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A Finance Trailblazer Turning Life’s Challenges into Opportunities. From navigating personal struggles to leading a thriving financial firm, her journey is a true testament to perseverance and purpose.

Linnette Santos has faced life’s hurdles head-on, transforming early setbacks into stepping stones toward a successful career in finance. From overcoming the challenges of being a young mother to founding her own financial firm, Mapade Management LLC, Linnette’s path has been defined by grit, determination, and an unwavering commitment to empowering others. Her work extends far beyond financial advice—she helps entrepreneurs and small business owners gain control over their financial futures.

Linnette’s inspiring rise from personal obstacles to professional success highlights her ability to create meaningful change in the lives of her clients. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that with perseverance and purpose, it’s possible to turn any challenge into a gateway to success.

It’s an honor to speak with you today. Share with the readers of Sheen Magazine who you are and your story.

My name is Linnette Santos, and I was born in New York, NY, where I grew up in a middle-class household alongside my brother and sister. My early education took place in a private school, where I was exposed to a diverse array of cultural backgrounds and entrepreneurial families who frequently discussed their businesses. This environment planted the seed of my desire to one day own my own business, though I wasn’t yet certain of the path I wanted to take.

After a few years, due to changes in our family’s circumstances, I transitioned from private to public school. While the adjustment was challenging, it offered new perspectives on life. At the age of 10, we relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where my mother began a new chapter in her life. The transition to Atlanta brought about significant changes, and at 16, I faced one of my greatest challenges—I became a mother.

The responsibility was overwhelming, and at times, I feared my dreams had been derailed. When my school informed me that I had been marked as a dropout after missing the first three weeks of the new semester, I was determined to prove them wrong. I returned to school the following Monday, explaining that I had just given birth three weeks earlier and that dropping out was not an option. My neighbor, who had just opened a daycare, offered to watch my son while I attended school and worked, providing me with the support I needed to move forward.

Balancing life as a full-time mother, student, and employee at KFC was incredibly challenging, but I persevered and graduated on time with my high school class. I looked at my two-year-old son and vowed that nothing and no one would stop us.

After high school, I enrolled at Georgia State University, though I was still uncertain about my career path. To gain clarity, I entered Corporate America, where I finally discovered my passion for finance. I returned to school, graduating with a BA in Finance from DeVry University in 2016.

After earning my BA in Finance, I took the bold step of founding Mapade Management LLC, a financial firm initially dedicated to helping individuals understand their finances and create effective budgets. As the firm evolved, I recognized a broader need in the market—specifically among entrepreneurs and small businesses. This realization led me to shift the focus of Mapade Management toward tax preparation, business structuring, and financial guidance tailored to the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs.

In 2024, I further solidified my expertise by graduating with an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Keller University. This advanced education has empowered me to offer even more comprehensive support to my clients.

Through my work, I discovered that many individuals and business owners were in dire need of education not only about finances but also about how to structure their businesses effectively and navigate the complexities of taxes. My mission became clear: to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed financially and structurally.

However, this shift in focus has not taken away from our commitment to working with individual taxpayers. We continue to assist individuals with their tax preparation, savings strategies, and budgeting needs, ensuring that they are well-equipped to manage their finances effectively.

What led you to start a career as a tax professional, and can you share a pivotal moment or experience that influenced your choice?  

The pivotal moment that inspired me to start my career as a tax professional came when I recognized a pressing need to assist individuals, entrepreneurs, and business owners who were not always receiving accurate information. As I became more aware of the industry, it became clear that many people were being misled. I felt a strong sense of responsibility to make a difference for those I could reach, guiding them with the correct knowledge and helping them navigate their financial challenges.

As a tax professional, what continues to drive your passion for this field, and how do you stay motivated year after year?  

My passion for the field is deeply rooted in the impact I have on my clients’ lives. When I sit down for a financial review and later hear how even the smallest changes have transformed their lives, it fills me with immense satisfaction. Knowing that I’ve helped someone reduce their stress and improve their financial situation is incredibly rewarding. The testimonials I receive from clients keep me motivated, as I love witnessing their success—whether it’s becoming debt-free, opening a business, or expanding their dreams. Helping others achieve even the simplest of their aspirations brings a smile to my face and drives me to continue doing what I do.

Who are some of your inspirational role models within the tax industry, and how have they influenced your approach to tax planning and advising?  

My mother has always been a source of inspiration for me, demonstrating resilience and a relentless desire to learn. I remember watching her as she meticulously completed tax returns by hand. She would often tell me that people will always need finance or accounting professionals—not just because of the services they offer, but because these are vital life skills that can be passed down from generation to generation. She also taught me an invaluable lesson: never focus solely on the money you can make, but rather on the impact you can have on someone’s life. That perspective has shaped my approach to my work in profound ways.

My role model in the tax industry is my stepfather, Mitchell Enoch, who worked with the Bank of New York for over 30 years. His vast knowledge and deep understanding of finance showed me that anything is possible with the right guidance. I witnessed firsthand how he influenced my mother, helping her take control of her finances during a difficult period in her life and ultimately seeing her wildest dreams come true. It was a truly inspiring experience that left a lasting impact on me.

Meeting Dr. Cozette this year has been a transformative experience for me. Her influence has been nothing short of amazing. I am deeply impressed by the wealth of knowledge she possesses and the boundless energy she brings to her teachings. Over the past three years, I have been searching for a mentor who could truly guide me, and Dr. Cozette surpassed all my expectations. From our very first interaction, I felt her genuine spirit—her approach wasn’t about the money, but about truly helping others. Her transparency and openness have been incredibly inspiring, and I am thankful to have found such a remarkable mentor.

Can you discuss how the tax industry has evolved and changed over the past few decades, including any notable shifts or trends from 10 years ago and 20 years ago?  

The tax industry has undergone significant changes over the past 10 to 20 years. We’ve seen a shift from manual tax return filing to using services like H&R Block or Jackson Hewitt for faster refunds. In the last decade, there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of people becoming tax preparers, though many lack the necessary education to provide true value to their clients. While some individuals now opt to file their returns independently, they often miss out on potential tax breaks, believing that doing it themselves is cheaper and more efficient. However, filing a tax return involves much more than just submitting numbers—it’s about understanding the intricacies that can make a real difference in a client’s financial situation. The ever-evolving nature of the tax industry keeps genuine tax practitioners on their toes, ensuring they stay informed and effective in their roles.

If our readers were looking to work with you as a tax professional, what characteristics or traits should they possess?  

I work with a diverse client base because I believe that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, needs assistance. When working with low-income earners, I take a thoughtful approach by asking targeted questions to help them explore ways to improve their circumstances. I have a particular passion for working with entrepreneurs and business owners, as they always have room for growth and bring a strong vision for their future. Supporting them in realizing their goals and expanding their businesses is incredibly rewarding.

Share with our reader what’s next for you.  

What’s next for me is an exciting phase of growth and development. I am currently working on obtaining both my CPA License and my EA License. Additionally, I will be hosting a webinar in October focused on tax planning and budget savings, where I aim to provide valuable insights and strategies to help individuals and businesses better manage their finances.

Where can our readers follow you on social media?

Website at https://mapademgmt.com/

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/p/Mapade-Management-LLC-61556101830441

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/mapade-management-LLC

Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/mapademgmt

 

 

Photo Credit: Leon King Eye-So Keen Photography