Meet Cynthia Kirkpatrick

Meet Cynthia Kirkpatrick

Cynthia Kirkpatrick is a CPA turned wealth advisor whose career reads like a steady climb toward clarity: numbers first, people always. What began as a double major in accounting and mass communications became a vocation fueled by puzzles, learning, and service. After early roles in public accounting and corporate finance, she discovered investments—and, more importantly, the impact of financial planning on real lives. At Moneta, where she’s spent more than 12 years, Cynthia’s core values and the firm’s fiduciary standard align seamlessly. As she puts it, “There’s one guiding light. Have we done the right thing for people?” 

That conviction to do the best for others is what shapes the way she leads clients and teams. She loves the rigor of analysis and the challenge of a changing economy, but the through-line is there: do what’s right, explain it plainly, and keep learning. Authenticity is non-negotiable, and it’s part of why clients trust her. “I know what I need to know, but I’m still just Cynthia from Missouri.”  That clarity, with no jargon and no masks, lets her translate complexity into decisions people can act on.

Cynthia’s leadership philosophy is practical and human-centric. She builds inclusive, question-friendly environments, believing safety and curiosity unlock better ideas and better outcomes. It’s culture-setting in the simplest terms: ask, include, and then act.

Her commitment to service extends beyond her day job. Cynthia has served as board treasurer for the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank and the Alliance for Period Supplies, contributes to Zonta St. Louis in support of girls’ and women’s education, has coached youth soccer, and volunteers as a Titan 100 judge. At home, she and her husband are raising three teenagers; she’s candid about the joyful, messy balance of building a business while showing up for family, especially after the loss of her father last year. 

Cynthia’s passion for financial literacy and women’s leadership led her to launch The She Lift Project, a community and a podcast designed to help women share their stories, grow their businesses, and build durable networks. Episodes feature candid, hour-long conversations where guests unpack career pivots, lessons learned, and practical takeaways—creating visibility and connection across disciplines. The show also spotlights professionals women can confidently hire and collaborate with, multiplying opportunity for listeners and guests alike. Explore episodes at sheliftproject.com/podcast-episodes.

The origin story is deeply personal. During COVID, after seeing how easily narratives get shaped online, she decided to own her voice: “If somebody is going to write my story, it might as well be me.” That mindset now fuels a growing ecosystem of podcast, events, and ongoing learning that convenes women to trade insights and lift one another, professionally and personally.

For leaders ready to clarify their edge, Cynthia recommends The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks, a nudge to identify your unique “zone of genius” and lean into it with intention.
Cynthia Kirkpatrick models a rare blend: technical excellence, radical honesty, and a bias for service. She’s proof that when expertise meets empathy, and when we show up as ourselves, good work turns into meaningful impact.

Connect with her on LinkedIn here 

Listen to the podcast here.