Celebrities Support Financial Literacy

The National Financial Educators Council gives its heartfelt thanks to all the sports stars, other positive role models and celebrities who support financial literacy and contribute to the Financial EduNation Campaign, Money XLive, and the overall promotion of the financial education movement. Their support helps the NFEC raise awareness by sharing messages that resonate with people around the world, inspiring them to take positive action toward their financial futures.

The NFEC encourages all those who feel passionate about financial literacy to become fans and supporters of the individuals mentioned below. They share your passion, and have shown their commitment to creating a world where people have the knowledge they need to make qualified financial decisions that improve their lives, the lives of those they love, and the lives of people they influence around the globe.

Special thanks for helping in our Financial Literacy Initiative:

Wilmer Valderrama

Wilmer Valderrama is a highly successful actor, entrepreneur and philanthropist. After starring in That 70’s show, Wilmer was the creator and star of MTV’s “Yo Momma”, and is the voice of Disney Channels’ popular animated program “Handy Manny”. Valderrama has also had great success crossing over to the big screen performing in a host of feature films. Most recently, Valderrama has been added to the film “Larry Crowne” with a superb cast including Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts. Now you can watch him Thursday nights on his latest series “Awake”. Follow Wilmer on Twitter at: @WillyVille

Brandon Lloyd

Brandon Lloyd, All-Pro NFL wide receiver for the New England Patriots, brings his passion for helping today’s youth to support the financial literacy movement. Lloyd personally visited Lowell High School in Massachusetts as part of the Money XLive Ambassador program to encourage students to work hard, follow their passions and to teach personal finance topics. Yahoo Sports featured a 4 minute video of this visit and this helped to generate over 1,000,000 impressions that promoted financial education.

John Salley

John Salley is recognized as the first player in NBA history to play on three different championship-winning franchises and holds four NBA Championship rings. He was Commissioner of the American Basketball Association, host of “The Block Party’ for 100.3 the Beat in LA and The Best Damn Sports Show Period. John Salley also starred in the TV show “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!”. He is a practicing vegan, a successful business person and philanthropist. Visit JohnSalley.com to learn more. Follow John on Twitter at: @theJohnSalley

Chuck Liddell

Chuck Liddell is widely credited for bringing mixed martial arts into the mainstream of American sports and entertainment. He has held the UFC light heavyweight champion many times, has numerous roles acting and is a bestselling author. Chuck is one of the most recognized athlete’s in the world. Follow Chuck on Twitter at: @ChuckLiddell

Randy Wayne

Randy Wayne is an American actor who is well recognized for his lead role in the film “To Save a Life”. Randy’s first big break through was on the TV show “Sons and Daughters” and he also starred in multiple films including the remake of “Dukes of Hazzard: The Beginning” and “Honey 2”. Randy currently has reoccurring roles on TV series of “True Blood”, “The Lying Game” and “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”. Follow Randy on Twitter at: @IamRandyWayne

Arkia Burton

Arkia Burton won the 2012 Mrs. DC America competition and will be competing in the Mrs. America Pageant. She is the NFECs’ National Financial Literacy Ambassador and she has chosen her community platform to be financial awareness. Arika is a 28-year old financial consultant in the DC metro area and holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in both Finance and International Business. She has also completed the International Finance and European Union Study Program in London, England. She is actively involved with the NFEC to raise awareness and improve financial literacy and was featured in the NFECs’ “The Talk Financial Literacy PSA”. Learn more at mrsdcamerica.org.

Seth Joyner

Seth Joyner is a Super Bowl Champion, NFL Player of the Year award recipient from Sports Illustrated, and a 3 time Pro Bowl selection for the NFL. Seth is co-founder of the Joyner-Walker Foundation where the organization is dedicated to teaching financial literacy and providing life skill programs to assist high school and college students in a way to prosper and be self-sufficient. Joyner is often a required speaker to share his personal life story of struggles, determination and hard work.

