Redefining Wealth: Marcel V. Quiroga on Building Wealth That Reflects Values, Purpose, and Legacy
“Understanding the culture and economies across continents teaches you that the opportunities beyond our borders are greater than what most people imagine.” Meet today’s woman dreamer, Marcel V. Quiroga, is the visionary CEO and Founder of TQM Wealth Partners and has over 25 years in financial services. From Bolivia and Boston, she follows a value-driven approach in her work as well as in her roles as an adviser, speaker, and mentor. In this interview, Marcel reflects on how her international journey shaped her approach to finance, the connection between menopause and money, and how women can lead both their personal and financial lives with purpose, balance, and lasting impact.
1. You grew up and studied in Bolivia and are now the CEO of TQM Wealth Partners in Boston. How has your journey from Bolivia to Boston shaped your perspective on global financial markets and wealth management?
I grew up in the Boston area and my dad moved the family to Bolivia to study the Andean culture during a sabbatical year of his. I was seventeen and when my family came home, I stayed in Bolivia. My journey came full circle when I moved back to Boston after being in Bolivia for 20 years. Not only did that roundtrip experience shape my perspective on global financial markets and wealth management. Travelling frequently to many other countries did too. Understanding the culture and economies in countries across continents teaches you that the opportunities beyond our borders are greater than what most people imagine. It also shows you what the real risks are, which are not always the obvious ones. Finally, having lived in a 3rd world country has shaped the way I approach wealth management. It has deepened my understanding and appreciation around the importance of living your legacy to make an impact in the lives of others with actions small and large.
2. You recently wrote an article called, "The Connection Between Menopause, Money, and Meaning", bringing to the light the connections between powerful intersections of menopause, financial health, and personal fulfillment that are often overlooked. What inspired your deep interest in this topic, and what do you think all women should know on this?
My passion for spreading the message about living your legacy led me to the realization that menopause changes the brain in a way that takes the focus off taking care of everyone else because estrogen levels drop. This creates an opportunity for women to think about what they really want their legacies to be, beyond all they have done before reaching that stage of life. Sometimes that translates into more self-care, which is necessary when you want to have an impact in whatever area of the world that you choose. You need health and strength to make a difference! One thing I think all women should know is that having a financial plan positions them to better face some of the challenges that menopause brings. If the transition into menopause is making it more difficult to work, for example, a financial plan can help you be prepared for taking time off. It can also empower you to do the things you always wanted to do but were not able to because you were taking care of family or focused on your career. Bottom line is: don’t underestimate the power of planning.
3. As we see more women taking control of their financial futures, what unique strategies do you recommend for female investors looking to build long-term wealth in today’s economy?
Know how well funded your consumption is. This is accomplished by first having your own cash-flow-based balance sheet. This starts with an understanding that the biggest debt everyone has is money they owe themselves for their future spending. It also should include assessing human capital and social capital (that are like notes receivable) in addition to financial capital as sources for funding consumption.
4. Mentorship and "paying it forward" are at the core of Women Who Win. Is there a mentor(s) in your life that inspires you?
There are many women that I admire and who have been an inspiration to me. The woman that I most admire is Mary, the Mother of Jesus. Her humility and wisdom teach us the true meaning of what matters in life. She is the first Christian to have ever existed and an advocate for all of us who believe in Christ.
5. Wealth Management can be a very busy career. How do you find your work life balance? What do you do to relax outside of work?
The way I think about work life balance is similar to the way I think about wealth management. It’s all about priorities. The best way to identify your priorities, in my opinion, is to articulate your values and write down what you are doing that is aligned with those values and what you are doing that you is not. Family is at the top of my values list, and I find spending time with them is one of the most relaxing and fun things I can do.
Thank you Marcel for sharing your story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
Bio: Marcel V. Quiroga is the visionary Founder and CEO of TQM Wealth Partners, a boutique RIA firm serving business owners and C-suite executives under a fiduciary standard of care. With more than 25 years of experience in financial services and a deep commitment to legacy-focused planning, Marcel guides clients through advanced strategies to grow, protect, and ultimately transfer their wealth in alignment with their personal values and multigenerational goals. A Certified Retirement Management Adviser (RMA), Marcel founded TQM Wealth Partners in 2016 with a mission: to deliver comprehensive, objective financial guidance through a highly personalized, human-centered approach. Under her leadership, TQM has become known not just for its financial acumen, but for its dedication to helping clients build lives of meaning—where financial wealth enhances human, social, and spiritual well-being. Marcel’s impact and excellence have been recognized nationally. In 2025, she was honored with the Enterprising Women Diamond Legacy Award, a prestigious distinction celebrating her career-long dedication to leadership, mentorship, and social impact. She is also a Five Star Wealth Manager for the third consecutive year, a recognition reserved for financial professionals who consistently demonstrate outstanding client satisfaction and performance. Marcel’s career includes key leadership roles at top-tier institutions such as Merrill Lynch’s Private Banking and Investment Group, Morgan Stanley, and Capital Formation Group, where she served as Chief Relationship Officer. Beyond the boardroom, Marcel is a community-builder and advocate. She is the founder of The Legacy Dialogues, a platform designed to inspire action through meaningful conversations around values, philanthropy, and purpose. She serves on the boards of Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn, The Women’s Edge, and the North Shore Women’s Conference. She is also a founding member and past Chair of the Latino Council for Boston Children’s Hospital. Marcel brings global perspective and deep-rooted compassion to everything she does. When she’s not advising clients or championing causes close to her heart, you’ll find her spending time with her two granddaughters, writing, reading, meditating, practicing yoga, or enjoying a lively game of pickleball with family and friends.