ACFE

2025 Speakers

Speaker details below are listed alphabetically by first name.

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.

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 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.

Jeannette Bennett

Jeannette Bennett is a Senior Economic Education Specialist for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis and is based in Memphis. She is a national award winner for the teaching of economics and was designated as a Master Economics Teacher. With experience in many levels of education, she has served as a teacher, school administrator, adjunct professor, and curriculum consultant and designer. She has written curriculum for various organizations before beginning her career at the Federal Reserve in 2004. As Senior Economic Education Specialist, she continues to write, design, develop and present economic and personal finance curriculum and resources in workshops and conferences throughout the region and across the nation. She has authored and co-authored numerous curricula and was presented a national award in 2022 by the National Association of Economic Education for her service in education. Bennett has degrees in education, educational leadership, curriculum, and administration.

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.

Joseph Calhoun

Joseph Calhoun is the Director of the Gus A. Stavros Center for the Advancement of Free Enterprise and Economic Education and a teaching professor in the Department of Economics at Florida State University. He currently teaches economics and personal finance classes plus leads a financial wellness program aimed at undergraduate students. He regularly presents at national teaching conferences about how to effectively use media and technology in the classroom. He is a coauthor of Common Sense Economics: What Everyone Should Know About Wealth and Prosperity. A strong supporter of study abroad programs, he has been privileged to teach in England, Italy, and Spain. He’s also led professional development workshops in Czechia, Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan. Professor Calhoun has received an Undergraduate Teaching Award at FSU three times. His doctoral degree is from the University of Georgia.

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.

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.

Miria Gray

As the Community Education Officer for Chelsea Groton Bank, Miria Gray has dedicated the last 7 years to promoting financial literacy and community development, helping individuals and families gain the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions. With a focus on K-12 education, Miria’s work has had a profound impact on countless students, educators, and community members throughout the region. Her deep passion for teaching financial literacy and empowering others has made her a recognized leader in the field of financial education. As the Community Education Officer, she oversees the bank’s financial literacy programs, working within the bank’s branches, local schools, community organizations, and businesses to provide education and resources to people of all ages with a focus on K-12 education, where she believes financial literacy can have the most significant and lasting impact. Her work in K-12 classrooms extends beyond the curriculum. Miria is a firm believer in experiential learning and often incorporates hands-on activities, simulations, and real-world projects into her lessons. She has worked with schools to create a pathway to banking program for high school students and classrooms to participate in the Stock Market Game, allowing students to practice investing and experience the ups and downs of financial markets. These interactive programs help students not only learn financial concepts but also understand how they apply to their everyday lives. Miria’s dedication to financial education extends beyond the classroom. She is a strong advocate for lifelong learning and believes that financial literacy is a skill that should be continually developed throughout life. In her role at Chelsea Groton Bank, she has helped create programs that provide ongoing education and support to individuals at every stage of life, from young adults just starting out to retirees planning for the future. Over the years, Miria’s work in the community has earned her numerous accolades and recognition. She was a 2015 recipient of The Third Annual Southeastern Connecticut 40 Under 40 award, a 2018 recipient of the Disabilities Network of Eastern CT Volunteer of the year and the 2023 recipient of the Chamber Service Award from the Greater Norwich Area Chamber of Commerce.

Paul Goebel

Paul Goebel is the visionary force behind the University of North Texas’s Student Money Management Center. As the founding and managing director, Paul is not just leading a program; he is spearheading a financial education revolution. He does not just educate; he inspires and empowers, equipping students with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resilience they need to thrive financially. From national honors to institutional accolades, Paul’s leadership has garnered a host of prestigious awards, including his selection as a Financial Education Instructor of the Year by the National Financial Educators Council and a President’s Special Recognition Award recipient for momentous contributions and service to his university.

