We are excited to invite you to the upcoming chapter meeting at the Seattle Foundation in Westlake Center on Thursday, September 11th. Attendees will not only gain valuable knowledge from these two remarkable speakers but will also earn 2 Continuing Education (CE) credits. Additionally, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the expansive Puget Sound, making this an event you won't want to miss. Join us for a morning of learning and networking in a beautiful setting!
Agenda
- 8:15 - 8:40 I Check in & Breakfast Buffet
- 8:40 - 8:50 I Welcome Message from Seattle Foundation & FPA Announcements
- 8:50 I Sponsor Spotlight I Capital Group
- 9:00 - 9:50 I Cutting Through the Noise to Seek Opportunity in Fixed Income (1 CE)
- 9:50 - 10:00 I Break
- 10:00 - 10:50 I New Era of Estate Tax: Legislative Shifts in Washington and Planning for the Big Beautiful Bill (1 CE)
Topic I: Cutting Through the Noise to Seek Opportunity in Fixed Income
Sejal Penkar, Director of Fixed Income Markets I Capital Group I American Funds
In an environment marked by economic uncertainty, shifting interest rates, and evolving market dynamics, it’s more important than ever to separate signal from noise. This presentation offers a clear, strategic view of today’s fixed income landscape—covering key macroeconomic drivers, current market trends, and potential risks and opportunities. Attendees will gain actionable insights for identifying value across sectors, along with practical ideas for portfolio construction tailored to meet client goals in today’s complex environment. Whether you're seeking yield, managing duration, or rethinking credit exposure, this session is designed to help you navigate the noise and make confident, informed decisions.
Topic II: New Era of Estate Tax: Legislative Shifts in Washington and Planning for the Big Beautiful Bill
Sarah Bowman, JD I Perkins Cole
Learn about recent updates to Washington State estate tax and capital gain tax laws that could impact many Washington residents. Now with the country's top state estate tax rate, Washington residents should pay particular attention to the tax liability that may impact their estates. Also learn about the potential changes to federal estate tax laws, and what proactive planning action clients can take to meet planning objectives. Now is an opportune time to take advantage of planning opportunities available under state and federal law. Strategies will be discussed to for advisors to help keep clients on track to meet their personal planning goals.
Learning objectives:
- Learn about recent updates to Washington State law pertaining to estate tax and capital gains tax laws;
- Learn about the status of potential changes to federal estate tax laws and related estate planning laws;
- Learn about planning options and tools to offer clients to help clients stay on track with personal planning goals;
- Learn how advisors can help clients with various planning tools to meet personal planning objectives.
Meet the Speakers!
Sejal Penkar
Sejal Penkar is a director of fixed income markets at Capital Group, home of American Funds. She has 16 years of industry experience and has been with Capital Group for one year. Prior to joining Capital, Sejal was part of the Merrill Private Wealth team where she was the primary business development wealth advisor and co-managed the fixed income sleeve. Before that, Sejal was director of institutional sales for Wells Fargo Securities where she focused on investment-grade and asset-backed fixed income sectors. She holds an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, a master’s degree in teaching from Pace University, which she earned while participating in Teach for America, and a bachelor’s degree in biology and society from Cornell University. Sejal is based in Los Angeles. Sejal has two sons who attend Manhattan Academy and lives in Manhattan Beach. In her free time Sejal enjoys playing tennis.
Sarah Bowman, JD
Sarah Bowman has significant experience advising individuals and families on a broad range of estate planning and trust structures. Sarah’s practice spans family wealth transfer planning, tax planning, business and entity succession planning, asset strategy protection, privacy planning, and charitable giving. She skillfully addresses multifaceted legal complexities to help clients achieve their personal goals.
Sarah also frequently guides high-earning clients and families in the establishment and management of family offices, often involving complex family, trust, philanthropic, and investment arrangements. Sarah works with owners of growing businesses to assist with estate, tax, and wealth transfer plans, providing a long-term strategy to effectively meet personal and business planning goals.