2025 Speakers

Brittany Burroughs

Brittany is currently a Consumer Education Specialist in the Consumer Education Section at the FDIC where she specializes in consumer fincacial education, particularly within the Money Smart curriculum. With a focus on financial literacy for youth, Brittany spearheads the Money Smart for Young people program, which provides invaluable financial education resources to students from Pre-K to grade 12.

Brittany Haley

Brittany Haley is a recognized leader in the financial education sector with over a decade of experience spanning the banking and education industries. As Assistant Vice President and Financial Education Manager at All One Credit Union, Brittany manages high school branch programs and oversees the credit union’s community outreach initiatives. Her work includes educating students at three high schools on essential financial topics such as budgeting, paying for college, and gaining firsthand experience in financial services. She also plays a key role in supervising the credit union’s internship program, providing students with real-world career opportunities. In addition to her work with students, Brittany has built strong partnerships with local organizations, including 508 Forever Young, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, MassHire, and Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, to extend financial literacy throughout the community. Brittany also serves as the host of “Make Cents,” a public access television show where she engages local experts in discussions on financial topics aimed at empowering viewers.

Carmen Cruz

Carmen became a part of the Founders Club when she joined the Bureau on August 1, 2011. She started her career as an Investigator on the mortgage team in the Division of Consumer Response. In April 2014, Carmen joined the Office of Financial Education where she created the Bureau’s translations’ process for consumer-facing materials. She also led the project that created the Bureau’s first Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Haitian Creole, Russian, Tagalog, and Vietnamese glossaries of financial words and terms. Carmen currently is the Bureau’s translations Program Manager, which includes managing the translations process and budget. Carmen co- leads Consumer Education’s Language Access work. Carmen is part of the Financial Education Outreach team. Through outreach within American communities, specializing in outreach to multilingual/LEP and Native and underserved communities. Carmen shares resources that help consumers make informed financial decisions. Helping Americans make informed financial decisions has become a passion of Carmen’s. She is excited to be part of a team that makes sure this information is available in more than eight languages. Carmen transferred to the Bureau from the FDIC, and prior to that she has over 20 years in the banking and financial industry.

Caroline Dennis

Caroline Dennis is an example of leadership driven by purpose. As the Founder/President/CEO of the Chayil Financial Group and the Founder/Executive Director of NuJourney Foundation, she has devoted herself to creating organizations that embody purpose, passion, and intentional effort. At the helm of the Chayil Financial Group, a minority-owned holding company, Caroline strives to merge business development and investment opportunities. By leveraging her expertise, she has launched Chayil Consulting, LLC, Coaching with Caroline, and Caroline’s Coaching Academy under the Chayil brand. These ventures provide invaluable financial, business, and leadership coaching, empowering individuals and organizations to reframe success. Caroline’s impactful work extends beyond her corporate endeavors. As the leader of the NuJourney Foundation, a non-profit organization, she focuses on promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. Caroline’s educational background includes an undergraduate degree in Corporate Finance and a graduate degree in Project Management. Her dedication to personal and professional growth is evident through her completion of the Yale School of Management Executive Leadership Program. Furthermore, Caroline holds impressive certifications, including being a Certified Financial Education Instructor, a Certified Practitioner of the Entrepreneurial Mindset Profile through Eckerd College’s Leadership Development Institute, and a Master Trainer Financial Coach with Dave Ramsey. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Caroline recently published her book, “Take the Journey: The Powerful Steps to Owning Your Story.” This book serves as a testament to her expertise and provides readers with practical guidance on embracing their own journey to success. Outside of her entrepreneurial pursuits, Caroline actively contributes to her community. She serves as a Program Advisor for the MUMA School of Business, Design Thinking Program at the University of South Florida and as the Chairperson for the Apopka Area Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneurial Committee. Her unwavering commitment to leadership excellence and community service has been recognized through various honors, with her most recent being an inductee into the 2023 Marquis Who’s Who. Caroline Dennis exemplifies a leader who leads with purpose, dedication, and commitment to empowering others. In all her endeavors, she strives to uplift individuals, organizations, and communities.