Phil Susmann

Phil founded NUARI in 2002 with the support of Senator Patrick Leahy. In 2005 he assumed the position of President. Phil has led the NUARI effort to develop tactics, tools, and processes for critical infrastructure and organizations to prepare, respond and recover from Cyber events. NUARI developed the DECIDE cyber wargaming platform and exercise management tool, in cooperation with Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology and the Finance Industry, creating the Quantum Dawn exercises. DECIDE is now engaging with Energy and Transportation organizations and supported the Jack Voltaic 3 Cyber and Critical Infrastructure exercises and forums. During his time at NUARI, Phil has been a part of the development of the Vermont Army National Guard Information Operations Schoolhouse and the Vermont Air National Guard 229th Cyber Operations Squadron. He has also been involved in the development of Cyber Exercise tools, training developments in mobile and virtual laboratories, and more recently the Security Situation Center: a cyber threat hunting and security program and platform that trains through engagement with a live data security center. NUARI currently provides a virtual exercise platform that enables decentralized interaction across all levels of government, industry, academia, and private entities. Phil and the NUARI team are also engaged in energy resilience with the development of training with US Army Engineering Research Development Center, Construction Engineering Research Lab for Installation personnel and Senior Leaders and exploring cold regions microgrid architecture. NUARI provides program management and independent verification and validation in visual augmentation systems to the Department of Defense. Phil began his tenure at Norwich as a faculty member in the Business School in 1987, Department Chair of Computer Information Systems in 1990, Chief Information Officer in 1994, Vice President of Technology and Strategic Partnerships in 1998, and Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and President of NUARI in 2005. Education: Bachelor of Science from Norwich University in 1981 and MBA from Clarkson University in 1983.

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.

Theresa Popp Braun

Dr. Theresa Popp Braun is the National Director, AccessLex Institute Center for Education and Financial Capability (CFEFC), where she leads the team of CFEFC Regional Directors in member school engagement and education services. She also directs education services and financial capability programming in ABA-member law schools and partner schools in Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Her past professional experience in higher education and non-profit organizations includes serving as the director of student financial aid and student wellness divisions. Theresa’s degree credentials include Bachelor of Science Education, Master of Arts College Student Personnel, and an earned Doctor of Education Leadership Studies, from Bowling Green State University. She is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF) through the Institute for Financial Literacy and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) through the Association of Financial Counseling and Professional Education. Dr. Braun’s research interests include student loan debt, higher education affordability and cost transparency, financial wellness, and financial capability. Her publications include the Journal of College Student Personnel, and she has been recognized by the Ohio College Personnel Association for innovative wellness programming. Dr. Braun is passionate about empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to help them understand and strategically manage their money.

Whitney Ramirez

Whitney Ramirez is a dynamic leader in financial literacy, seamlessly integrating education with real-world application. Her journey began in July 2016 with Washington, D.C. Public Schools, where she quickly identified a pressing need for practical financial education. By November 2016, Whitney channeled her passion into founding her financial literacy company. Recognizing the deep financial education gaps in underserved communities, she pivoted her focus to teaching youth and marginalized groups, partnering with schools and organizations to bring essential money management skills directly to those who need them most. Whitney’s innovative approach earned her the United Way of Central Maryland’s Changemaker Challenge award, leading to the inception of Financial Field Trips. She serves as the founder and president of this non-profit organization. This program uniquely bridges classroom financial instruction with experiential learning, taking students beyond traditional settings to places like car dealerships and real estate offices. Here, they simulate significant financial decisions, such as purchasing a car or home, making complex concepts tangible and relatable. Beyond her organizational leadership, Whitney dedicates her weekends as a Department of Defense contractor, teaching personal finance to soldiers. Her commitment to developing culturally responsive financial literacy curricula, rooted in rigorous research, ensures that her teachings resonate across diverse communities. Whitney’s love for travel matches her dedication to financial literacy. She believes that exploring new places enriches one’s understanding of the world. She is eager to collaborate with educators and organizations, sharing insights on making financial education practical and engaging for all participants.