Celebrating financial literacy champions
Photo by Gustavo Fring
At Currency Marketing, we are passionate about educating children and young adults about financial literacy. We believe in empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to build a secure financial future. But we also know that we are not alone in this mission. Across the U.S. and Canada, individuals and organizations have stepped up to make financial education accessible, inclusive and impactful.
We especially recognize grassroots leaders, nonprofits and community organizations that tirelessly provide financial education—often without the financial backing of large institutions—to those who need it most. Their dedication ensures that financial literacy reaches underserved populations and creates lasting change.
Young change makers in financial literacy
At just 13 years old, Veronika Kolarska showcased the power of financial literacy by excelling in the Global Investment Challenge, where she grew a virtual portfolio from $30,000 to $99 million. The program equips students with investment strategies and money management skills, empowering them to take control of their financial futures.
Cameron Marshall, a high school student in Jacksonville, Florida, is the author of Street Cents, a book aimed at guiding aspiring entrepreneurs toward financial freedom. Inspired by lessons from his father and uncle, he began learning about the stock market at eight years old. His book and financial literacy initiatives empower peers with knowledge in money management, investing and entrepreneurship.
Innovators in financial education
Charlotte Heyer, a teacher at Richmond Community High School in Richmond, Virginia, has made a profound impact through her financial literacy class. She tells her students, "This is the most important course they will take." One former student, Norris Williford, applied the lessons he learned in her class to start his own store.
Tori Dunlap, founder of Her First $100K, is a leading voice in financial literacy on TikTok, advocating for women’s financial empowerment. Her grassroots approach makes financial education accessible to younger generations.
Anna Maria Lusardi, founder of the Global Financial Literacy Excellence Center (GFLEC), has influenced financial education policy worldwide. Her research has helped shape financial literacy programs and promote policy changes.
Giovanna González, a first-generation American of Mexican descent, transitioned from financial services to full-time financial education. Since 2019, she has led financial literacy workshops for organizations like Upward Bound and McNair Scholars. A viral social media moment propelled her to TikTok, where she now reaches 160,000 followers, collaborating with organizations such as MoneyGram and The American Cancer Society.
Community organizations making a difference
Explorer Hop (Toronto, Ontario) teaches kids and teens financial skills through interactive challenges like the Global Investment Challenge, fostering a financially knowledgeable generation.
The Thai Community Development Center (Los Angeles, California) supports Thai immigrants with financial literacy programs and small business education.
Mission Asset Fund (San Francisco, California) helps immigrants and underserved communities build credit through lending circles—a traditional community-based financial tool.
VyStar Credit Union (Jacksonville, Florida) operates an award-winning high school branch program with student-run credit union branches in 19 high schools, giving students hands-on experience in financial management and banking.
The Immigrant Education Society (Calgary, Alberta) assists newcomers in Canada with financial education, helping them navigate financial systems.
The Federation of Black Canadians (Canada-wide) promotes economic empowerment by improving financial literacy and access to opportunities.
The Métis Nation organizations in Canada (Canada-wide) provide financial education tailored to Indigenous communities, fostering financial independence.
Strengthening financial literacy in communities
The Hispanic Federation (New York) offers workshops that help Latino families make informed financial decisions and build wealth.
The Dovetail Project (Chicago, Illinois) supports young Black and Brown fathers in Chicago by equipping them with financial skills to strengthen their families and communities.
El Centro de la Raza (Seattle, Washington) provides resources to help individuals improve credit scores, reduce debt and develop sustainable financial plans.
A collective thank you
We at Currency Marketing are grateful to be part of a community that values financial education. The work of these individuals and organizations is crucial in building a financially literate world where every person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
To everyone dedicating their time, passion and expertise to financial literacy—thank you. Your work is meaningful, impactful and truly changes lives. We are proud to stand alongside you in this mission.
Let’s continue to inspire, educate and uplift each other. Together, we are making a difference.
Expanding financial literacy with It’s a Money Thing
At Currency Marketing, we believe financial education should be engaging, relatable and accessible. It’s a Money Thing is designed to help students and young adults build financial literacy through storytelling, humor and real-world application.
If you're a credit union leader looking to bring impactful financial education to schools or colleges in your community, we’d love to connect! Please contact me to explore how It’s a Money Thing can make a difference.
Tim McAlpine is the Founder & CEO of Currency Marketing. He is best known for developing the It's a Money Thing Financial Education Program that credit unions from around North America are using to connect with new young adult members. He is also a driving force behind CUES Emerge, an emerging leader program that combines online learning, peer collaboration and an exciting competition component.
