"I come from a career in banking and mortgage lending and have seen firsthand the barriers that arise from not understanding personal finance. It made me become aware of my own role in the industry and how it was affecting, either positively or negatively, the people I was committed to serving. As a result, I found myself needing to directly focus on providing financial services through the social responsibility lens of education. I am proud to be here to do that work and be in the middle of that action by helping to facilitate access to knowledge and resources that spark financial confidence and empowerment. I believe that individual financial empowerment is the key to community financial empowerment. When individuals are financially stable and have the tools to handle the financial changes that inevitably happen through their lives, then more focus can be given to their community's well-being. This is achieved through financial education."

Maree sustains the existing relationships developed with hosts, and recruits to engage new connections with new hosts for additional and exciting class opportunities within our Oregon communities.

"I believe that fostering economic prosperity is a matter of social justice, and is therefore a societal responsibility. As such, I value Financial Beginnings' approach to working with and within communities to make financial education inclusive and accessible. While I am a firm proponent for equitable access to resources, I have come to learn that the value of those resources can be diminished if they're not managed properly. I witnessed this firsthand working in higher education, especially when financial aid payments were disbursed and students' first credit cards came in the mail. Without knowledge of budgeting, savings, credit, etc., these resources that could have helped them get ahead wound up setting them back. Many students are unfortunately leaving college with high value degrees and job offers, but unable to enjoy the fruits of their labor due to considerable debt or poor credit. Therefore, financial education is critical to mitigating the wealth gap and setting up young people and underserved groups for success."

Althea oversees the adaptation of Financial Beginnings' programs and volunteer training into our Learning Management System for virtual engagement.

"I grew up in a house where finance wasn't discussed. While in college I accrued a large amount of credit card debt because I didn't understand the process. I was a business major and finance and accounting were course requirements, yet personal finance was never discussed. I want to make sure that this information is available to all. Financial education is important to me to ensure that our youth have the knowledge and tools to avoid the same situation, as well as adults for a better financial outlook."

Ash works to keep Financial Beginnings' technology systems up and running; manages all user profiles, access and P&P; manages security of organizational digital assets; and researches, recommends, and implements new tools.

"I had always wished that I was taught about credit, insurance, loans, and investing in college and high school. When I found Financial Beginnings and saw they were actively providing the financial education I had sorely missed when I was growing up, I knew I had to support that mission. There are so many parts of the economy that individuals have no control over. Finances can often be overwhelming and leave one with feelings of defeat and hopelessness. Financial education helps individuals to exercise some control over their lives by providing them the tools to better their livelihoods within their unique situations."

Jasper supports and leads strategic initiatives and projects that improve our programs across our markets.

"I grew up in a home where finances were rarely discussed. I was put through the motions, got a job at sixteen and started saving, but I didn't really understand what it was all for. Flash forward a few years, now with a degree in business and a punishing lack of real-world experience, I realized that I needed to learn about those essential things I hadn't before; credit, investing, budgeting, the whole nine. Moving forward, life made me realize that there are many people in the same, similar, and much more dire situations. Personal finance can often leave people feeling hopeless or lost, but it can also be extremely empowering when individuals are given the tools, knowledge, and resources to succeed. I am extremely thrilled to be a part of Financial Beginnings and to help bolster their mission of empowering everyone to take control of their financial futures."

"I grew up in a household where money was a taboo topic. My parents didn't talk to me or my sisters about it, and when they spoke to each other about it, it was usually a heated conversation. Plus, I went to public school in California, which unfortunately provides no standardized personal finance curriculum to its students. With this compounding lack of knowledge, I was ill equipped to manage money, let alone the tens of thousands of dollars I borrowed in student loans to pay for college. I learned about money management the very hard way, setting me back years in wealth building. My situation is not unique, and it is a deep shame that many people like me aren't given a level playing field from the start when it comes to financial education. There are huge gaps of offerings across the board, where some schools may have full semesters of personal finance and most others are unable to provide even one class period on it. It has become my passion to change that situation and to provide resources to the students we impact."

Joanne equips financial educators and financial literacy advocates with the tools and training necessary to provide financial education to those in their communities who need it most.

"I came to the United States at a young age and experienced firsthand how many immigrant communities struggle to navigate the country’s complex financial systems. I believe financial literacy is a form of empowerment—especially for those who face both economic and social barriers. In my current role as a Coordinator at Financial Beginnings, I am dedicated to expanding access to financial education and guidance for all, especially for the people who need it most."

"Growing up, money was a silent topic in my home that was often hidden away, perhaps out of pride or uncertainty. Through my own journey of trial and error, I learned just how vital financial literacy is to breaking cycles and building opportunity. This understanding fuels my belief that equal access to financial education is fundamental to a more equitable society. By demystifying money concepts early, especially for those often left out of these conversations, we not only impart valuable skills but also dismantle barriers."

"I am very fortunate to have a mother that did her best to teach me the value of money management and managing finances before I went off to college. Most of what I learned stuck, but the truth is, I had to learn a great deal more on my own. I definitely made choices that I wish I had received better guidance and education on before making them, especially with student loans. I still remember the first time I read the [Financial Beginnings] mission and how deeply that sentence resonated with me. I believe everyone should have equal access to receive financial education that will better prepare them for long-term stability. "

Jason is the creative conduit by which everyone's visions, ideas, and messaging are manifested into graphic designs, communications, and programs.

"I am incredibly privileged to have a career that is centered around supporting communities to be more secure and resilient. For the past 15 years, I've worked across the globe supporting education and economic empowerment initiatives that have made a real difference in people's lives. I'm ecstatic to be continuing that work here in my home state with Financial Beginnings Oregon. Financial education is important to me because it works to de-center money - and the stress it causes - from our everyday lives. By giving each of us tools and a roadmap, financial education allows us to manage our money, and our expectations around it, in a way that is more likely to make us live healthier and happier lives."

