Community Champion: Dorenda Monique Clink
Dorenda Monique Clink feels passionate about helping Illinois communities thrive through financial empowerment, and that passion shines through her personal as well as her professional ventures. Her unflagging advocacy, volunteer work, education, and philanthropy help advance the financial literacy movement toward reaching its social impact goals.
In close collaboration with the Illinois Financial Educators Council and its parent company, the National Financial Educators Council, Dorenda Clink has gained a well-deserved reputation for being a real community champion. Her leadership and energy – accompanied by her selflessness, compassion, confidence, and approachability – bring a unique perspective to the financial wellness cause that makes a true difference in people’s lives in Illinois and beyond.
Personal Statement
I have always been a volunteer and an educator at heart. When my daughter was in fourth grade, I volunteered to teach her class the basics of investing. Years later, I served as a volunteer with my son’s Boy Scout troop, and I even became a licensed substitute teacher. Whether in classrooms, community spaces, or small groups, I’ve always enjoyed helping people understand new concepts and gain the confidence to use what they learn.
Over time, I began to notice that one area consistently created stress and setbacks for people: money. In earlier years, while working in public service, I often had conversations with people whose stories traced back to some form of lack – lack of financial resources, stable support systems, or community connections. That realization became the turning point for me. I saw that financial empowerment isn’t just about money; it’s about breaking cycles of poverty, building confidence, and giving people the tools to create lasting change for themselves and their families.
That conviction led me to the financial services industry, where I developed expertise, and ultimately to founding Vested Interest Financial Group. At VIFG, I serve as Director of Community Outreach & Education, focusing strictly on financial education, coaching, and empowerment. My mission is not to sell products, but to provide tools, resources, and practical guidance that help people move from surviving to thriving.
I believe financial empowerment is a form of freedom. When people understand their money and take control of their choices, they not only change their own lives but also create ripple effects in their families and communities. That’s why I dedicate my work to building financial literacy programs, speaking to groups, and coaching individuals in ways that are practical, relatable, and easy to apply.
Community Champion: Dorenda Monique Clink
Dorenda Monique Clink has shown her dedication to financial literacy education through her professional career, volunteer commitments, and advocacy efforts. Her participation on the United for Financial Literacy Advocacy Committee and the IFEC Advisory Board serve to underscore the positive difference her leadership has made.
Dorenda has a particular talent for making personal finance lessons practical, understandable, and accessible to everyone and ensuring that learners feel confident and capable to apply the principles they learn in their daily lives. Her approachability and compassion are inspiring to us all.
On behalf of the Illinois Council, we extend our sincerest gratitude to Dorenda Monique Clink for her contributions to the financial wellness cause in the Prairie State and its communities.
