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Ashley Byrne | Colleen Mitchell | Altair Watson
Ashley Byrne, Colleen Mitchell, and Altair Watson, Financial Advisors
In a field historically dominated by men, Ashley Byrne, Colleen Mitchell, and Altair Watson, Financial Advisors with Edward Jones, are not only thriving — they’re transforming the future of financial advising. Recently named to the 2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State, North FL, the trio exemplifies how friendship, leadership, and a shared mission can transform an industry.
Their story began in 2016 at an Edward Jones Networking Event. Around a campfire, a casual conversation sparked a friendship that has grown into a powerful professional alliance. Over the years, they’ve become collaborators, travel companions, and advocates for women in the financial advising industry. Together, they’ve served on leadership teams focused on recruiting and retaining female advisors. Thanks in part to their efforts, their region has seen a shift from just 10% women advisors to over 40%.
Their success comes at a pivotal moment. According to McKinsey & Co., a Global Management Consulting Firm, women are expected to control up to $30 trillion in financial assets by 2030 [1*], yet many still feel underserved. Women are more likely to take career breaks, more likely to outlive their spouses, and more likely to report financial stress around retirement. In short, they need advisors who understand both the technical and emotional sides of wealth.
That’s where Ashley, Colleen, and Altair shine. Their approach is grounded in relationships. Whether working with couples, single women, or widows — 70% of whom change advisors within a year of losing a spouse [2*] — they prioritize communication, clarity, in-depth and long-term planning.
Ashley Byrne, a Brevard County native and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, describes the heart of her work simply. “The greatest joy in my career is seeing the spark in my clients’ eyes when they realize their greatest dreams and financial freedoms.” She leads a multigenerational Edward Jones team with her daughter, Kylie. Together, they take a comprehensive approach to serving families. Ashley also serves on the city of Titusville pension board and supports local nonprofits, youth sports and schools.
Colleen Mitchell was inspired by her father, Jerry Quick, a longtime Edward Jones advisor. Now, she and her husband Cameron Mitchell lead Edward Jones, Mitchell Wealth Management in Viera, FL. As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® certificant, Certified Exit Planning Advisor® and Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ designee, Colleen aims to be a trusted resource for families to achieve their financial goals by providing in-depth complete financial planning. Outside the office, she’s raising two children and supporting causes close to her heart — including a nonprofit, Amigos En Cristo, supporting children in Juarez, Mexico.
Altair Watson puts it best: “I’ve always been one of the boys — in my Barbie dress.” With a background in math, science, and teaching, she entered finance without a playbook or connections — “although” — she says, “Being an educator gave me the foundations to work with clients, listen to them, and coach them.” She believes that your financial goals deserve a face-to-face conversation. With certifications like Accredited Asset Management Specialist™ and Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor™, she is equipped to help people prepare for retirement, save for education, and be tax smart investors.
What binds these women together is their shared approach to leadership. They listen, educate, serve, and lead with empathy. The future of wealth management is more collaborative, more inclusive, and increasingly shaped by women. As the financial advising landscape continues to evolve, the need for advisors who lead with heart, vision, and empathy has never been greater. Ashley Byrne, Colleen Mitchell, and Altair Watson aren’t just keeping up with the change — they’re driving it. And Florida, along with the rest of the industry, is better for it.
The content of this article was sponsored by the local Edward Jones offices of Ashley Byrne, Colleen Mitchell and Altair Watson.
Ashley Byrne’s Office: (321) 255-2552 | 1715 Berglund Lane, Ste 103 | Melbourne, FL
Colleen Mitchell’s Office: (321) 254-5202 | 7331 Office Park Place, Suite 200 | Viera, FL
Altair Watson’s Office: (321) 728-3304 | 4780 Dairy Road, Suite 102 | Melbourne, FL
edwardjones.com | Member SIPC
*Sources: 1. Women as the Next Wave of Growth in US Wealth Management, 2020. McKinsey & Co.; 2. Be Financially Prepared for the Death of a Spouse — Before It Happens, 2022. Forbes. Disclosure: Ashley Byrne, Colleen Mitchell, and Altair Watson Named Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisor 2025 Best-in-State in North Florida. 2025 Forbes Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in-State in North FL, published February 2025, research by SHOOK Research LLC, data as of August 2024. Compensation provided for using, not obtaining, the rating. The rating is not based on quality of investment advice, investment performance or client feedback. Edward Jones, Member SIPC