Alex M. works toward making programs more impactful and accessible across Oregon.

"Just months before a brief stint started working in financial technology, I had been living in subsidized housing, surviving off credit cards and savings, in between jobs, and anxious about an upcoming charge card bill due in full. I soon went from unemployed to having a part-time job that provided free housing and a modest stipend and putting my full-time fin-tech salary towards debt repayment. My entire life changed when I paid off my student loans and started building wealth. With a more recent background in higher education, I've been able to provide some financial encouragement and guidance to students and recent college graduates, especially as it pertains to paying for and paying off school. I am excited to be part of an organization that prioritizes helping communities realize their own financial empowerment."

"With a career rooted in banking and mortgage lending, I've had the unique opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact that financial education - or the lack there of - has on individuals and families. Throughout my years in the industry, it became increasingly evident that many adults were not equipped with the basic knowledge necessary to manage their finances effectively. I saw the stress that inadequate budgeting and poor financial decision-making caused families, often leading to cycles of debt, missed opportunities, and overwhelming financial strain. It became clear that without a strong foundation in financial education - particularly the fundamentals of budgeting, saving, and credit management - many individuals and families are set up for financial hardship from the start.

This realization drove me to seek out a way to make a more meaningful impact. I'm deeply passionate about providing others with the tools and resources they need to take control of their financial futures. With the right education, individuals gain not only the confidence but the capability to make informed financial decisions that can ultimately change the trajectory of their lives."

“I believe stories are one of the most powerful ways to connect people to a mission. Throughout my career, I have helped nonprofit organizations communicate with clarity, build trust and strengthen relationships with the communities they serve.

Financial education matters to me because it gives people practical tools and confidence to make decisions that support their goals, families and communities. I am proud to be part of a team working to make that knowledge accessible to more people, earlier and more equitably.”

Adrian leads Financial Beginnings’ communications and marketing strategy, helping share the organization’s story, strengthen engagement with partners, volunteers and communities, and support the growth of accessible financial education nationwide.

"I would be lost without a financial education. I was fortunate to grow up in a family who talked about money not as a taboo, but as a tool to secure a stable future. These ideas and skills are not born into us - they must be taught, practiced, and nurtured. My career has been dedicated to addressing the symptoms of generational poverty, and now I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work to address it head on. Equitable access to financial education is a cornerstone of a thriving society and economy, and is simply the right thing to do. My mission is to use my skills and experience in nonprofit corporate partnership development to make our curriculum available to as many youth and adults who need it - to teach the skills necessary to grow generational wealth through home ownership, higher education, and secure retirement so our nation's children have a better life and a secure future."

Roxanne oversees corporate engagement, curricula licensing, and philanthropic partnerships to ensure the strength and reach of our financial education across the nation.

"As a mom of a young child, I know there are many kids and families in our communities whose lives would be better if they felt like finances were a tool they could use to achieve their dreams instead of a barrier. My passion for the mission lies in the obvious need it serves in all our communities and the demonstrated impact financial education makes on both micro and macro levels. We have the potential to change lives and make the world a better place, one learner at a time. I've devoted my career to helping ensure all kids and families can live their best, most fulfilled lives and financial education is an important piece of successful outcomes. Together, we can empower children to take control of their financial futures and make a plan to fulfill their life goals."

Ronecca works with the team (staff, board, and community) to build and realize plans for long-term organizational stability and mission fulfillment.

"Growing up in a rural town, financial literacy was not a large part of the curriculum. I always knew the importance of it but didn't have access to that knowledge. Later, my years in banking taught me how much was truly missing in our school systems, and how that barrier limits success in day to day life. When the opportunity came up to join an organization whose sole mission is to promote financial literacy and empowerment, I couldn't pass it up."

Elizabeth serves as the main contact for our volunteers to get connected to opportunities and gain program and facilitation support.

"My connection to Financial Beginnings' mission is deeply personal. Growing up, my family experienced the ups and downs that often come with freelance work, and I saw firsthand how financial uncertainty can affect a household. Those experiences inspired me to create greater financial stability for my own family and fueled my commitment to helping others do the same.

I believe financial education opens doors. It gives people the confidence to navigate life's challenges, pursue their goals, and make informed decisions about their future. For underserved and historically marginalized communities, access to financial education can be especially transformative."

Jason leads the development and execution of strategies to grow, engage, and retain a national network of volunteers and volunteer-supplying partners.

"I believe that there are few things more important than helping people of all ages understand the importance of financial literacy. Although I have spent years working internationally to help others reach this goal, it was very much lacking in my own life. Now that I have a family of my own, I have had to play catch up to learn even the basics of home finance. The programs that are offered by Financial Beginnings would have been invaluable for me growing up. I am excited to be part of a team that is helping people feel confident and have less stress around their finances."

"I've always been passionate about helping people reach their full potential and creating opportunities that strengthen communities. After spending more than a decade in the financial services industry, primarily in branch banking, I saw firsthand how financial education can transform lives. That experience inspired me to make financial literacy more accessible and approachable for people from all walks of life.

My passion for empowering others ultimately led me to the nonprofit sector, where I can combine relationship building, community engagement, and financial education to create meaningful impact. I believe that when people have the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, they gain confidence and greater control over their future."

Ryan leads the development of new program partnerships across the country, expanding Financial Beginnings' national reach by connecting organizations and communities with financial education programs that help individuals build lasting financial confidence.