Selwyn D. Whitehead, Esq., is a transformative legal and financial expert whose extraordinary career spans more than 40 years of service, leadership, and innovation. Guided by an unyielding commitment to ethical advocacy and economic empowerment, Selwyn has earned her place as a respected voice in law, financial literacy, and media. Her personal motto—“Empowering communities through law, finance, and insight”—aptly reflects the scope and impact of her life’s work.

Selwyn’s journey began with a strong foundation in systems engineering, where she thrived in roles that sharpened her analytical acumen and shaped her understanding of complex infrastructures. Her early career with leading telecommunications companies such as Pacific Bell, AT&T, Motorola, and Case Communications gave her a systems-level perspective that would later inform her approach to legal and financial challenges. Her transition from engineer to advocate was not a leap but a natural evolution—an expansion of purpose fueled by a desire to serve marginalized communities through meaningful, lasting impact.

Recognizing the systemic barriers facing underserved populations in accessing fair financial services, Selwyn founded the Economic Empowerment Foundation in 1991. As its President and Executive Director, she led efforts to provide financial literacy training, advocate for equitable access to banking and insurance, and represent consumers before regulatory bodies. Under her leadership, the organization successfully pushed for rate reductions totaling $300 million and secured a $6 million investment into the Oakland community from major insurers. Her advocacy shaped state and federal insurance policy and contributed to critical legislation such as the Anti-Redlining in Insurance Act and the Reinsurance Reinvestment Act.

After over a decade of nonprofit leadership, Selwyn deepened her impact through law. Earning her Juris Doctor and subsequently two Master of Laws degrees—in Taxation and Intellectual Property—she launched The Law Offices of Selwyn D. Whitehead in 2005. As a California State Bar Bankruptcy Law Certified Specialist, Selwyn’s legal practice centers on bankruptcy, estate planning, taxation, financial elder abuse, and real estate. Her reputation as a fierce, ethical advocate has made her a trusted counselor for clients navigating complex financial crises, legal disputes, and asset protection strategies.

Selwyn’s expertise also extends to the courtroom and regulatory arenas, where she represents individuals and businesses before the IRS, the U.S. Tax Court, and bankruptcy courts throughout California. Her sharp legal mind and compassionate advocacy enable her to help clients restructure debt, preserve assets, and create sustainable financial plans. Her professional journey reflects a seamless integration of legal insight, policy advocacy, and technical strategy—all in service to client well-being and community advancement.

Selwyn’s influence isn’t confined to courtrooms and boardrooms. Since 2012, she has hosted Selwyn’s Law, a syndicated weekly radio show and podcast on KFAX AM 1100 and WWCR, addressing legal and financial issues facing consumers and small business owners. The show is both a platform for education and a tool for empowerment, reflecting her deep belief in public service and informed citizenship. Through her voice, she demystifies complex topics, offering guidance, analysis, and moral clarity to listeners across the country.

Her past leadership at Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company, where she served as Claims Legal Expense Audit Manager and Managing Attorney, further illustrates her ability to lead at the intersection of law, finance, and corporate governance. There, she restructured internal practices to yield over $60 million in legal cost savings over three years while managing a diverse legal team. Her work helped refine best practices in litigation management and introduced innovative auditing systems that streamlined operational efficiency.

In addition to her professional accolades, Selwyn is an accomplished legal writer and contributor to national and international publications such as Lawyer Monthly, CorporateLiveWire, and the Daily Journal. Her writings on bankruptcy law, financial justice, and economic policy extend her advocacy into the academic and public policy spheres. These contributions reinforce her position as a thought leader committed to transparency, equity, and ethical governance.

Selwyn is also a committed educator and consultant. She has served as a financial literacy instructor for small businesses as part of San Francisco’s “Minding My Black-Owned Business” initiative, providing crucial legal and economic training in the historic Fillmore District. Her role in this initiative exemplifies her lifelong dedication to empowering communities of color and creating generational wealth through informed entrepreneurship and ethical business practices.

Now entering the next phase of her journey, Selwyn remains steadfast in her mission to serve society. At 70, she is vibrant, intellectually curious, and driven by purpose. She seeks board service not to prove her worth—her career speaks volumes—but to continue being of service, particularly to organizations aligned with her values in AI, quantum computing, media, technology, and real estate. Her vast experience, deep empathy, and strategic brilliance make her an unparalleled candidate for board leadership.

Character:
Selwyn exemplifies integrity, compassion, and resilience. Her commitment to justice is unwavering, and she consistently uses her skills to uplift those most in need.

Knowledge:
With dual LLMs, decades of legal practice, and a background in systems engineering, Selwyn brings a multidisciplinary intellect to every challenge. Her extensive expertise informs insightful, data-driven solutions across industries.

Strategic:
Selwyn has led multimillion-dollar cost-saving initiatives, advised on legislative reforms, and built programs that impact communities at scale. Her strategic vision combines precision and purpose to produce sustainable outcomes.

Communication:
Whether in courtrooms, classrooms, or over the airwaves, Selwyn’s communication style is clear, persuasive, and grounded in empathy. Her ability to simplify complex concepts has educated thousands and inspired action.

http://www.selwynwhitehead.net/