Don’t die broke. This mantra is at the heart of everything I do, demonstrating the power of financial literacy and justice. Growing up in Washington, D.C., with roots tracing back to sharecroppers in South Carolina, I’ve always been connected to the Black community’s history and struggles. My great-grandparents were among the first Black homeowners in Capitol Hill, and my parents instilled in me the entrepreneurial spirit that guides my path.
I was the first in my family to attend college, graduating from Hampton University with six honors. My internship in China for the Beijing Olympics broadened my perspective, while interning at FINRA and winning the Goldman Sachs portfolio challenge cemented my passion for financial regulation and innovation.
At Prudential, I realized my dream by completing the African-American Financial Experience Study, sparking a global Black wealth movement. Our work showed that financial education through churches and small businesses could uplift communities, paving the way for initiatives like JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways.
A mission trip with my church truly shifted my focus. Seeing a young boy in a Wharton t-shirt, knowing he might never attend such an institution, inspired me to quit my job and create equal access to financial literacy. This led to Credit Stacker, the first financial literacy mobile game, which became a global success.
Credit Stacker was just the beginning. Recognizing the potential of AI and data science, we developed an AI fintech app and a neobank, combining mobile banking, credit reporting, and online payments. This tool can forecast and improve credit scores based on current behavior.
Financial justice is not just a slogan for me; it’s the nucleus of operating the world. Every significant upheaval in history has been rooted in financial injustice. My mission is to bridge the gap between the haves and have-nots by leveraging AI to enhance financial behaviors that lead to wealth accumulation.
Homelessness and financial disparity have always driven my work. From feeding the homeless as a child to sneaking out at night in Africa to provide shoes and food for a boarding school, these experiences have shaped my commitment to financial justice.
As a data scientist, I realized the power of algorithms to solve complex problems. At Prudential, I developed an algorithm for inflation, proving I could create solutions for any challenge. This propelled me to dedicate my life to developing technologies that promote financial equity and justice.
So, I say it again: Don’t die broke. My life’s work is to ensure everyone has the tools and knowledge for financial stability and generational wealth. Together, we can make financial justice a reality.
