With nearly 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, Denise leads Zapata Private Wealth Group with a blend of strategic insight and heartfelt care. As CEO, she’s built her reputation on more than just financial expertise—she’s known as a trusted confidante, helping clients navigate major life transitions with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Denise launched her career with dual degrees in Economics and Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside. Over the years, she’s continued evolving to meet the changing needs of her clients and the industry. Her philosophy centers on the understanding that financial decisions are deeply personal—tied to emotions, relationships, and pivotal life moments. Lately, she’s been especially focused on ways to empower Women to have an even playing field in the world of finance, as well as keeping her finger on the pulse of changes happening within her industry.

One of her proudest professional achievements has been growing her firm from a solo practice into a fully staffed, thriving business—a milestone that once seemed out of reach. Beyond the office, Denise remains deeply involved in her community. Recently, she and the ZPW team organized a toy drive benefiting House of Ruth, a local Women’s shelter, and she’s currently working to support a scholarship program at Upland High School.

Denise is also a proud mother of four: Victoria (21), currently in her third year at Yale and preparing for law school; Jessica (17), a high school senior planning to attend UC San Diego; Sergio Jr. (15), a driven high school junior; and Daniel (13), her youngest, who brings curiosity and humor to the family. All four have grown up around the business and continue to inspire her commitment to balancing ambition with purpose.

Jessica recently rejoined the Zapata Private Wealth Group, LLC office after a small break from working to focus on her health. She is a recent cancer survivor who battled Leukemia (AML) and has been a part of our office since 2015. She has a bachelor’s degree in finance and business administration from CSUSB, has been a Notary Public since 2016, and has become a Real Estate Broker. Jessica has a vast amount of customer service experience and enjoys helping all of the Zapata Private Wealth Group LLC clients in any way she can.

During her off time, Jessica enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She also has a lot of hobbies that include crafting, going to concerts and movies, and traveling. Her favorite thing to do is to create handmade gifts for loved ones as she is a pro at using her Cricut. One of her lifetime goals is to travel to as many new places as she can, at least one every year. The office is ecstatic to have such a wonderful and creative team member back.

Philip recently joined Zapata Private Wealth Group, bringing over a decade of expertise in finance, accounting, and analysis. With extensive experience in investment banking, Philip is committed to delivering strategic financial insights and personalized service that drive long-term value for both the firm and its clients.

Before joining ZPW, Philip served as Vice President and Managing Director at Bois Capital, an independent investment bank and advisory firm focused on the global software technology and telecommunications industries.

Philip earned dual B.B.A. degrees in Finance and Accounting from California State University, Fullerton. He also holds an M.B.A. degree from the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego.

Outside of work, Philip enjoys exploring international cuisines, traveling, staying active, and expanding his Mandarin language skills. He also has a passion for playing Mahjong and cooking. A dedicated sports fan, Philip enthusiastically supports the Los Angeles Chargers and the San Diego Padres.

Madison recently joined Zapata Private Wealth Group, bringing over years of working in close and personal relationships with clients, handling sensitive information, communicating effectively while remaining compassionate, and efficiency. Madison is committed to supporting clients, the firm, and the mission of ZPW by delivering efficiently with understanding and concern.

Before joining ZPW, Madison was pursuing a career in medicine by working as a Medical Assistant at Skin Physicians and Surgeons. A dermatology office that specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. Pivoting away from the medical field was a challenging decision, but one made to focus on her personal relationships and grow professionally with the skills she has learned thus far.

Madison earned a Bachelors in Science degree in Biological Sciences with a focus in Anatomy and Physiology from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Outside of the office, Madison enjoys exploring the fiction and non-fiction worlds written by authors, cuisines from cultures all over the world, the great outdoors at the beach or even just in her neighborhood with her dog and husband, and attempting to expand her knowledge of the Italian language. She is extremely animated about her love for the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers (Sorry Philip!).