At a time when financial markets are increasingly complex and clients are seeking more personalized guidance, a new generation of professionals is stepping confidently into the world of wealth management. Among them is Abigail (Abby) Maziarz, an Associate Investment Consultant at Highland Associates. She is already making her mark through a blend of curiosity, discipline, and a genuine commitment. In her role, Maziarz helps provide investment solutions to nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, and community foundations to support their financial goals and further their missions.
It wasn’t necessarily the fun summer many of my peers were having but it was important to me to focus on saving and planning. The result allowed me to really enjoy Barcelona. Abigail (Abby) Maziarz, an Associate Investment Consultant at Highland Associates
Maziarz, a graduate of the University of Alabama’s Culverhouse College of Business, always had a knack for numbers but didn’t initially think of making it a career. She started her time at Alabama as an interior design major but quickly shifted her focus to finance and international business. A wise move for Maziarz who joined Regions Bank’s Highland Associates office in Birmingham, providing investment solutions for mission-based organizations with a focus on nonprofit healthcare.
“The summer before my senior year at Alabama, I was working at a local restaurant to earn money for my study abroad program in Barcelona,” said Maziarz. “It wasn’t necessarily the fun summer many of my peers were having but it was important to me to focus on saving and planning. The result allowed me to really enjoy Barcelona.”
That summer, Maziarz met Paige Daniel, head of Highland Associates.
“I knew Abby’s mom and she told me that Abby was interested in investments,” recalls Daniel. “There are not a lot of women (that age) who are passionate about investments, and so we struck up a conversation. I was taken by her curiosity, her drive – she had excellent grades and was working – and her overall demeanor.”
The two met again during Maziarz’s last semester at Alabama and talked about job opportunities.
Internships are great, but experience is priceless
“It was stressful not having internship experience when I graduated and I felt like I was behind in a way,” noted Maziarz. “But there are ways to explore the different environments where you can grow.” And she did – through her classes, study abroad, and investment courses.
“Early that summer, we had an opportunity on the consulting side of our firm, and I reached out to see if Abby would be interested,” shared Daniel. “Her coursework and takeaways were impressive. Abby was one of the most impressive interviews I’ve ever sat through. She was extremely prepared coming in.”
Daniel noted that with recent graduates, no one expects you to have tons of experience, but as she saw in Maziarz, expressing the motivation to learn and putting in the work is key to stand out from the crowd.
Her coursework and takeaways were impressive. Abby was one of the most impressive interviews I’ve ever sat through. She was extremely prepared coming in.Paige Daniel, head of Highland Associates
Maziarz was drawn to Highland’s focus on nonprofit organizations.
“It’s different every day,” said Maziarz, whose job includes supporting account operations and day to day tasks such as monitoring portfolio performance (under the supervision of the senior consultant), and helping with preparation for client meetings. “My favorite part of the job is seeing how the work we do directly impacts our client organizations and the work that they do.”
Continued education and full-time work: A balancing act
As a young associate learning the ropes, Maziarz is also currently studying for her Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation.
“It takes about 1000 hours of studying,” noted Daniel who has been impressed with how Maziarz is balancing the work between her day job and rigorous studying.”
I plan out my week every weekend to understand what I need to do to balance work and studying, which I do mostly after work, here at the office. Everyone is very supportive.Abigail Maziarz
Maziarz who joined Highland in July 2025, began studying for the exam in late December and plans to take level 1 at the end of August 2026. Many Highland Associates hold this designation, which consists of three levels and can take at least three years to complete.
“It’s a lot and you have to be organized,” said Maziarz. “I plan out my week every weekend to understand what I need to do to balance work and studying, which I do mostly after work, here at the office. Everyone is very supportive.”
The commitment to continued education helps many associates better serve their clients while supporting their own career growth.
Why Birmingham? Why Regions?
A big reason I wanted to stay in Birmingham was the people and the professional environment here.Abigail Maziarz
And that support extends beyond her team at Highland and is a large part of why the Birmingham native opted to stay local to launch her career.
“A big reason I wanted to stay in Birmingham was the people and the professional environment here. Through networking and meeting professionals in the business community, I realized Birmingham has a very relationship driven culture. People are accomplished and driven, but they are also approachable and willing to invest time in helping younger professionals grow.”
That was something Maziarz noticed with Regions and Highland Associates as well. “I wanted to work somewhere that would challenge me, trust me with meaningful responsibility early in my career, and surround me with people I could learn from every day,” said Maziarz. “Since joining, that has definitely been my experience.”
It’s Better in Birmingham
Growing up in Birmingham, I’ve always appreciated how connected the city feels.Abigail Maziarz
Recently ranked #1 for 20-something recent college graduates by an ADP Research study, the Magic City has a lot to offer young professionals early in their careers. Previously ranked #5, Birmingham’s jump was driven by strong hiring and rapid wage growth, according to the study. Between January 2025 and January 2026, the metro posted a strong 2.8 percent hiring rate, and median annual wages for recent graduates jumped more than 16 percent. The study also noted that the region was more affordable than all but two of the metros included.
“Growing up in Birmingham, I’ve always appreciated how connected the city feels. Even as it continues to grow, it still has a strong sense of community, which I think makes it a really good place to start a career.” Maziarz noted that after college and studying abroad, she returned to Birmingham with an even greater appreciation for the city because she realized how much she valued that balance between professional opportunity and quality of life.
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About Highland Associates:
Highland Associates is registered with the United States Security and Exchange Commission under the Investment Advisors Act of 1940. Highland Associates is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Bank, which in turn is a wholly owned subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation.
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