Making Your Mark in a Male Industry

From humble beginnings in Brooklyn, New York, to making history as the first female African-American Executive Field Chairman (EFC) at First Financial Security (FFS), Marcella Barnes’s journey is one of dedication, leadership and paving the way for other strong women in an industry that has been male-driven for most of its history.

Growing up in a family of immigrants from Panama, Jamaica and Colombia, Marcella’s early life was shaped by her mother’s entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with a small grocery store, her mother worked tirelessly to acquire and rehabilitate properties, teaching Marcella the skills of hard work and determination, and passing down a keen eye for real estate development. By the time she was a teenager, Marcella was already deeply involved in her family’s business, laying the foundation for her future career.

Marcella’s early success in the male-dominated construction industry set her apart as a leader. With over 30 years of experience, she led multi-million and billion-dollar real estate projects, becoming a trailblazer in Baltimore's development sector. But her drive to create change didn’t stop there.

In 2015, Marcella made a life-changing transition into financial services, realizing the immense value of life insurance with living benefits. Her passion for helping people build wealth and secure their financial futures led her to become a Certified Financial Education Instructor. Today, Marcella’s impact goes far beyond her individual success. She is empowering diverse communities by educating them on the importance of life insurance and financial literacy, ensuring that more families from underserved groups have the chance to build generational wealth.

Through her leadership at FFS, Marcella is helping to change the face of insurance, ensuring that wealth-building opportunities are no longer reserved for traditionally privileged families. Her commitment to educating her agents and clients alike reflects her deep belief that financial security should be accessible to all, regardless of background.

As she continues to break barriers and inspire others, Marcella is a shining example of how one person’s journey can create a ripple effect, empowering individuals, families and communities for generations to come.