Spotlight on Rising Changemakers: Paulson Edum

603 Diversity is continuing to share stories of our neighbors in our Rising Changemakers series with two more profiles of people who are making a difference in diversity spaces of New Hampshire. Our editorial board members and contributors have shared the names of many remarkable people who have not been in this publication before. If you know of someone who deserves some spotlight, please email us at editors@603diversity.com.

Paulson Edum. Photo by Sarah Ellis

CITY: Goffstown

PASSION AREAS: Wealth management and dramatically impacting the lives of others through financial literacy and education.

Q: You came from Nigeria to New Hampshire to study and play soccer at Southern New Hampshire University. What was that experience of coming to a new country like?

Edum: It is hard to believe I have lived in New Hampshire for almost 19 years now. I got scouted in Nigeria and got offered a scholarship to come to the U.S. to study and play soccer. I had no idea where New Hampshire was.

My first impression was overwhelming. The culture, food, language and social interactions felt quite different. Adapting to American customs took some time. In Nigeria, we speak and write the “Queen’s English.” I had to adjust my spelling variation to conform to the U.S. version.

Food was the biggest culture shock for me. Having grown up in a family restaurant business, food was (as still is) a big part of me. I was used to spicy, flavorful food growing up in Nigeria. The food at the cafeteria on campus was bland. I felt homesick, and it took quite a while for me to adjust.

Social interactions were a positive experience for me. I am generally outgoing and social. I was a bit popular on campus due to being a collegiate athlete and part of the Student Government Association and the International Students Association. I made a lot of friends and acquaintances, which expedited my adaptation to the American culture. My best friend at the time, Sean Moore (RIP) played a pivotal role in my assimilation and adaptation to the American culture— he taught me what Thanksgiving was/meant; he was not only book-smart but people/street-smart!

Moving from Nigeria, which has a tropical climate, to New Hampshire, known for its cold winters and seasonal changes, was a significant adjustment. I was not prepared for the winter but was so fortunate and blessed by the generosity of my history professor, who rallied my classmates to donate some warm clothing, mittens, hats and snow boots to me. Contrary to what I was told, that folks in New England were standoffish, I experienced the warmth and friendliness from folks around me — an experience I will forever be grateful for.

Studying at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) involved navigating a different academic system, with varying expectations regarding assignments, participation and classroom dynamics. I was used to a 1:50 teacher-to-student ratio, which made the classroom dynamic and participation challenging and taking 10 to 12 courses per semester. At SNHU, I had a 1:15 ratio and took five to six courses per semester. The classroom dynamic and participation were different. With the incorporation of audiovisuals and other technologies, education felt easier for me at SNHU. Overall, it was a very positive experience for me.

Being a part of the soccer team helped me build rapport with teammates from different backgrounds, which was very rewarding — especially since there wasn’t much diversity on campus at the time. The level of competition was different, providing an opportunity to grow as a player and teammate. One of the highlights of my collegiate career was winning the NE-10 Conference Championship — the season I scored the famous bicycle kick goal against Franklin Pierce University.

Though every individual’s experience varies, my journey from Nigeria to New Hampshire for education and soccer was one filled with challenges, growth and exciting new opportunities.

Q: What contributed to your staying in New Hampshire after you completed both your bachelor’s and master’s degrees?

Edum: The main reason I chose to stay in New Hampshire after the completion of my bachelor’s and master’s degrees was my son, Deklan! I had my first child during my first year of graduate school. I had other plans prior to his birth — once he was born, nothing else mattered to me. I chose fatherhood rather than pursuing professional soccer. If it weren’t for him, I certainly wouldn’t be in the U.S. today.

Q: How did you get involved with the Manchester NAACP, and has your role with the organization changed over time?

Edum: I initially got involved with the Manchester NAACP through a friend who was already a member. I attended a few meetings and events and was drawn to the organization’s mission of fighting for civil rights and social justice. Over time, I became more involved in various projects and initiatives and eventually took on a leadership role within the organization. My role has evolved from simply being a member to actively participating in decision-making processes, organizing events and advocating for change in our community. I am in my second term as the treasurer of the Manchester, N.H., branch.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

Edum: I enjoy the opportunity to build long-term, trusted relationships with clients and help them make confident decisions about their financial futures. A big part of my job is taking complex topics — investments, insurance, retirement, tax and estate considerations — and translating them into clear, actionable strategies tailored to each client’s goals.

I also really like the problem-solving aspect: analyzing data, markets and risk to create plans that are both strategic and practical, then refining those plans as clients’ lives and market conditions change. Seeing measurable progress — growing assets, improving protection and increasing client confidence — is very rewarding.

For over a decade in financial services, I’ve been privileged to serve individuals, families and small business owners. I’ve seen firsthand the impact of holistic financial planning and how it has impacted various family trees and created generational wealth.

Another aspect I enjoy is leadership and collaboration. Whether it’s mentoring team members, improving processes, or partnering with community organizations to expand financial literacy and access, I appreciate being able to contribute beyond individual client relationships and help drive broader business and community impact.

Q: How do you feel like you make a difference in your work?

Edum: I make a difference by helping people move from uncertainty to clarity and confidence around their financial lives. In my roles, I’m often sitting at the intersection of investments, insurance, retirement, tax and estate planning, so I can see the full picture and design integrated strategies that are truly aligned with what clients are trying to achieve. Over time, that shows up in very tangible ways — growing assets, better protection, more efficient plans and clients feeling more in control of their future.

I also make a difference through relationship-building and education. I spend a lot of time explaining complex concepts in plain language, so clients can make informed decisions instead of just “trusting the numbers.” That’s been true whether I was managing a large book of high-net-worth households at Fidelity or serving families and business owners more recently as a wealth manager and insurance professional.

Beyond individual client impact, I’ve focused on improving teams and the broader community. I’ve led and mentored colleagues to elevate client service, supported process improvements to make communications and operations more effective, and built partnerships with organizations like the NAACP and local universities to expand financial literacy and create more diverse talent pipelines. Knowing that my work can both improve one family’s plan and help strengthen the systems and communities around them is where I feel I add the most value.

Q: Outside of work, what interests do you have?

Edum: I am passionate about photography, nature, music and arts; I play the drums, keyboard and percussion. When I was much younger, in Nigeria, I used to write music and poems. I love painting and being out in nature, and cooking.

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

Edum: One thing I’d add is that my path has shaped me into both a resilient person and a well-rounded financial professional.

I was recruited from Nigeria to the U.S. as a student-athlete, and that experience — balancing academics, leadership and adapting to a new country — built a strong work ethic, humility and an appreciation for different perspectives. Those traits still drive how I show up for clients and colleagues today.

Professionally, I’ve deliberately built a broad, integrated skill set across investments, insurance, planning and business development, and I’m continuing that journey by pursuing the certified financial planner designation. I take a consultative, educational approach: I want clients to really understand their options and feel heard, not “sold to.”

I also care a lot about inclusion and access. My work with organizations like the NAACP, HBCUs and local universities reflect a genuine commitment to expanding financial literacy and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities.

Overall, people who work with me tend to experience someone who is prepared and technically strong, but also patient, empathetic and deeply invested in their long-term success.