Sammara Vecchio, Operations Assistant | May 2025
As I reflect on what has shaped me both personally and professionally, I feel compelled to share a piece of my heart with you.
Society often refers to those born between 1930 and 1940 as the “Silent Generation.” According to many sources, they were considered silent because they were perceived as more conservative, conformist, and less vocal. However, when I reflect on my own experience growing up—from adolescence to young adulthood—alongside my grandparents, I never saw them as silent. They were vocal, determined, and endlessly creative. It often felt like they and their generation had life all figured out. The wisdom and love they poured into me have left a lasting imprint on who I am today. Having the privilege to grow with them at different stages of our lives was truly priceless.
They taught me life skills that continue to sustain me to this day—cooking, gardening, active listening, and having compassion for all people. Some of my fondest memories are of traveling up and down highways 87 and 95 to visit family and friends. I remember sitting in the backseat of their Lincoln, watching my Papa open his road map to help navigate as my grandmother drove. That image is etched in my memory. I can still hear them saying, “Baby, let’s get up and go for a ride.” A ride could mean a day trip or a weekend away—but no matter the distance, I was always ready.In my adolescent years, I didn’t fully grasp the weight of the lessons they were teaching me, or how much I’d one day long to hear their old sayings again—sayings I now realize were rooted in truth. They were true beacons of light in my life, showing up for me at sports events, school plays, recitals, friendships, graduations, and even my early career steps. The life I had with them propelled me to become who I am today.
Honestly, when I think about my grandparents from the Silent Generation and the love they gave me, it reminds me why I value hospitality so deeply. The idea of being able to create an exceptional experience or environment for others is powerful to me. That brings me to share a bit about my background in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work in the hospitality industry and serve clients with white-glove service. Working in restaurants and hotels taught me how to connect with people, appreciate every interaction, and make each experience meaningful—whether it was a wedding, social event, business trip, family vacation, or a catered celebration like a bat mitzvah, retirement party, or sporting event.
That background is what inspired me to grow within the wealth management space—to offer an added layer of white-glove service to clients who have worked hard to create generational wealth for their families. That kind of legacy means so much to me. As a wife, mother, daughter, friend, and sister, I place great value on relationships. My life is rooted in meaningful, belly-to-belly connections—living life together. Being honorable, kind, hospitable, patient, and loving has a lasting impact. I believe those qualities also shine through in how I show up for my team.
I am truly grateful to be part of a team that places people and families at the heart of what we do. We find joy in making sure others feel well cared for—and that is a value I hold dearly.
“We were thrilled when Sammara joined our team. Her vibrant energy, warmth, and enthusiasm make her a wonderful asset to both our team and our clients.”
– Jason Dugan
President, AWG