Roy Lewis

Roy Lewis is a Super Bowl Champion playing for the Seattle Seahawks. Roy also received the teams “Man of the Year” award. Originally from Los Angeles, Ca, Roy went to college and was the team Captain for the Washington Huskies where he received MVP defensive player of the year before being drafted into the NFL. Follow Roy on Twitter at: @RoyLew34

JJ Thomas

JJ Thomas is a snowboarder who competed in the 2002 Winter Olympics and took bronze in the men’s halfpipe competition. The trio completed the first sweep for the United States since 1956. JJ is also the 2009 Dew Tour Halfpipe Champion, winner of an X Games Gold Medal, and is Co Founder of the apparel brand Yea.Nice. JJ is also talented musician and performed in MileHi. Follow JJ on Twitter at: @JJThomas_ and @YeaNiceBrand

Malcolm McCassy

Malcolm McCassy former professional Moto x rider and is a major action sports personality. He’s been a guest star on MTV’s hit show “MADE” and has been the top voice for brands like Alpinestars and No Fear. McCassy is currently Marketing VP International for Young & Reckless and is the Founder & President of Ethika, an under apparel brand with partners including Ryan Sheckler, Carey Hart and Travis Pastrana and WMG. Follow Malcolm on Twitter at: @MalcolmMC5 and @Ethika

Brian Deegan

Brian Deegan is a pioneering innovator in Freestyle Motocross and the most decorated Freestyle Motocross rider in X Games history with 10 metals including 4 Gold metals. Brian was the founder of Metal Mulisha and is now an Off Road Champion and a Gold metal winner for Rally Car in the X Games. Brian’s Biography was the 2007 Winner Best Biography X Dance Action Sports Film Festival for Disposable Hero. Follow Brian on Twitter at: @MMGeneral

Greg Lutzka

Greg Lutzka is a three time X Games medalist and has been the #1 street skater on the World Cup Skateboarding ranking twice in 2006 & 2007. He regularly competes in the Dew Tour, X Games and the Maloof Money Cup in which he won in 2011. Follow Greg on Twitter: @GregLutzka

Cris Judd

Cris Judd was an extremely famous back up dancer for Michael Jackson on the Dangerous tour and is a world-renowned choreographer. Cris is also a successful actor, producer and business man. He ventured into composing and music production where the first song he ever wrote, “Alive,” was nominated for a Grammy. Judd is currently teaching dance to youth throughout the country in a national tour called “The Pulse”. Cris was also the winner of the show “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!”. Follow Cris on Twitter at: @CrisJudd

Ian McCall

Ian McCall is a mixed martial artist who competes in the flyweight division of the UFC. He has been a professional MMA competitor since 2002. His recent win over the #1 ranked flyweight fighter in the world, has propelled him to be the #1 ranked flyweight in the world by Sherdog. Follow Ian on Twitter at: @UncleCreepyMMA

Christian Hosoi

Christian Hosoi is one of the biggest legends in professional skateboarding and is one of skateboarding’s biggest influencers of all time. Christian had his share of fame, fortune and personal struggles. After going through hard times Christian has now dedicated his life to helping people. He still skateboards professionally and is a pastor at The Sanctuary in Huntington Beach, Ca. Follow Christian on Twitter at: @ChristianHosoi

Tyler Christopher

Tyler Christopher is best known for his role as Nikolas Cassadine on the ABC daytime drama General Hospital, a character which he originated in 1996 and has played off and on until 2011. He was nominated for Daytime Emmys for the role in 1998, 2005, and 2006. Tyler is currently on the TV show “The Lying Game” and participated in the Money XLive financial literacy event. Follow Tyler on Twitter at: @Tyler2929

