Unbanked & Underserved: #FinHealthMatters 2018 w/Jason Vitug!

When I was in high school, I had no idea what my career path would look like after high school. I barely graduated on time, if at all, due to being a hot mess most of my high school career. A career with a high-income potential sounded great so I found myself bouncing around majors within the medical field while working part-time at a non-profit.  Nothing ever stuck which is how I found myself in a criminal justice class. An ex-boyfriend had suggested it since I loved watching forensic files so much. Since I needed an elective anyways, I sat in the class waiting to see what it held. And I am so glad I did.

Taking that criminal justice class was the best thing that came out of that relationship, and one of the best things in life I could have done for myself.  A passion I never knew existed awoke inside me as I started devouring my classes one by one. Although I had known the true crime side of things alone with forensics, social polices were new to me. Rehabilitation, or lack thereof, and the actual cause of crime itself were also new and fascinating. I went on to complete associates in criminal justice,  a dual bachelors in criminal justice and criminology and a minor in LGBT studies. I also spent time in Israel completing a counterterrorism program.

Throughout my academic career, I never stopped wanting to help people. Through I dabbled here and there with trying to work in policing, I never continuously pursued it. I loved advocating for youth so much that I am now going on my fifteenth year in the non-profit sector. It’s through my major of criminal justice and career of advocating for kids who look like me that I realized how unbanked and underserved low-income communities really were and still are.

One reason I feel so passionate about connecting people with resources and knowledge is to help break the cycle. Cycles of poverty and crime plague so many communities in a country that prides itself on opportunity. Where you are born should never determine your life yet it does every day. We need to make a change.

I am so honored that my colleague and friend Jason Vitug has invited me to speak during #FinHealthMatters 2018 on April 25th, 2018. The live event starts at 7am EST and I’ll be going on at 8am EST to discuss how we can better assist communities who are unbanked and under-served. I’ll be sharing my journey along with some surprising facts as well as resources and actionable steps to help others. Jason is a real powerhouse going until 11:30pm EST and I’m excited to see the other presenters share topics they are passionate about to help promote #finhealth! Many of these people I know on a personal level so I can easily say Jason is bringing the best. Catch the live stream on Facebook using this link and let me know what you think. I look forward to sharing my work and passion with so many of you.

And if you happen to be the one needing assistance? I’ll be sharing some gems for you too. I’ll also be updating my website to include resources which should be available by the end of May. Your income or social status does not determine your potential. Don’t ever let anyone tell you differently.