Catherine Lopez

Catherine Lopez is a dedicated and passionate Education Specialist at the Credit Counselling Society, where she has been teaching financial education for over 8 years. With a strong commitment to expanding financial literacy, Catherine has facilitated over 800 workshops and webinars, empowering individuals across Canada to make informed financial decisions. Catherine is deeply invested in creating interactive and engaging learning experiences. She is one of the facilitators of the Credit Counselling Society webinar, “The Truth About Credit,” which was named the “Best Free Course for Managing Debt in Canada” by MoneySense Magazine in 2023. Through these initiatives, she has made significant strides in improving the financial well-being of her audiences, using practical strategies to help people manage debt and navigate their financial journeys. In her current role, Catherine spearheaded, developed and launched the Credit Counselling Society’s Learning Hub, which successfully onboarded over 900 stakeholders and collaborated with 12 organizations to create tailored financial education resources. A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Catherine holds a Bachelor of Arts and a Diploma in Counselling and Human Development. Outside of her professional endeavors, Catherine enjoys traveling the world with her husband and three young children.

Claire A. Loup

As an Outreach Senior Advisor at the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Claire conducts outreach, develops curriculum, writes articles and partners with a variety of educational organizations and teacher preparation programs to provide professional development opportunities for teachers and pre-service teachers on economics and personal finance topics. She also has responsibility for the Branch’s Museum of Trade, Finance, and the Fed. She has been with the New Orleans Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta for 25 years and has conducted the economic and financial education outreach for the branch since 2002. A New Orleans native, Claire earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Education and a Master of Business Administration from the University of New Orleans.

Daniel Rohrer

A native of Ohio, Daniel Rohrer studied religion at Denison University, Emory University, and the University of Goettingen, Germany. He leverages those studies of people’s religious commitments in coaching students toward greater financial capability: money, like religion, centers on people’s greatest concerns. He strives to fill his workshops with the potential for greater confidence in making important financial decisions. When he is not coaching students, Daniel spends time with his family and with the greater Berea community. He is involved in the local makerspace, where he explores 3D printing, woodworking, and blacksmithing. These activities have fiscal benefits, except for when there are particularly good sales on hand planes or clamps, and then his judgment becomes notably foggier in a way that no responsible person should emulate.

Emily Schwartz

Often referred to as the Bill Nye of personal finance, Dr. Emily Schwartz has been a featured financial speaker at conferences and college campuses across the country where she is praised for her energy, engagement, and ability to break personal finance concepts down into relatable chunks for sustained impact. She holds a Ph.D. in education from Arizona State University and has classroom experience teaching at both the K-12 and collegiate level. She currently runs the MoneyMoments financial education program sponsored by MidFirst Bank in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, and California.

Eric Elogeen

Dr. Eric Elbogen is the Director of the National Veterans Financial Resource Center (FINVET) at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and a Professor of Psychiatry at Duke University. Dr. Elbogen has worked at the VA since 2007, when he started running money management groups for Veterans. In the past 17 years, he has developed financial education materials for Veterans and led federally funded studies evaluating their impact on Veterans’ financial well-being. Dr. Elbogen has also published a number of scientific papers showing links between financial well-being in Veterans and outcomes, including suicidal ideation and homelessness.

Eric Howell

Eric Howell is a dynamic leader and seasoned strategist with over 15 years of experience in entrepreneurship, workforce development, and wealth-building initiatives. As the Senior Innovation and Expansion Director at Build Wealth MN, Inc., Eric spearheads transformative strategies to bridge the financial literacy gap and empower communities to achieve generational wealth. Eric’s commitment to economic empowerment is rooted in his deep understanding of financial education and his passion for community-driven solutions. He leads Build Wealth MN’s Wealth Development initiatives, including innovative financial literacy workshops and programs that equip individuals and families with the tools to achieve financial independence. Prior to his current role, Eric served as the Director of the Workforce Solutions Initiative at the Urban League Twin Cities, where he developed groundbreaking programs that combined work readiness training with mental health, resilience, and diversity strategies. In 2020, he founded the Urban Tech Institute, a virtual IT training school dedicated to preparing African descent communities with digital-age skills. Known for his engaging speaking style and ability to inspire change, Eric is a sought-after community advocate who specializes in designing and implementing solutions that address systemic barriers to financial stability. His expertise and dedication ensure that individuals and families not only survive but thrive in today’s economy. Eric’s work at Build Wealth MN reflects his unwavering commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey toward economic empowerment and financial freedom.

