FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Magaret Brooks, (401) 339-4422, rhodeislandjumpstart@gmail.com
Kristy dosReis, (401) 456-8683, kdosreis@ric.edu
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The RI Jump$tart Coalition and RI Council for Economic Education recently held the 4th Annual Financial Capability Conference at Rhode Island College. This free, day-long event provides educators, social service providers, veterans, and librarians with a wealth of resources and information to build financial knowledge and capability.
This year’s conference attracted more than 100 participants from RI and MA who shared ideas and resources for advancing financial literacy in the state and region. The program was aimed at building educators’ awareness of the Council for Economic Education’s standards. Attendees could visit a variety of exhibits to learn more about what government agencies, financial institutions, businesses, and organizations are doing to promote financial literacy.
“Whatever stage of life you are in, financial literacy is a critical skill for our students, our communities and our state and an important part of a relevant, well-rounded college education,” said Rhode Island College President Frank D. Sánchez in his remarks.
In addition to President Sánchez, distinguished speakers included Jen Giroux, RIC Associate Vice President, Professional Studies and Continuing Education; RI Post-Secondary Commissioner Brenda Dann-Messier; Congressman Jim Langevin; and Treasury Director of Outreach and Constituent Relations Charon Rose. In addition, Senator Jack Reed and Nan Morrison, CEO of Council for Economic Education, each conveyed positive and supportive messages to attendees via video.
According to Senator Reed, “Everyone needs the tools and know-how to manage their personal finances and to make informed decisions. I am proud that Rhode Island continues to lead the way in promoting financial literacy.”
This year’s conference featured a panel discussion that focused on the unique financial needs of veterans and military families. Led by moderator RI Veterans Affairs Director Kasim Yarn, the panel included Ernest Almonte, Partner at Assurance Services; Marco Capaldi, Financial Coach at Armed Forces Services Corporation; and Michaela Black Estrella, Coordinator of Veterans Services at RIC and CCRI.
Keynote speaker Next Gen Personal Finance CEO Tim Ranzetta shared recent research his organization has done on financial education being taught in high schools across the country. Teresa Pelletier, New England Community Relations at Fidelity Investments, introduced Fidelity’s personal financial distance learning portal and Kerri McLaughlin, Financial Education Coordinator at Pawtucket Credit Union, provided educators with extensive information about credit report resources for the classroom.
Additional conference presenters included Margaret Brooks, President RI Jump$tart & RI Council for Economic Education and BSU Financial Literacy Director; John Hupalo, CEO Invite Education; Kara LaBelle, Johnson and Wales University; Dominic Nocera, Teacher at RI Training School for Youth and RIC Adjunct; Arindam Nag CEO Centsai; Al Cumplido, RISCPA and Independence Financial Partners; Pat Page, East Greenwich High School and Joy Tavano, North Kingstown High School; Cedric Turner, CEO, Empower Yourself LTD; Tony Coia, CEO, Moneywatch LTD; David Miles, Young Investors Society; Scott Guild, CEO, MA Council on Economic Education; and Ethan Goebel, Program Manager, WISE-NY.
The 4th Financial Capability Conference was organized by the RI Jump$tart Coalition and the RI Council for Economic Education, and hosted by Rhode Island College for the fourth consecutive year. Fidelity Investments and Pawtucket Credit Union were Platinum Sponsors; Rhode Island Student Loan Authority, Next Gen Personal Finance, Rhode Island College and Bridgewater State University were Gold Sponsors; The Plutus Foundation was a Silver Sponsor; and Alex and Ani, Allied Conservation, and Invite Education were Supporters.
Established in 1854, Rhode Island College serves approximately 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students through its five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Business, the School of Nursing and the School of Social Work. For more information, visit www.ric.edu.
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