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Francis J. Clement

Clement Wealth Management

Involved with the Community Foundation since 2013

Hobby: Mentoring youth from single-parent families

Favorite Rochester eatery: D'Mangu

Favorite Community Foundation event: The African American Giving Initiative's presentation of checks to grantees

Favorite Rochester event: Coming home to my family

If I had a million dollars to give: I would expand giving to my church and to other causes of my heart.

How Francis’s work fuels the power of community:

In his personal and professional journey, Francis knows the importance of resilience. As a wealth management advisor, Francis has helped clients adapt to changes in a fluctuating market. “I’ve had to reinvent myself a lot in this business, and so have many of my clients.” Amidst other fiduciary considerations, Francis says he is most mindful of an important but often overlooked discussion — charitable giving. “I help clients make decisions that bring meaning to their money.”

Francis says he frequently has connected clients to the Community Foundation’s services. “The knowledge the Foundation can bring to the table makes sense as a part of every advisor’s practice.” Francis encourages clients to consider endowments as a higher level of giving that helps a community remain resilient. “For wealthy clients, endowing a fund can be meaningful for the next generation.”

Charitable involvement in Rochester:

Growing up in the South Bronx, Francis always dreamed of achieving success. He never recalls feeling poor, but sharply understood the sacrifices his single mother made to help him and his sisters excel. “Education was always her main goal for us,” says Francis. After earning his degree in economics at the University of Rochester, it was his mother who encouraged him to stay and build a life. “She saw and valued the cost of living and the quality of life here.”

“I have a special drive in me to help people transition out of poverty,” says Francis. This personal commitment led him to strong involvement at the Community Foundaiton — with the African American Giving Initiative, the Board of Directors, and the Advancement Committee — as well as the Black Physicians Network of Greater Rochester. “It’s been an interesting ride as I’ve built my own business. Passing on what I’ve learned to others trying to make it is everything,” he adds.

Inspirational quote:
“With all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

Published April 2020

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