About the Initiative

This initiative stems from a deeply personal "why." Growing up, I saw firsthand how confusing, intimidating, and exclusive the financial system can feel, and how quickly lack of access to financial knowledge can limit someone's future. I wanted to change that narrative.

What began as a personal mission evolved into a multi-year academic and civic commitment. During my sophomore year, I launched a research project through the Puksta Foundation to investigate how social connectedness and resettlement impact substance abuse among immigrant youth. This foundational work deepened my understanding of community needs, leading me to expand my research into how targeted financial education acts as a critical catalyst for successful resettlement.

After presenting these findings at the MURALS symposium, I translated the research into direct action. I partnered with Morgan Stanley, Project Worthmore, and Canvas Credit Union to launch and facilitate hands-on workshops tailored for newly arrived families. It is a project dedicated to ensuring that the tools for economic independence belong to everyone.

This project is built on the belief that financial education should be accessible, empathetic, and tailored to real lives. My approach bridges the gap between institutional financial knowledge and grassroots community needs. By taking dense, corporate concepts and reshaping them into simple, conversational tools, I design workshops that focus on genuine economic agency rather than just passing out information.

• Economic Sovereignty: Believing that financial literacy is a foundational tool for personal freedom, self-advocacy, and long-term stability.

• Cultural Dignity: Respecting the diverse backgrounds of every participant by ensuring all educational materials are practical, accessible, and highly relevant to their daily lived experiences.

• Actionable Education: Focusing on real-world application, giving community members the immediate confidence and skills to navigate modern banking systems safely.