MEET Eileen Ward Epright

Investment consultant, community builder and new mom: Eileen Ward Epright proves you can lead with both financial acumen and an open heart — and that the most important investment you'll ever make is in the people you love. Meet our new Real Woman of REALM.

It is a rare gift to meet someone in the high-stakes world of investment who radiates as much warmth as they do wisdom, but that is exactly who Eileen Ward Epright is. Eileen introduced me to Women in Investment Network (WIN), a group of exceptionally inviting and supportive women who welcomed me with open arms from the very start—which I deeply appreciated, especially since math has never exactly been my strength!

My connection with Eileen has grown into a cherished friendship. Eileen's approach to her life and career is the perfect embodiment of what it means to be a Real Woman of REALM.

At REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry, we believe that true luxury isn't just about what you wear, but the substance and heart you bring to the world. Eileen doesn't just network; she builds a community. She has a natural gift for making everyone in the room feel seen and supported, proving that you can be at the top of your field while remaining deeply rooted in kindness and collaboration. This philosophy mirrors our own: that the most enduring things in life are built on a foundation of integrity and genuine care.

This year, Eileen embarked on her most beautiful venture yet: motherhood. It has been such a joy to watch a woman who has spent her career navigating complex markets lean into this new chapter with such characteristic strength.

Please join me in celebrating Eileen—a leader, a dear friend and now a mom—as she shares her journey of balance and new beginnings.

Ann King Lagos
Founder + Designer
REALM Fine + Fashion Jewelry

Q+A with Eileen Ward Epright

What do you do for work?
I'm a proactive investment consultant focused on results, relationships and rising together. I help anyone who works hard for their money keep it growing, through good times and bad—because life is a journey.

For the past 17 years, I've been blessed to develop an acumen for the solutions Wall Street has to offer the retail and institutional investor. I leverage this expertise to work in a consultative nature with the Wealth Management community to problem solve for income, growth and tax efficiency.

for play?
My interests have changed with age. Playing soccer, basketball and running half marathons evolved due to osteo arthritis and ACL tears. Now, I enjoy cooking with my husband, playing with my nephews, traveling and going to country music concerts. Plus, cycling, spin and training for sprint triathlons. I love the beach and boating. I've resurrected reading as well because it quiets my mind after a long day and Book Club is a fun non-work-related outlet.

With the birth of our son Jack in June, play has expanded with the joys of adventuring together, socializing, listening to music, impromptu dance parties in our living room and practicing being a water baby like Great Aunt Trudy (Gertrude Ederle the first woman to swim the English Channel!) by getting our feet wet at the beach and dunking in the pool.

for others? (such as a charitable organization dear to your heart)
I'm involved with my parish, Queen of Peace in Ardsley and volunteer at Gift of Life and St. Francis Inn, a soup kitchen in Kensington. I'm a former Board Member and maintain a presence on the Membership Committee of WIN Philadelphia, which has been an outstanding organization supporting personal and professional development of women in financial services in the region. I also volunteer on the Investment Committee of both Women's Way and CCWA-Paradise Farm Camp, two local non-profits.

Just like a classic piece of jewelry, how do we build a portfolio that stands the test of time?
One of the greatest challenges we face is inflation. As women, we also have longevity to consider. Living life to the fullest is expensive if you value both experiences and security. Add in life's inevitable road bumps. All things we can't really control.

What we can control is our ability to manage our attitude and asset allocation today to favor growth assets and alternative investments that will help you maximize returns both today and in the long term. Understanding your income and your near and long-term spending needs informs how the portfolio ultimately comes together like a puzzle that fits specifically to you.

How do you help women feel confident and proactive rather than overwhelmed by their finances?
Controlling what we can feels good. Knowing your limitations is just as imperative. Understanding the importance of time and investing for growth vs. simply saving is essential. The principles of compounding, fiscal discipline and doing consumer research are the most empowering concepts women can embrace from a pre-teen age.

You've probably heard the phrase "pick your hard." If you don't adopt discipline early, life will be harder as an adult. If you learn and embrace discipline and practicality early, you'll be cultivating more freedom down the road.

I'm passionate about mentoring women about these concepts in casual settings or when invited by my clients to support their events. Being hyper aware of our inclinations to spend is super important. Coupled with realistic expectations about ongoing expenses, which tend to increase with age and responsibility, are important realities to acknowledge and plan for early on. It's never too late to take inventory, get organized, reset expectations and execute a plan.

We always assume we'll be "more successful" in the future, but life doesn't always go in a straight line. So, capitalizing on good decisions to build security and flexibility for the future can happen at any time and is the benefit of working closely with an advisor.

For the Empress who is balancing a career, family and future: how do we find the balance between spending on joy today and saving for tomorrow?
I definitely struggle with YOLO [You Only Live Once] vs. staying disciplined for the long-term. Your health is your wealth. You probably need less than you think you do. Most of us want a lot, but we don't really need it.

I try to keep life simple. If you've ever lost someone prematurely, you realize that you truly never know when your last day on the planet might be, so staying present and truly living is very important. I try to say yes to things and DIFTS [Do It for the Story] so my elderly self can look back and be pleased with my younger version. Meanwhile you're banking on actuarial statistics actually playing out in your favor, so your future is also long and prosperous. No one is coming to save you. Most of us are not kept women with large inheritances, so having goals and milestones in mind is also critical to success. 

