Community Champion: Heidi Albert
Community Champion Heidi Albert consistently demonstrates a commitment to promoting financial inclusion, empowerment, and wellness in all aspects of her daily undertakings. Her talent for forging strong relationships and fostering positive communication among people from all cultures and backgrounds carries over into her personal life, in addition to her professional endeavors.
As she strives to promote cross-cultural understanding among her network of colleagues, partners, and acquaintances, Heidi shows her strong orientation in step with the National Financial Educators Council’s vision and mission. Her dedication to inclusion, equity, entrepreneurism, and social impact clearly paint her portrait as a true community advocate.
Personal Statement
My career has come full circle. I created a nonprofit a few years ago that fostered financial literacy and inclusion for youth in Chicago. I believe that education and access to basic personal financial topics and concepts can be a game changer. I have seen with my students how different a person’s life can be by simply having a bank account instead of using check cashing.
Now, as Director of People & Culture for The Greenwood Project, I support the organizational mission of bridging the gap toward high-trajectory careers in financial services by introducing and preparing talented Black and Latino students through exposure, education, and internship opportunities. With more than 15 years of experience in finance, business, and HR as a change agent and DEI leader, I’ve built a strong track record of driving talent and learning and development solutions that increase inclusion and employee engagement.
My earlier roles included working at William Blair and becoming a successful entrepreneur, building a nonprofit based on teaching underserved youth financial literacy. I’ve leveraged my creativity, systems and process thinking, and excellent emotional intelligence to connect with people, develop leaders, and move the financial wellness movement forward.
Financial inclusion is truly a passion of mine. I look forward to serving Illinois communities and continuing the work of spreading financial empowerment around the state and the whole country.
Community Champion: Heidi Albert
Heidi Albert champions Illinois communities by raising awareness and developing sustainable connections that promote financial inclusion among people from diverse backgrounds. Thanks to her leadership, the Illinois Financial Educators Council Advisory Board opens up viable opportunities for young adults to pursue their personal dreams and financial goals.
With Heidi’s help, the IFEC has potential to make a true difference in terms of financial empowerment and inclusivity across the state of Illinois and beyond. The Illinois Financial Educators Council extends its heartfelt thanks to Heidi Albert for her contributions to the organization’s mission.
