Celebrating Black History Month

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Celebrate the Contributions of Black Women in Financial Literacy Education:

Empowering and Inspiring Financial Change Through Financial Education

In February we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to recognize and honor the contributions of Black women in the field of financial literacy education. As advocates, innovators, and pioneers, Black women have been at the forefront of financial education, helping to empower individuals to better manage their money. 

As a passionate financial educator myself, I am inspired by the achievements of other women who are advocating for financial literacy. Despite the many challenges that come with living in a world with an unequal playing field, there is still hope to make advances in financial intelligence and stability. By sharing stories of successes and highlighting the impact of financial literacy, we can help to close the gap and empower more people to make informed financial decisions.

I believe that financial literacy is a powerful tool to help people build a brighter financial future and break down barriers to financial success. In this blog, I will be highlighting the inspiring stories of other women in the financial space so that we can all learn from their successes and strive to achieve our own financial dreams.

Today we are highlighting the careers of four Black women who are leading the way in the financial literacy education space: 

  • Mellody Hobson, President of Ariel Investments 
  • Marsha Barnes of theFinanceBar 
  • Tiffany Aliche of the Budgetnista 
  • Patrice Washington of The Redefining Wealth Podcast 

By sharing stories of successes and highlighting the impact of financial literacy, we can help to close the gap and empower more people to make informed financial decisions.

Mellody Hobson of Ariel Investments

For years, I have admired Mellody Hobson of Ariel Investments. From her inspiring TED Talks to her role as the Co-CEO at Ariel Investments and the Chairman of the Board of Ariel Publicly Traded Mutual Funds, I have been impressed and inspired by her professional accomplishments. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Mellody is the youngest of six children, and her mother was a single parent. She studied at Princeton University and the Princeton School of Public & International Affairs at St. Ignatius College Prep, and her journey to success began when she was hired as an intern at Ariel Investments while still studying at Princeton.

Today, Mellody is celebrated for her achievements, having received the BET Honors Award for Corporate Citizens and the Order of Lincoln from the Governor of Illinois in 2018. She was also the first black woman to head the Economic Club of Chicago in 2017. Her passion for financial literacy and inspiring more diversity in work spaces lives on through her inspiring TED Talks.

Mellody Hobson is a woman to look up to and admire. She is an inspirational leader for our generation, and her story of determination and hard work is an example for us all. Her accomplishments are a source of pride for the African American community and a reminder that anything is possible with dedication and commitment.

Marsha Barnes of theFinanceBar

Marsha Barnes is an MBA graduate from Montreat College, who is certified in Financial Social Work and Financial Therapy. She is the Founder and CEO of theFinanceBar, a members-only virtual community for women who want to make smarter financial decisions and build generational wealth.

Marsha Barnes is an advocate for financial literacy and has a mission to empower women financially through her 1:1 coaching services and “Bus Visit” for corporations, schools, and community organizations. Her goal is to help women gain more confidence in their financial decision making.

In 2018, Marsha Barnes was named “Best Money Expert” in the Net-Worth category by GOBankingRates. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, ESSENCE, 2!N1NETY, and Forbes.com for her insights and unique take on financial wellness.

Marsha Barnes is a firm believer that financial wellness is a birthright for everyone, and her purpose is to help her members find greater control and freedom over their financial lives. She has created a safe and supportive community for women to learn and grow in their financial literacy and develop financial confidence.

Through her 1:1 coaching services and “Bus Visit”, she has been able to reach thousands of women, helping them make sound financial decisions, build generational wealth, and create a financially secure future. Her passion for financial literacy and her commitment to helping others make sound financial decisions makes her the perfect leader for theFinanceBar.

Tiffany Aliche of The Budgetnista

Welcome to the blog of the one and only Budgetnista! Tiffany Aliche is an incredible woman who has made a name for herself in the financial world and beyond. With a B.S. in Business from Montclair State University and a Master’s in Educational leadership & Administration from Seton Hall University, Tiffany is an accomplished woman who has dedicated her life to helping others. 

In 2008, Tiffany founded the blog “budgetnista” and the “Live Richer Movement” was born. The “dream catchers” who followed the movement have saved over $250 million and paid off over $200 million dollars in debt. It didn’t take long for Tiffany’s hard work to be recognized. In 2011, she became a New York Times Bestselling author and in 2019, she worked with New Jersey State Assemblywoman Angela V. McKnight to pass the “The Budgetnista Law” or Law A1414, which made it mandatory for financial education to be integrated into middle schools in NJ. 

Tiffany’s accolades and awards don’t stop there. She was a 2021 NAACP Image Award Nominee for outstanding social media personality and was the first black woman to be featured on the cover of Money Magazine in 2020. She is also the host of the #1 Finance & Career Podcast for women by women, which won the Best Business Podcast Award in 2022. Her story will also be coming to Netflix in the form of a feature film! 

Tiffany Aliche is an inspiring woman who has dedicated her life to helping others achieve financial freedom and security. If you’re looking for great financial advice, The Budgetnista blog has the answers you need. Tiffany’s inspirational story and amazing accomplishments will surely motivate you to reach your financial goals. What are you waiting for? Follow the Live Richer Movement and join the dream catchers today!

Patrice Washington

Patrice Washington is an accomplished entrepreneur, financial expert, and media personality. She is the founder and CEO of “Seek Wisdom Find Wealth, LLC”, a financial consulting firm established in 2012.

Patricie graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Business Administration and Behavioral Finance from Creighton University. She is known as “America’s Money Maven” for her passion for helping people get to the root of their financial issues and build strong money habits. Her mantra is “Chase money, not purpose” and this has become her motto.

Patrice Washington has been honored with numerous awards over the years. She won an Award for her Podcast and has been named a #1 Best Selling Personal Finance Author. She was also awarded the Outstanding Georgia Citizen Award from the Georgia Black Caucus in 2016 and the Stiletto Women in Business Award (SWIBA) in 2015.

Patrice has appeared as a finance expert on Steve Harvey’s show six times since 2014 and also on Dr. Oz. She continues to inspire and educate through her podcast, radio shows, and books, helping people gain financial security and freedom.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Black History Month is an important time to honor and recognize the achievements of Black women in the field of financial literacy education. As advocates and pioneers, they have been leading the charge in providing individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed financial decisions. Through their work, they have empowered countless individuals to gain greater financial security. As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, let us not forget the inspiring contributions made by these powerful women and use their legacy to continue advocating for financial literacy education.

By sharing stories of personal successes and discussing the impact of financial literacy, we can close the gap and empower more people to make informed financial decisions. It is my hope that as we look to the future, we will continue to create a more equitable and financially secure society

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