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Festina Manly-Spain, CPA
Founder and CEO at FMS Advisory | Empowering Businesses to go from Uncertain to Unstoppable!
Festina Manly-Spain is the Founder and CEO of FMS Advisory, a financial services firm based in Rockville, Maryland.12 She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who specializes in helping small business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, manage their finances and grow their businesses.12
Background and Education
Festina originally hails from Freetown, Sierra Leone. She immigrated to the United States with her family at the age of 6, fleeing civil war in her home country.1 After settling in Montgomery County, Maryland, she went on to graduate from Northwest High School in Germantown and later earned a degree from the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland, College Park.1
Career Path
Prior to founding FMS Advisory, Festina gained experience working in various accounting roles, including at large public accounting firms.1 However, she felt unfulfilled in these positions and was inspired to start her own business after reflecting on her career goals and desire to make a meaningful impact.1
Founding FMS Advisory
Festina founded FMS Advisory with the mission of helping small business owners, particularly women entrepreneurs, master the financial aspects of their businesses.12 The firm provides services such as:
- Financial guidance and advisory
- Tax compliance assistance
- Bookkeeping and accounting
- Business growth strategy
Passion for Financial Education
Inspired by her grandmother, who was a high-ranking accountant in Sierra Leone, Festina is passionate about financial education.2 She created a program called Little Finances to teach children about money management through interactive materials and flashcards.2
Advocacy and Community Involvement
Festina is an advocate for increasing diversity in the finance industry, particularly for Black professionals and women.3 She participates in mentorship programs and works to empower the Black community by helping people make informed business decisions.3
Professional Recognition
Festina Manly-Spain is a licensed CPA in Virginia and provides services to clients in and around Rockville, Maryland.4 Her firm, FMS Advisory, is recognized as a Woman-Owned Business.5