Gabrielle Pringle-Onwunaka

Gabrielle Pringle-Onwunaka is an energetic, student-centric, higher education professional from a small town in Alabama. Gabrielle earned her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from the University of Montevallo in 2015. She went on to earn her M.Ed. in Higher Education from the University of North Texas in 2018. While at UNT, Gabby served as the graduate assistant in the Student Money Management Center for one year. She has given financial presentations and provided one-on-one budgeting sessions as an AmeriCorps member, Bibb County Career Academy’s Career and Technical Coach, and as the founder of The Budgeting Boss, an online financial support group. Gabby oversees TWU’s peer educators, known as Maroon Money Mentors, along with outreach programming and assessment.

Jedidiah Collins

Jedidiah Collins, a former NFL player turned Certified Financial Planner, faced financial challenges in his sports career, leading him to pursue financial education. He founded Money Vehicle, an education technology company, with a mission to provide engaging financial literacy curriculum, empowering individuals, including professional athletes and young professionals.

Jeffery Liu

Jeffery L. is a high school student from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, and serves as a United States UNICEF National Youth Council member. His passion lies in empowering underprivileged communities through financial literacy, raising over $20,000+ for low income families. Moreover, Jeffery created an online petition for greater financial education with over 1000+ signatures, while also researching behavioral economics and its linkage to financial literacy under professor Krista Hill-Cummings at Babson College. He has helped the Youth Economic Initiative distribute financial education and courses to over 4400+ students in 2024 alone, and in the future aims to film a documentary on inequality and poverty in Paterson NJ, one of the poorest cities in the country.

Joel L. Franks

Joel L. Franks is the founder of FinWizdom, a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF), and the award-winning author of Creating Wealth Starts with Financial Health, recognized as the 2024 Financial Literacy Book of the Year. Receiving this honor at the venue where he now presents underscores his dedication to advancing financial literacy. A leader in applying behavioral finance to connect with diverse audiences, Joel has collaborated with financial pioneers and industry giants to develop strategies that resonate and drive outcomes. His consulting helps businesses grow through messaging and deliverables that are engaging, relevant, and actionable. As an adjunct professor, Joel teaches Applied Behavioral Finance and Communications for Professional Engagement at NYU, as well as Managerial Decision Making at CUNY. He also hosts the FinWizdom podcast, exploring how psychology shapes financial behavior and choices. His mission is to help individuals and organizations navigate behavioral risks and achieve financial well-being. Based in New York City, Joel thrives on its cultural offerings, dining, and entertainment. He enjoys tennis, hiking, exploring unique travel destinations, and immersing himself in experiences that fuel creativity. A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Joel continually expands his knowledge of behavioral economics to inspire healthier financial futures.

Justin L. Enlow

As a dedicated champion of financial literacy and wellness, Justin Enlow brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to empowering individuals, families, and organizations to achieve their financial goals. With a diverse background spanning commercial real estate, business finance, personal finance advising, fund management, and entrepreneurial development, Justin possesses a comprehensive understanding of the intricate financial landscape. This unique perspective allows for a holistic approach to financial guidance, equipping clients with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate their financial journeys with confidence. Justin’s approach is rooted in systems design and process optimization, enabling the development of comprehensive solutions that address complex financial challenges. This strategic methodology has proven successful in helping families, churches, community organizations, and thought leaders make informed financial decisions that foster sustainable success. Currently serving as the Financial Literacy Coordinator at Tulsa Community College, Justin is a driving force in the creation and delivery of impactful financial education programs. Recognizing that financial literacy is crucial for student success, Justin spearheads initiatives that provide tailored resources, outreach, and training materials. This includes expertly crafting engaging and informative brochures, presentations, and online content that resonate with students’ diverse needs and learning styles. Justin is more than just a financial literacy coordinator; he is a passionate advocate, a skilled educator, and a dedicated mentor who desires to impact policies around financial literacy and wellness education. Through a comprehensive approach that combines education, resources, and individualized support, Justin empowers individuals and communities to achieve lasting financial well-being.

Kevin Delaney

Kevin Delaney is an Economic Sociologist at Temple University. He is the author of the book, Money at Work. a sociological examination of how work and career shape people’s conception of money and finance. He created a course entitled, “Money: who has it, who doesn’t, and why it matters” that he teaches regularly at Temple University.