For me personally, I nurture relationships with like-minded family and friends while minimizing outside commitments, because my job is a 55+ hour a week commitment already. My job is super social, so I scratch my itch blending work and play throughout the week. Having always been in sales-oriented roles with no ceiling impacts my mentality towards balance because an investment in work yields a measurable return in freedom of choice in the present and future. I can enjoy the positive effects of hard work throughout the year when I spend time on social gatherings, experiences and travel.

Adding life as a parent to the list of responsibilities might seem daunting and expensive, but it's actually the most rewarding and motivating gift you receive in your life. 

I'm incredibly motivated by freedom of choice. The future won't be glamorous without good health, quality relationships and mental peace. Therefore, I juggle a demanding job with protecting my health physically, mentally and spiritually with prayer, church, friends and exercise.

Money can magnify and amplify things — that's the way to think about its role in every aspect of life... while always keeping in mind that at the end of our lives, all we really have are memories and the impact we made on those around us.

We love your style! At REALM, we talk about our jewelry and Empresses having a "Classic, Romantic or Rock Star" vibe (sometimes all three). How would you describe your personal style?
Classic all the way. And bedazzled. I glam myself up regularly, whether it's a sparkly bracelet, stack of rings or memorable set of earrings.

Why do you love REALM?
I love REALM because it comes in so many different precious metal colors, plus every piece has motivation and meaning.

What are your favorite pieces of REALM jewelry? Favorite REALM Collection and why?
When taking inventory, I realize I've embraced five of the eight collections! Each piece has a story and corresponds with different phases of life or mentalities I adopt to succeed and win.

My first purchase was from the TRYST collection—the elegant Tuileries Ring in Rose Gold. My next purchases were from SCEPTRE—the stackable rings in Rose Gold, Gold and Silver Pavé. I mix the Python with the Pavé, and it looks so dynamic. My Spirit Pavé hoops in Rose Gold/CZ Blanc are sporty yet elegant. This collection's symbolism of Strength + Courage + Spirit reminds me to stay focused, resilient and creative as a salesperson. There are so many items in this collection that I can see myself wearing every day for work or for dressing up.

From the CORONET collection I have the Everyday Pearl necklace and love that I can make it longer or shorter depending on my mood or outfit. The DOMAIN Portrait Pavé Earrings in Rose Gold/CZ Blanc were a long-anticipated gift. I love wearing them for both work and play. I love all the Pavé pieces, especially the earrings, which are good for every day at work or can transition to a more glamorous look by night.

For my wedding, I wore the EMPIRE Pearl Bond Bracelet (a gift from Ann for introducing her to WIN). After years of dating, meeting my husband and getting married just one year later felt like destiny. He has already helped me fulfill many passions and visions I've had for myself.

How did you and Ann meet? What kind of connections did you have then? Now?
Ann and I met through our mutual friend, Real Woman of REALM Christine Lussier. Christine introduced us at the Acorn Club one night over cocktails, where I bought the Tuileries Ring on the spot. Then, at a yoga retreat Christine hosted at the shore, Ann and I bonded over our passion for jewelry, wellness, fashion and supporting other women. We share the same work ethic and determination, having both started over mid-career.

Ann has a gift for understanding and shooting you straight. I could tell she understood the phases of life I was hoping to tread. I saw her as not just the incredible designer that she is, but also a role model. She is one heck of a classy friend, dedicated mom and fierce artist within our professional female business community.

You were pregnant at the time of your RWR photo shoot. How has motherhood changed your life?
Becoming a mom has changed my life by expanding me in a way I always dreamed of. Having my son Jack activated a new level of joy, love and intuition that has been dormant in me since childhood. Becoming a mom is something I always knew I wanted and at times during my long dating history, it seemed unlikely. I feel complete in a way that no professional, academic or athletic achievement could ever have satisfied. I've been playing with a baby doll since I was three years old and have an incredible Mom and Dad; I can't wait to share everything my parents taught me, and everything Peter's amazing parents taught him, with our son.

What does it mean to…
Be Your Own Empress: Don't compare yourself to others. Just be yourself, confidently. Have faith that God has given each of us special gifts and promises abundance to all who seek to follow his example of love and obedience. Wake up each day to make the most of whatever is on your plate. Cultivate self-respect by using your gifts daily. The path to finding inner happiness is to give your best each day as you navigate the bumpy journey of life. Sometimes it's alone and sometimes it's surrounded by family, friends, peers or colleagues, but you've got to be able to look yourself in the eye every night and morning, feel good about your efforts and keep going forward, no matter what.

Reign Thoughtfully: If you find yourself in a position to affect people (which we all do in different ways each day), be friendly, honest and kind. Whether it's within your family, on the street during your commute, out with friends or in the workplace, each interaction has the ability to leave someone feeling positive and empowered—or stressed and misunderstood. Strive to be the person who leaves others in a better position than you met them, making them better off for having met you.

Anything else you would like to add?
I am so grateful to be included as a Real Woman of REALM. It is an honor to be thought of for such a fabulous opportunity, especially during a period of life where I transitioned to motherhood. I'm thrilled to be an ambassador for a brand I truly adore and already wear every day. I can't wait for the next adventure and to harness the meaning of these collections in a new way.

CONNECT WITH EILEEN

• Email: Eileen.ward21@gmail.com | Eward@calamos.com
• Instagram: @eileen_ward
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/eileen-m-ward
• Facebook: facebook.com/wardem
• Website: calamos.com

• Hashtags + Mantras: To Whom Much Is Given, Much Is Expected • Be your best, never let it rest • Ask and you shall receive • #DIFTS — Do It for the Story