Monument Wealth Management is proud to announce that Jessica Gibbs, CFP® and Emily Harper, CFP® have both been ranked by Forbes as Top Women Advisors Best-in-State for 2026.
Jessica and Emily were ranked #62 and #63, respectively, in the State of Virginia.
“As a firm that’s deeply committed to supporting women and the next generation of leaders, this recognition reflects the values that guide how we show up for our clients and our community every day,” said Jessica.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by Forbes again this year. As a female leader working alongside other professional women and their families to help them live more option-rich lives, this work is incredibly meaningful to me,” said Emily.
Please join us in celebrating Jessica and Emily’s well-earned accomplishment and learn more about how we work with clients on our website or by reading our Google Reviews.
Follow Emily Harper and Jessica Gibbs on LinkedIn, subscribe to their bi-weekly podcast, or sign up below to receive our newsletter.
Award Details
Award Year: 2026
Awarded by: Forbes / Shook Research
Awarded on: February 2026
Methodology:
As described on the Forbes website, their algorithm is designed to fairly compare the business practices of a large group of advisors based on quantitative and qualitative elements. Data are weighted to ensure priorities are given to dynamics such as preferred “best practices,” business models, recent business activity, etc. Each variable is graded and represents a certain value for each measured component. This data is fed into an algorithm that measures thousands of advisors against each other.
Monument did not pay to receive this award.
Read the Full Methodology from the Forbes Website:
“Forbes’ top advisor rankings, developed by SHOOK Research, are the only advisor rankings with a focus on quality, including interviewing advisors in-person, virtually and by telephone.
“Unlike other advisor rankings, SHOOK is not a “robo-ranker.” Numbers such as production and assets don’t tell the whole story, especially when much of the data is self-reported. SHOOK Research creates rankings of role models—advisors that are leading the way in offering best practices and providing a high-quality experience for clients. A focus on both qualitative and quantitative factors is imperative.
“How We Rank
“The Forbes ranking of America’s Top Women Wealth Advisors and Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-In-State, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative data, learned through surveys and interviews conducted by telephone, in-person and virtually to evaluate best practices, such as service models, investing models and compliance records as well as quantitative data, such as revenue trends and assets under management.
“All advisors have a minimum of seven years’ experience. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK receive a fee in exchange for rankings.
“Advisors can complete a survey for upcoming rankings here.
“Research Summary for All SHOOK Advisors (as of February 2026)
“We don’t want 300,000 nominations so we set high thresholds to minimize the quantity we receive:
- 51,403 nominations received, based on high thresholds (11,840 women)
- 28,837 invited to complete online survey
- 25,611 total telephone interviews
- 6,727 total in-person interviews at advisors’ location
- 1,553 total virtual interviews
- 33,891 total interviews
“The SHOOK Process
“SHOOK scours the financial services industry—banks, brokerages, custodians, insurance companies, clearing houses and others for nominations. SHOOK accepts advisors who meet pre-determined minimum thresholds and acceptable compliance records.
“Basic Requirements for Top Women Wealth Advisors
- 7 years as an advisor
- Minimum 1 year at current firm, with exceptions such as acquisitions
- Advisor must be recommended, and nominated, by their firm
- Completion of an online survey
- Business that is conducted with individuals is evaluated
- Acceptable compliance record
“Quantitative Metrics
- Weightings assigned for both revenue and production data
- Assets under management—and quality of those assets—both custodied and a scrutinized look at assets held away (although individual numbers are used for ranking purposes, we publish the entire team’s assets)
- Client-related data, such as retention
- Portfolio performance is not a factor (audited returns among advisors are rare, and differing client objectives provide varying returns)
“Qualitative Metrics
- Telephone, virtual and in-person meetings with advisors (telephone interviews are required; if an in-person meeting cannot be accomplished, exceptions are considered in which the interview will occur after a ranking has been published)
- Compliance records and U4s: Some “dings” can be overlooked such as firm or product failure beyond the scope of an advisor’s due diligence. The older a ding, the less we look. Since there are many gray areas, the SHOOK team is willing to listen to a firm that is willing to stand behind the advisor with written support from leadership.
- SHOOK measures client “impact,” a proprietary indicator that measures difference advisors make in the lives of their clients.
- Advisors that provide a full client experience: service model; investing process; fee structure; breadth of services, including extensive use of firm’s platform and resources (e.g. liabilities); credentials (years of service can serve as proxy); use of team & team dynamics; community involvement; discussions with management, peers, competing peers; telephone, virtual, and in-person meetings
- Credentials (years of service can serve as proxy)
- Use of team and team dynamics
- Community involvement
- Discussions with management, peers, competing peers
- Telephone, virtual and in-person meetings
“Ranking Algorithm
“The algorithm is designed to fairly compare the business practices of a large group of advisors based on quantitative and qualitative elements. Data are weighted to ensure priorities are given to dynamics such as preferred “best practices,” business models, recent business activity, etc. Each variable is graded and represents a certain value for each measured component. These data are fed into an algorithm that measures thousands of advisors against each other.
“SHOOK Disclosures
“SHOOK is completely independent and objective and does not receive compensation from the advisors, firms, the media, or any other source in exchange for placement on a ranking. SHOOK is funded through conferences, publications and research partners. Since every investor has unique needs, investors must carefully choose the right advisor for their own situation and perform their own due diligence. Rankings are based on the opinions of SHOOK Research, LLC and not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience; the firm’s research and rankings provide opinions for how to choose the right financial advisor. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Remember, past performance is not an indication of future results.
“For more information and complete details on methodology, go to www.shookresearch.com.”