Kimberly Indresano

Kimberly is an executive-level business advisor specializing in corporate strategy, business process reengineering, and enterprise change management. Throughout her career, Kimberly has had the opportunity to serve in various leadership & advisory roles, collaborating with executives, directors, and operational boards to achieve desired business & performance goals. In addition to being the founder of a non-profit organization, Kimberly serves on educational & social-impact boards within her community. Kimberly holds a Doctorate in Theology, a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Administration, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English/Public Administration. She is also a program graduate of Harvard Business School’s Executive Leadership Corporate Strategy & Social Responsibility Program.

Mackenzie Rogers

Mack is the CEO of Credit Counselling Canada, a non-profit association representing leading credit counselling agencies across Canada. Mack is new to the credit counselling sector but has spent many years working in financial literacy and empowerment. A teacher by training, Mack has focused much of his career working to support those most vulnerable through education, literacy building, and skills-based training.

Manraj Waraich

Manraj Waraich is a dedicated financial educator with the Credit Counselling Society, where she has spent the past nine years empowering individuals through financial literacy. With over a decade of experience in community work, she is passionate about inspiring others to better themselves and reach their full potential. Manraj has served on expert panels and presented at various conferences, including ACFE 2021 and 2022, Families Supporting Adults with Mental Illness Alberta, Chartered Professionals in Human Resources, and the University of Calgary. As a leading advocate for financial literacy, Manraj utilizes innovative eLearning strategies to reach diverse audiences. Her engaging online courses cover a range of topics, from budgeting and investing to retirement planning and financial independence. By combining interactive content with real-world applications, she ensures learners can confidently navigate their financial journeys.

Maria Smith

Maria Smith has worked in communications in both the public and private sectors. She began her career as a general news reporter for The Staten Island Advance. During the Giuliani Administration, she served as press secretary for the New York City Departments of City Planning and Transportation. Before joining the Comptroller’s Office, Ms. Smith was editor of the CSA News, a monthly publication for the Council of School Administrators – the Principals’ union in New York City. At the Comptroller’s Office, Ms. Smith promotes financial education throughout New York State including hosting financial workshops and fairs, determining policy, visiting schools and overseeing the free online financial tutorial for one million state pension members. Ms. Smith is a lifelong New Yorker. She resides in Lower Manhattan and is active in community concerns. She served on her local community board for 20 years and is currently vice president of her condominium’s board of managers.

Michael Cyr

Michael Cyr is a passionate advocate for financial inclusion and financial health, recognized as an expert in bridging the gap between financial systems and underserved communities. Through innovative approaches and a commitment to driving economic empowerment, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of financial inclusion to create real-world impact. As the Executive Director of The Opportunity Initiative, Michael has pioneered behaviorally-designed strategies that leverage media and technology to promote financial wellness. This includes the groundbreaking Opportunity Knocks TV show and an interactive financial wellness app, both designed to build trust and encourage action among diverse audiences. He leads a team dedicated to creating accessible, engaging resources that meet individuals where they are and support their journey toward financial stability.

Raun Lazier

Raun Lazier is the Deputy Assistant Director of the CFPB’s Office Servicemember Affairs focusing on supporting servicemembers, veterans, and military families with addressing unexpected financial challenges and working to protect them in the consumer marketplace. Raun is a former career member of the Senior Executive Service. During his time in government and the non-profit sector, Raun helped to empower consumers, improve operations, and establish new capabilities. He also served in senior advisory roles, including as an appointed member of a NATO Research and Technical Group, White House Interagency Policy Committee on Public Private Partnerships, and outside scholar for the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Rebecca Maxcy

Rebecca has spent almost a decade spearheading the University of Chicago Financial Education Initiative. She led the research, design, development, field testing, and implementation of finEDge, a single-semester financial education course for high school students, Talking Cents, conversation cards developed to engage people in discussions about money, My Money Journal, a tool that immerses children in activities related to financial behaviors, attitudes, and skills, and Family Money Night, an evening that brings families together to participate in activities around financial education. Prior to this role, Rebecca spent eleven years as a researcher, curriculum developer, and author for the University of Chicago’s highly successful PreK–6 Everyday Mathematics curriculum. Rebecca develops and manages budgets and strategic plans, directs a team of talented researchers, writers, and staff in all aspects of the initiative, and continuously engages with internal and external partners. This work also includes fostering relationships with key national and international stakeholders, maintaining governance policies and procedures, and directing all program operations for multi-million-dollar initiatives. Rebecca brings a deep knowledge of financial education, extensive speaking experience, and valuable approaches to successfully connect with partners. Rebecca earned a Master’s in Education from Lesley University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bates College.

