Darby Affeldt named an Enterprising Women of the Year award recipient for business and community leadership
CARY, N.C.—December 22, 2025—Darby Affeldt, DVM, RICP®, CPFA®, Partner at North Star Resource Group, was today announced as a recipient of the Enterprising Women of the Year award from Enterprising Women magazine, a publication for women business professionals founded in 2000.
This award recognizes women business owners for their business growth as well as their commitment to community leadership and giving back. Darby and her financial practice were included in the businesses with up to $1 million in annual revenues category.
“The recipients of the 2026 Enterprising Women of the Year Award represent an amazing group of women entrepreneurs from across the United States and globally,” said Monica Smiley, publisher and CEO of Enterprising Women and founder and president of the Enterprising Women Foundation. “We could not be prouder to recognize their accomplishments as CEOs of fast-growth companies, community leaders and role models and mentors to other women and girls. We look forward to shining the spotlight on them at our 24th annual awards event in March.”
After spending 19 years as a veterinary professional (including co-owning and selling an eight-doctor veterinary practice) and 12 years as the owner of a successful construction development company, Affeldt joined North Star as a financial advisor in 2012. Using her strong entrepreneurial spirit and her unique behavioral analysis background, she has built a nationwide, fiduciary-centric financial practice that caters to the needs of high-achieving professionals.
Beyond her client work, Affeldt has written several articles detailing advanced financial planning concepts and is a co-author of the book “Real Life Financial Planning for Veterinarians,” published in 2016. She is also involved with her community, serving as an advisory board member for Mission Animal Hospital, a nonprofit veterinary hospital expanding to the Denver area. Additionally, she is currently working as an executive producer on an upcoming documentary called “Worth It. Rewriting the Story of Women and Wealth,” which explores the relationship women have with money.
“North Star is extremely proud of Affeldt for this recognition from Enterprising Women,” added North Star CEO Ed Deutschlander, CLU®, CLF®. “It reflects her commitment to excellence for her clients and to helping others reach their goals.”
The Enterprising Women of the Year award program is widely considered one of the most prestigious for women business owners. To win, nominees must demonstrate that they have fast-growth businesses, mentor or actively support other women and girls involved in entrepreneurship and stand out as leaders in their communities. Many recipients also serve as leaders of the key organizations that support the growth of women’s entrepreneurship.
Affeldt and the other award winners will be honored at the Enterprising Women of the Year Awards Celebration and Conference on March 8-10, 2026, in New Orleans.
To learn more about Affeldt, visit www.northstarfinancial.com/advisors/darby-affeldt.
About Enterprising Women
Founded in 2000, Enterprising Women is a Cary, N.C.-based magazine that chronicles the growing political, economic and social influence and power of entrepreneurial women. To learn more about Enterprising Women, visit www.enterprisingwomen.com.
About North Star Resource Group
North Star Resource Group is a Minneapolis-based financial services firm that provides both individuals and businesses with the resources to help create, preserve, and protect their wealth. North Star has more than 207 full-time advisors and over 202 employees. In a network of 37 offices in over 21 states, they have contributed to the financial security and well-being of over 150,000 individuals and small businesses.* To learn more about North Star Resource Group, visit www.northstarfinancial.com.
*Data as of 12/2024
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If you would like more information about this topic, please call Ian Rich at 612.617.6076 or email him at ian.rich@northstarfinancial.com.
Darby Affeldt is a Registered Representative offering Securities through Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers, LLC, a registered investment adviser. Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Ian Rich is a non-registered Associate of Cetera Wealth Services, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC.
2026 Enterprising Women of the Year – Category: Businesses with up to $1 million in annual revenues and up to $2 million in annual revenues issued by Enterprising Women Magazine. This recognition was based on demonstrated business growth, leadership in the community, and support for women’s entrepreneurship, as determined by the award organizers. Listing in this publication and/or award is not a guarantee of future investment success. This recognition should not be construed as an endorsement of the financial professional by any client. No compensation was provided directly or indirectly by the recipient for participation or in connection with obtaining or using the third-party rating or award.