Kelley James

Kelley James is a rising star in the music scene, Kelley James has played with heavy-hitters Sara Bareilles, Tyrone Wells, Kate Voegele, and hit-makers T-Pain and Lil Jon. As a headliner, he consistently packs LA’s most legendary venues, including the El Rey, Roxy, Key Club, and Avalon and has a tour consisting of over 200 colleges a year. Follow Kelley on Twitter at: @YourBoyKJ

Matt Leinart

Matt Leinart is a Heisman trophy winner and college national champion now with the Arizona Cardinals. Matt’s appeared on MTV’s Punk’d, Desperate Housewives, many commercials and is the founder of the Matt Leinart Foundation. Follow Matt on Twitter at: @MattLeinartQB

Kenny Bartram

Cowboy Kenny Bartram is the most winning freestyle motocross champion that currently has the most freestyle wins, 57 in all. He is a 10 time metal winner for the X Games and Gravity Games. Kenny is now a professional Rally car champion after being honored “Rookie of the Year Award”. Follow Kenny on Twitter at: @CowboyKenny690

Steve Astephan

Steve Astephen is President of Wasserman Media Group (WMG) and manages the top athletes in the action sport world including Ryan Sheckler, Travis Pastrana, Carey Hart, Bruce Irons, Dane Reynolds and Bucky Lasek among others. Steve is a well-respected businessman and is constantly helping his athletes excel in their respective careers. Follow Steve on Twitter at: @WMGAStephen

Sunny Garcia

Sunny Garcia is a surfing legend and surfing icon. Sunny is an ASP World Title Champion and holds the record for winning the Triple Crown of Surfing a total of 5 times. Sunny is living in Hawaii and still competing on the ASP WQS events. Sunny provided a video interview promoting financial education. Follow Sunny on Twitter at: @Sunny_Garcia

Roy Powers

Roy Powers is a pro surfer from Hanalei, Kauai and the winner of the 2007 Haleiwa Pro for the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing. Roy was on the ASP World Tour for a number of years and is still competing in ASP WQS events. Follow Roy on Twitter at: @RealRoyPowers

Josh Sherman

Josh Sherman. This professional snowboarder’s last season was highlighted by a first place finish at the TTR Garden of Roses Slopestyle and two more top ten finishes in the 4 Star TTR series. He also placed sixth in the Grand Prix Slopestyle. Josh is a Co-Founder of the apparel brand Yea. Nice along with professional snowboarder JJ Thomas. Follow Josh on Twitter at: @YeaNiceBrand

Jesse Billauer

Jesse Billauer is highly respected in the surf industry and he has created a foundation called Life Rolls On which is a non-profit 501(c)3 that partnered with the Christopher Reeve Foundation. They’re dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. He is a professional speaker that tours the Country with his inspirational message and has had a powerful documentary film “Jesse’s Story” based on his life. Follow Jesse on Twitter at: @JesseBillauer

Rick Johnson

Rick Johnson is one of the great AMA motocross and Supercross racers of all-time. He won seven AMA national championships, had 61 AMA national wins and he retired as the all-time AMA Supercross wins leader.

Kaba Modern

Kaba Modern have big names in the dance world and have been industry leaders since starting in 1992. They competed in America’s Best Dance Crew and placed in the top 3.

Brian Sumner

Brian Sumner is a legendary skateboarder has made a big name for himself through innovative skateboarding in video parts. Brian toured on the Tony Hawk Gigantic Skate Park Tour and is dedicate to spreading his positive message through “The Uprising”. Follow Brian on Twitter at: @BriSumner

Omar Hassan

Omar Hassan is a legendary professional skateboarder and considered one of the best all around skaters in the world. Omar excels in vert, street and Big Air. Omar has competed in six X Games in nearly every discipline.

Joe Gingerella

Joe Gingerella a.k.a. Joey G was named in Billboards “100 Most Influential People in Music” along side Eddie Vedder, Paul Allen and Jimi Hendrix. Starting as a band manager in high school Joey G went on to build himself as a promoter, talent booker and band manager working with some of the biggest names in music.