Sheila Salehian

After obtaining a formal education at the University of Iowa, Sheila moved to NV and has worked her entire career in Financial Services. While in the private sector, at Citigroup, Sheila managed teams supporting global technology initiatives and spent time outside work volunteering in the community. Sheila found her true passion, teaching financial literacy as a volunteer at Junior Achievement. Sheila formally moved to public service in 2009 and held various financial services leadership roles within the NV State Treasurer’s Office starting in 2012. Sheila managed the State’s 529 Savings College Savings Plans, Prepaid Tuition and the GGMS Merit Scholarship Program. Under State Treasurer Kate Marshall, Sheila led Statewide Financial Literacy outreach efforts, paving the way for legislation requiring Financial Literacy to be taught in NV schools. In 2013, the NV State Treasurer’s Office was recognized with an EIFLE Government of the Year award. Sheila currently supports NV teachers through a Financial Equity and Empowerment Grant from non-profit, Next Gen Personal Finance, NGPF (2021-present). In 2024, NV Teachers completed over 1,200 PL hours from NGPF, increasing their knowledge and confidence in teaching topics like Behavioral Economics, Saving for College, Cryptocurrency, Identity Theft & more. Sheila is a “Distinguished Educator” with NPPF, having successfully completed all 11 certification courses NGPF offers. Sheila loves working with NGPF and believes Personal Finance knowledge changes lives every day, in countless, positive ways.

Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy

Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy is a seasoned leader in the non-profit credit counseling sector, currently serving as the Chief Executive Officer of Money Mentors. With a robust career spanning nearly decades, Stacy previously led Credit Counselling Canada and held various director-level positions at the Credit Counselling Society. Stacy is an Accredited Financial Counsellor, a Certified Educator in Personal Finance, as well as a certified professional coach. Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Family Ecology as well as a Bachlor of Science in Human Ecology. She has further enriched her skills with certifications in Financial Counselling, Mental Health Leadership, and Human Resources Leadership, among others. Dedicated to community service, she contributes to various non-profit organizations through volunteer board and committee work. In her spare time, Stacy works with stained glass, and likes to hang out with her husband, Brad and two dogs, Duke & Dexter.

Tamsyn French

With a career in Higher Education since 2005, Tamsyn French has held pivotal leadership roles across Market Development, International Education, and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Currently serving as the Director of Financial Aid and Student Success, Tamsyn specializes in advancing financial education and support while driving impactful student success and retention initiatives through a strategic financial aid lens. Tamsyn has been instrumental in securing funding for specialized scholarships, overseeing a comprehensive financial wellness program, and serving on critical leadership committees that align with and propel the university’s strategic vision. Tamsyn’s true passion lies in student retention, where she has pioneered initiatives designed to build robust support structures for long-term academic success. She has spearheaded the development of programs that strengthen student engagement, academic advising, and mentorship, all of which have contributed to higher persistence and graduation rates. By collaborating closely with faculty, staff, and student services, Tamsyn has implemented data-driven strategies to identify at-risk students early and provide them with the necessary resources to stay on track toward degree completion. Her work has enhanced retention outcomes and ensured that every student has the support needed to thrive academically and personally.

Whitney Ramirez

Whitney started her career in education in July 2016 at Washington, D.C. Public Schools. In November 2016, she found her niche as a personal finance educator and started a for-profit financial literacy company. In May 2024, Whitney Ramirez won the United Way of Central Maryland’s Changemaker Challenge to launch a non-profit, the Financial Field Trips company. She enjoys traveling and talking about money. She has combined these passions to form Financial Field Trips, a program that bridges the gap between in-person financial literacy instruction and life skills explorations. Whitney teaches today’s youth how to budget for a car and then takes her students to car dealerships to simulate the home-buying process. She is looking forward to speaking with educators and organizations to teach everyone how to bring money lessons and financial literacy to life and make it relatable to all participants.