sarah collaborated on any projects outside the financial realm, such as community or philanthropic initiatives?
Yes, Sarah is involved in every philanthropic initiative that we are involved in including being the MC at several fund-raising events that were held here to raise money for the Egypt Cancer Network. She also attends the Egyptian Arab organization meetings as well as the Hollywood Arab Film Festival. Of course, as well as singing at the Layali Zaman concerts.
8. What is the one achievement of Sarah’s that has made you feel the proudest?
It is hard to name one achievement because there are so many. She excels at school, singing, having a heart of gold, but if I had to choose one, it would be speaking and reading Arabic fluently even though my husband is American and she was born here. She has only visited Egypt twice, once at the age of 3 and the other at the age of 18.
9. What is the golden piece of advice you passed on to Sarah—something you believe truly shaped her journey?
Being an only child I had the fear of her being selfish, so I told her that one of the most important things in life is to give back to others. She is the true embodiment of a giving person and that follows the same adage that Pence Wealth Management has which is to have a Servant’s Heart.
Sarah Pence and Her Musical Journey with Layali Zaman Academy Orchestra:
1. How did Sarah first discover her passion for music? Has music always been a part of her upbringing?
Sarah first discovered her passion through music in the car as I drove her to her preschool. I had several Arabic CD’s that I would circulate including some by Oum Kalthoum and Amr Diab. Sarah grew up listening to their music and I used to sing her Gameel Gamal by Farid Al-Atrash. As she got older, her love for Arabic Music grew and she began to sing along. One of the first performances she did was performing Gameel Gamal at her 8th birthday party in front of all our friends and family. Since her childhood she’s been very passionate about music, especially Tarab, because of the connection she feels it brings to her roots, and myself and my mother.
2. When did Sarah join the Layali Zaman Academy Orchestra, and what attracted her to this particular form of musical art?
Sarah joined Layali Zaman as a soloist in 2018 when she was only 16. Before then, she was a huge fan of the orchestra, and we had been to many of their previous concerts. Since she grew up loving Tarab and singing it around the house, she knew all the words to almost every Abdel Halim or Warda song they would perform. Eventually, she was able to audition for the orchestra when Adel Eskander noticed her love for their concerts and learned that she also enjoyed singing as a hobby. Performing Tarab is one of the most rewarding ways she feels she can connect and honor our culture and has enjoyed getting to pursue her passion for performing and for Arabic music through working with Layali Zaman.
3. How has Maestro Adel Eskander contributed to nurturing Sarah’s talent and supporting her artistic development?
Maestro Adel Eskander has been such an important influence in Sarah’s life. He truly allowed her to gain confidence in representing her culture on stage and consistently encourages her to be proud of her love for Arabic music and for her Egyptian heritage. He does his best to help her choose songs he feels fit her voice and that the audience will enjoy while also exposing her to new artists. Participating in Layali Zaman brings her so much joy and we are grateful for Maestro Adel’s continued support.
4. Have you noticed any personal growth or increase in Sarah’s self-confidence since she began performing on stage?
Absolutely. She is very self-confident. The applause and the congratulations she receives every time she sings has encouraged her to become a natural on stage and every performance only increases her self-confidence as well as refining her voice.
5. What role has musical discipline and working as part of an orchestra played in shaping her professional or social personality?
It has instilled discipline and working with others in a collaborative effort. She drives from San Diego to Glendale for rehearsals in the evenings and then early in the morning to school. This is her devotion to her craft and the love of participating in Layali Zaman.
6. As a mother, how would you describe the experience of watching Sarah perform live? Do you feel that music has added a new dimension to your relationship?
At times it is so surreal seeing her on that stage singing in Arabic. It takes me back to Egypt and my childhood. It brings me to tears to see her shine on that stage.
7. In your opinion, what sets Layali Zaman Academy Orchestra apart from other musical ensembles in California?
Layali Zaman differentiates itself from other musical ensembles because it is an immersive experience into Egyptian nostalgia. Music and memories are deeply interconnected and for me, when I attend Layali Zaman, the songs they perform and the atmosphere they cultivate transports me back to some of my happiest childhood memories. They not only perform Egyptian music, they preserve it for the next generation. Our classical artists and Egypt’s golden age of cinema and music should be continually celebrated and remembered. Layali Zaman does an amazing job at preserving this artform and introducing it to more young Arabs who will hopefully fall in love with it the way Sarah has.
8. Is there an upcoming artistic or cultural project that Sarah will be involved in through the academy or in collaboration with Maestro Adel Eskander?
Yes, she will be singing in the next Layali Zaman concert at Saban theater in Beverly Hills on Sunday, December 7th 2025 and I can’t wait.
9. How does Sarah manage to balance her academic or professional commitments with her musical responsibilities?
Multitasking is something she has learned and excelled at. When you love something and are passionate about it, you will make the time and sacrifices to get it done.
10. As a family, are you considering supporting Arab cultural initiatives in California through music or the arts?
We are now supporting the Hollywood Arab Festival which supports movies from different parts of the Arab world, bringing them to us to see and enjoy.
