Joshua Betz

Director of Operations
 

Joshua is a dedicated and accomplished professional with a diverse background that seamlessly blends artistry and operational excellence. Originally from southern Indiana, he pursued a rigorous education in theatre at Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois, cultivating a strong foundation in the performing arts. For seven years, he worked in the theatre scene of New York City, performing in off-Broadway stages and out on national tours. During this period, he also worked on an array of survival gigs in high-end restaurants and bespoke coffee shops, developing a robust work ethic, adaptability, and an exceptional capacity for multitasking. These experiences not only showcased his talent but also honed his ability to manage complex projects and work collaboratively in dynamic environments.

The onset of the pandemic steered Joshua towards new horizons in estate management and personal assistance on Fire Island and Miami Beach. Here, his organizational skills and attention to detail shone brightly, preparing him for his next professional chapter.In March 2022, Joshua joined Identiti Financial where he now serves as Director of Operations. In this role, he leverages his unique skill set to enhance operational efficiency and support the company's mission of providing inclusive financial services. Outside of his professional endeavors, Joshua enjoys spending summers on Fire Island with his close friends Andy and Ward, and his boyfriend Billy. They immerse themselves in the island's rich history and often participate in festive costume events, celebrating both creativity and community. With a passion for the arts and a knack for operational strategy, Joshua continues to make meaningful impact in every facet of his career.

Shanika Lofton

Director of Marketing and Communications
 

Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Shanika earned her bachelor's degree in communications from the University of Baltimore before making the leap to New York City in 2016. Her professional journey began in the world of fitness, where she thrived as both a coach and a dynamic salesperson. A lifelong lover of the arts and all creative things, Shanika has always found inspiration in expression whether through design, movement, or music.

Today, with the support of Identiti Financial, she brings that passion to life in her work in Communications and Digital Design. Her creativity is fueled by sunshine, vibrant cultures, and a good karaoke night. You're just as likely to find her roller skating the streets of Miami or brunching on a NYC rooftop as you are to catch her boarding a flight to her next inspiration-filled destination.

Stephen Carrasco

Client Services Associate
 

Stephen Carrasco is a New York City–based professional whose career reflects an uncommon blend of artistic excellence and financial discipline. He spent more than two decades performing at the highest levels of the entertainment industry, featured in Broadway productions including Wicked, Kinky Boots, and Billy Elliot, as well as multiple national tours such as the Pulitzer Prize–winning musical Hamilton.

Operating in environments that demand precision, resilience, and collaboration, Stephen developed a deep appreciation for performance under pressure and the value of disciplined preparation. Building on that foundation, Stephen transitioned into financial services with a clear purpose: to bring thoughtful, practical financial guidance to the creative community he knows and loves. Having seen firsthand the unique income patterns, career arcs, and liquidity challenges that artists and entrepreneurs face, he is passionate about helping individuals translate success into long-term financial security.

 

Paulius Mendelis

Financial Services Representative
 

Paulius brings a wide-angle view of finance to his work with clients, one shaped by his past experience in institutional capital markets, top-tier New York real estate, and private banking. At Identiti Financial, he draws on all of it to help individuals, couples, and business owners in the LGBTQ+ community make confident decisions about building wealth, protecting the people they love, and leaving a legacy on their own terms. 

Most recently, Paulius served as a Business Consultant in Fixed Income Analytics at LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) in New York City, partnering with asset managers and major financial institutions on the analytics behind their decisions. Earlier, he spent several years advising clients on significant New York City real estate transactions at SERHANT and Compass and got his start in finance at Signature Bank. Clients benefit from that mix: the technical depth of a financial services professional who has spent his career in the rooms where institutional decisions are made, paired with the warmth and clarity of someone who knows that good planning is really about the human story underneath the numbers. 

Paulius holds a Business Analytics certificate from Harvard Business School and a BA (Hons) in International Politics & Business from Middlesex University in London. He speaks English, Lithuanian, and Spanish, is an active member of the New York Lithuanian Professionals, where he has helped lead fundraisers supporting humanitarian relief in Ukraine, “Sector” LGBTQ entrepreneur’s club and is a regular at OPEN Finance and other forums advancing LGBTQ+ representation in financial services. 

Matthew Erickson

Founder/CEO
 

Originally from Buffalo, New York. Matt brings a rich academic and cultural background to his work. He completed his undergraduate studies at The University of Buffalo and earned his master's degree from Perdue University. Now a long-time resident of NYC for over 20 years. Matt is married to his incredible husband, Jared, an ICU Pharmacist specializing in cancer care. Matt's passion for human rights is evident in his extensive community involvement.

He serves on the LGBTQ+ Field Advisory Committee and the Young Leaders Council of the LGBTQ Center of New York. He has also been a Subject Matter Expert and Contributing Author for Gays with Kids (GWK) and has previously represented the United States as a delegate in International Artistic and Cultural Exchange via ITI UNESCO.

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