Since 2007 America Saves Week has been an annual celebration as well as a call to action for everyday Americans to commit to saving successfully. Through the support of thousands of participating organizations, together we encourage individuals to do a financial check-in that allows them to get a clear view of their finances, set savings goals, and create a plan to achieve them.
This year, America Saves Week falls right in line with the Racial Justice Challenge Financial Empowerment week. Complement what you learn throughout the challenge with these additional resources and join us for our virtual events this America Saves Week.
Saving for the Unexpected: Financial Abuse & Economic Empowerment Instagram Live
Tuesday, april 9 | 12:00 PM
Financial abuse can happen to anyone and be committed by anyone. It is not always easy to identify and can look different in every situation. Join past YWCA participant Gaby as we chat about her experience with financial abuse and how she was able to empower herself and be in charge of her financial future. If you are experiencing any form of abuse, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Saving for Major Milestones: Knowing Your Worth & Wage Negotiation Workshop
Wednesday, April 10 | 5:30 PM
Women earn an average of 82% of what men earn. This gap widens even more when you look across racial and ethnic groups. Join YWCA volunteer Emilia for this class on wage negotiation where we will learn some equal pay history, how to build your professional portfolio, and tips for negotiating your wage!
Saving at Any Age: Motherhood & Generational Wealth Panel Discussion
Friday, April 12 | 2:00 PM
As parents, we want to pass along healthy financial habits to our children and promote generational wealth. Join Maria, Rachel, and Ayo as they discuss their experiences as mothers with careers in the financial sector. We will discuss balancing motherhood and a career, the important role of caregiving, and how to discuss finances with your children.
SPEAKERS
Gaby Rodriguez
Gaby is a resilient advocate for individuals who have faced the challenges of growing up in an environment of abuse and poverty. Her journey took an unexpected turn when her relationship ended abruptly, leaving her without the financial stability or support needed to provide a home for her three sons. Gaby participated in YWCA Financial Education workshops, where she learned how to manage her finances and began saving for a future where she and her sons would never face homelessness again. She has worked tirelessly in the nonprofit sector, social services, and workforce development, contributing to organizations focused on educating families on breaking the cycles of abuse. Gaby’s story stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of education.
Emilia Loaiza
Coming soon!
Maria De Real
Maria graduated in 2023 with a degree in Community Advocacy and Social Policy and has been working in finance for about 4.5 years. Maria is a mother of one and expecting her second. As someone who experienced foster care and having to navigate finances and budgeting on her own, Maria enjoys helping others build their own skills and toolbelt in finance. Maria is on a mission to empower others for many years to come.
Ayo Jordan-Jones
Wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend to many, Ayo holds a Master of Business Administration from Texas Woman’s University and Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with a double major in Accounting and Finance from the University of Oklahoma, Price College of Business. Ayo is a Certified Public Accountant, CPA, licensed in Texas and Arizona. Ayo loves to travel, attend live music events, and enjoy sports in her free time because she embraces learning about different cultures and connecting with people.
Rachel Caballero
With over 17 years of experience in credit unions, Rachel has held positions from teller to Branch Manager and Contact Center Manager, to her recent position in Marketing. She is a Certified Credit Union Financial Counselor and a graduate of the MWCUA Leadership Institute and Elevated Worldwide. Rachel wholeheartedly believes in, and lives, the credit union philosophy of people helping people. Her passion for helping and educating others shows in her involvement in her community, where she serves on several local committees including the American Lung Association and Credit Unions for Kids. In her spare time, she teaches financial wellness with local nonprofits and community colleges.
PLAY SPENT
Try this simulator that goes through the choices an unemployed, single mother has to make when she is down to her last $1000. The intention of America Saves Week is to get individuals to save and invest in their futures; however, that is not always possible due to other circumstances that are often heightened by certain races and gender. How do you do?
Financial Influencers to Follow
*Our use of “girls” and “women” is inclusive of all cis and trans women, non-binary, gender non-conforming, gender queer, and any female-identified folks.
There are many ways to get involved with YWCA Metropolitan Phoenix
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