Financial Services Professional & Financial Literacy Advocate

Allison Ford is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor.

The first 30 years of Allison’s career were in the area of regulatory compliance and oversight. She began her career in the late 90’s as a Bank Examiner with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the Dallas Region and subsequently moved to the private sector representing various financial intuitions as Compliance Officer, VP Compliance, Director of Compliance etc. She has a progressive background in the financial industry representing the government and financial institutions in varying capacities providing consumer protection and regulatory compliance oversight including start-ups and reorganizations. As noted, her background is comprised of extensive knowledge and experience in consumer protection oversight for various financial institutions of varying sizes. Responsibilities encompassed in-depth review of policies and procedures, consumer complaints management and response, compliance training, disclosures and documentation review and approval; addressing consumer challenges with the bank’s procedures or policies; responding to reports of examination and examination request as well as advising the business in a manner to protect the consumer and the institution as it relates to existing regulations, anticipated proposed regulations as well as regulatory revisions and amendments. Allison has always chosen to give back by volunteering on behalf of the companies she represented by actively participating in community outreach to spread goodwill by volunteering with the Annual Veterans Day Parade in Dallas, Minnie Food Pantry in Dallas, The Mission Continues as well as ongoing participation with Junior Achievement to share financial literacy and banking knowledge with students by providing support and coaching within a simulated environment which offered real life scenarios. I realized empowering youth and young adults to make informed decisions which brought about future results they hope to attain was my passion. She has long had a passion for supporting underserved and underbanked communities to implement meaningful solutions as well as offer insight to equip students and consumers with the necessary tools resulting in measurable impact in their community’s future through financial literacy and education. In 2019, the opportunity arose to allow her to pursue her passion and further explore the area of financial literacy and economic inclusion. She conducted research and analysis to determine the gaps which continue to exist, conducting interviews and reaching put to those established within the industry to obtain their perspective and recommendations as it relates to existing challenges and gaps, drawing conclusions to understand the justifications and conduct further analysis to conclude the area her 30+ years of analyzing consumers behaviors, experience, and complaints would prove most beneficial. Following this thorough analysis her target audience was defined. She then determined the certification and curriculum which more readily speaks to the needs of the target audience. Prior to launching products, workshops, and tools, COVID-19 hit us all and transformed the things were done as well as opportunities for sponsors to support the launch. In addition, during the latter part of 2019, her then 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dissecans which affected both knees and would ultimately result in 3 back-to-back surgeries in 2020. Unexpectedly, as a single mom of two adopted daughters, there was an immediate modification of priorities. She was home focused on her daughter’s health, surgeries, therapy, doctor’s appointments, and virtual school for both. She realized many sacrifices she made as it relates to saving or foregoing some “wants” positioned her for “such a time as this”. “Dream Delayed”. Her experience allowed her not only to focus on her family’s safety and well-being, but she also recognized strengths and transferrable skills within herself which allowed her to successfully manage the unknowns and overcome continued obstacles in an unfamiliar territory. Today, Allison continues to offer her knowledge and experience through her financial literacy platform and outreach in underserved and unbanked communities through “FinanciallyLit Kidz” and “FinanciallyLit 2020”. Why 2020? In 2020 the financial industry was faced with regulators revealing weaknesses in controls and systems as well as many across the globe were faced with an unimaginable scenario with businesses closing for weeks, staying home, and unable to visit relatives. We realized there were gaps in our plans, systems and infostructure for businesses and personally. While none can see or truly predict the future, we have a clearer vision of what is important in securing the foundation and structure going forward. COVID-19 highlighted and even widened the economic gap which already existed between lower income and middle to upper income communities as well as between women and men. Allison has chosen to expand her territory – plant seed, cultivate, and continue to nurture youth and teen through her Financial Literacy Programs (FinanciallyLit Kidz) and families (FinanciallyLit 2020). The long-term goal is to increase the offerings and impact to fill existing gaps by offering the experience in a virtual reality gaming framework in which participants pursue various paths based upon their goals and knowledge. While this will require a team of stakeholders as well as greater sponsorship from varying industries, the impact and reach to fill the gaps which currently exist particularly with youth from underserved communities will be astonishing. We invite you to join us in filling the Economic Gap and spread inclusion. Allison often shares: “Growing up in a lower income household in rural Louisiana, I realized my opportunities existed because of resourceful well-respected parents (i.e., land, animals, crops, amazing seamstress). I am also a “village product” comprised of individuals along my path (teachers, principals, guidance counselors, business owners, family) directing and even pushing me to do things outside my comfort zone resulting in opportunities and knowledge.” Plant a Seed, Feed the World. NOTE: While our target audience is clearly defined, speaking opportunities, programs and tools are available to anyone pursuing knowledge; however, sponsorship and donations are specifically allocated based on family income and/or location in an underserved/unbanked community.