Young Financial Leaders Expo empowers New Orleans students with investment skills, showcasing future financial leaders through competition and mentorship, fostering financial literacy and innovation.
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Pictured left to right: Jarret Cohen (Principal & CIO, JECohen), Benjamin C. Fields (Loyola Board Trustee), Lesli Harris (New Orleans City Councilor) Donald Hess (Bricolage Administrator & WSC Advisory Board Chair), Demi Theodore (first place winner), Christopher D. West (Co-Founder, WSC), Jr., Rianne Egana (VP in Lending, Gulf Coast Bank), Kwamaena Aidoo (Co-Founder, Corridor Ventures), Jean-Paul “JP” Morrell (New Orleans City Councilmember At-Large), and Hasheem Walters (WSC Advisory Board), captured during the Young Financial Leaders Expo
In a landmark effort to transform financial literacy and investment acumen among the youth, Wall Street Connection, in partnership with Loyola University College of Business, proudly hosted the Young Financial Leaders Expo (Y.F.L. Expo). The Y.F.L. Expo is more than a competition; it's a movement toward creating a financially literate future generation
The Y.F.L. Expo was a resounding success, drawing a diverse group of students from St. Augustine High School, Bricolage Academy, McDonough 35, and Warren Easton. These students demonstrated exceptional analytical and strategic thinking skills, showcasing their potential to become future leaders in the finance industry.
Benjamin C. Fields, a member of the Board of Trustees at Loyola University New Orleans, emphasized the significance of the event, saying, "Hosting Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo on Loyola University New Orleans’ campus exemplifies our commitment to the local youth in our community. We are delighted to provide a platform where students from across New Orleans can showcase their talent and analytical skills."
This year, the Expo had the honor of welcoming esteemed judges who brought a wealth of knowledge and insight to the competition. City Councilors JP Morrell and Lesli Harris contributed their expertise, alongside General Partners of New Orleans-Based venture capital firm Corridor Ventures, Kwamena Aidoo and Jarrett Cohen. Rianne Egana, VP Commercial Lending at Gulf Coast Bank, and Ben Fields, a member of the Loyola University Board of Trustees, also served as judges.
Jean-Paul “JP” Morrell, New Orleans City Councilmember At-Large, expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, "Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo is a fantastic platform that reveals the bright future of our young minds in finance. It’s heartening to see such passion and expertise in our youth, and I look forward to supporting this event to inspire more of our community's students."
Rianne Egana, VP in Commercial Lending at Gulf Coast Bank, shared her insights, stating, "The Young Financial Leaders Expo presented by Wall Street Connection is a crucial platform that equips our youth with the necessary tools and insights to thrive in the financial sector. It's inspiring to see such dedication and skill among the participants, shaping the future of our industry."
Lesli Harris, New Orleans City Councilor, shared her pride in the local youth, noting, "The remarkable talent displayed at Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo demonstrates the potential of New Orleans’ youth. I am proud to support an initiative that provides such valuable learning opportunities and exposure for our students, and I am eager to witness its positive impact on their future careers."
Students were challenged to analyze a publicly-traded company and present a compelling report on its value as a long-term investment. This hands-on approach not only equips them with valuable insights into the financial sector but also hones their ability to make informed investment decisions.
Michael Hecht, President & CEO of Greater New Orleans, Inc., praised the event, stating, "The Young Financial Leaders Expo presented by Wall Street Connection brilliantly showcases the promising future of our region's economic leadership, fostering a vital bridge between education and industry."
Demi Theodore from Bricolage Academy clinched the first place prize with her insightful analysis of Nike. She was awarded $1,500 to seed her first investment portfolio. In second place, four students from McDonough 35 showcased their remarkable talent and received a $1,000 prize to begin their investment journeys.
Dashaun Lyons, mother of first place winner Demi Theodore, shared her appreciation for the expo: "The Young Financial Leaders Expo plays a crucial role in our community by shedding light on financial matters for students at a pivotal time in their lives. It lays a foundation of knowledge that, if used wisely, opens up tremendous opportunities and prevents future financial pitfalls by preparing them to handle their responsibilities effectively."
Brittany Burgess, a teacher at Bricolage Academy, highlighted the value of the expo, stating: "The YFL Expo is vital as it allows young leaders to understand the economy's influence on our world and apply academic concepts in a non-traditional setting. Through their participation, my students have significantly improved in public speaking, formal presentations, and making analytical connections, skills essential for their future success."
Donald Hess, an administrator at Bricolage Academy, shared his pride in the students' achievements, stating, "We are immensely proud of our students for their exceptional performance at Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo, which exemplifies the innovative thinking we nurture at Bricolage Academy. We are excited to continue participating in this valuable event to further empower our students and showcase their talents."
Heather Caldwell, a teacher at McDonough 35, expressed her enthusiasm for the continued participation in the expo, noting, "Our students’ success at Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo reflects the deep dedication and hard work they bring to every challenge. We are excited to continue participating in this event, fostering our students’ growth and showcasing their evolving financial acumen."
These young investors’ achievements underscore the critical need for inclusive financial education and the profound impact it can have on individual lives and communities.
Steven Kennedy, CEO of REO, LLC, expressed his support for the expo, stating:
"Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo provides an essential platform for nurturing the economic architects of tomorrow. I am proud to support this initiative that so effectively bridges education with real-world economic development in New Orleans."
Nolan Marshall, Jr, a member of the New Orleans School Board, commented, "Wall Street Connection’s Young Financial Leaders Expo is a transformative event that propels our students into the world of finance, arming them with the skills they need for future success.
Eugene Green, New Orleans City Councilor, praised the event, stating, "The Young Financial Leaders Expo not only highlights the outstanding potential of our students but also reinforces our commitment to educational excellence and economic empowerment in New Orleans. The more that our youth are exposed to the tools and experiences that grow their financial literacy, the better will be the long term in quality of life for themselves and for all in our city."
As we continue to inspire and educate the next generation of financial leaders, we invite educators to join us at the 2024-2025 Young Financial Leaders Expo. Interested educators can learn more and register their students by visiting our website: wallstreetconnection.org/yflexpo
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About Wall Street Connection:
Wall Street Connection is dedicated to fostering financial literacy and investment skills among young individuals. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we aim to bridge the gap in financial education and create opportunities for all students to become savvy investors and informed financial decision-makers.
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Organization: Wall Street Connection
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