Meet Our Graduates
The NFEC highly values its community of financial wellness champions. Listed on this page are a few of the thousands of people from diverse industries who are doing some great work in the financial literacy space.
It is our hope to connect your organization with these featured financial wellness champions to provide top-quality financial wellness programming to your community.
Partial List of our Thousands of Graduates
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First, Last / Certificate Title / Certificate Initials
example Jason Smith Certified Financial Literacy Professional, CFLP
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Andrew Lendnal
Financial Wellness Expert, Banking and Financial Services Executive, Bestselling Author and Speaker
Hailing from New Zealand, Financial Wellness Expert, Banking and Financial Services Executive Andrew Lendnal has made Washington D.C. his home, where he lives with his wife and three daughters. A distinguished alumnus, Andrew holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Science from Victoria University of Wellington, as well as an MBA from Massey University. Alongside these academic accolades, he also attained the Series 7 and Series 63 financial certifications. With over two decades in the industry, Advisory Board Member Andrew Lendnal has made an indelible mark in the financial wellness arena. More than just a financial expert, he’s fervently passionate about guiding individuals toward financial stability and independence. Holding the Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®) designation through the NFEC, Andrew’s dedication has positioned him at the forefront of the workplace financial wellness movement and its related communities.
Bestselling Author and Speaker for Financial Wellness: Andrew Lendnal
Andrew Lendnal is an internationally bestselling author who has written seven books simplifying intricate financial concepts for readers of all backgrounds. Titles such as ‘Gold Start’, ‘Budget Wise Dollar Rich’, and ‘Catalyst’ have received global recognition. Moreover, his children’s series, ‘Money $mart’, paves the way for the financial literacy of future generations. Beyond Australasia, Andrew’s influence in the media landscape has expanded, with regular appearances on ‘Good Morning’ and authorship of authoritative columns cementing his reputation as a trusted financial voice in the U.S.
Recognized worldwide as a compelling speaker, Andrew skillfully blends education with engagement, captivating the attention of audiences globally. While serving pivotal roles in esteemed firms like Morgan Stanley, KeyCorp, and Morningstar Inc., Andrew has meticulously devised and navigated financial wellness strategies that resonate with employees predominantly at Fortune 500 companies. In 2020, his significant contributions were spotlighted when a New York Times journalist named him one of the top five leaders championing financial wellness in the workplace. Andrew remains committed to his mission: guiding the path toward financial enlightenment and empowerment.
Caroline Dennis
Caroline Dennis is a entrepreneur, coach, public speaker, and author. As the Founder and Executive Director of NuJourney Foundation, she has dedicated her career to promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship in underserved communities. NuJourney Foundation, created under Caroline’s leadership, is built on the pillars of passion, purpose, and empowerment. Its mission is to equip every individual with the financial knowledge necessary to create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Caroline’s extensive expertise in finance has been instrumental in developing comprehensive financial literacy and entrepreneurship programs catered to both youth and adults. Currently, NuJourney Foundation has fostered a fruitful partnership with the local Boys and Girls Club, actively teaching and instilling crucial financial principles.
Her dedication extends beyond NuJourney Foundation, as she currently serves as a Program Advisor for the MUMA School of Business at the University of South Florida. She is the President/CEO of Chayil Financial Group and Chayil Consulting which house her exclusive brand Coaching with Caroline and Caroline’s Coaching Academy.
Thomas Graneau
Dedicated to making a difference in people’s lives, Tom Graneau wants to inspire working adults to overcome the financial barriers that deprive them of economic freedom. Typically, most people work hard, make a lot of money, live paycheck-to-paycheck, and retire with pennies. Much of that is attributed to a lack of good financial education and guidance. As one who learned about these issues late in life, he is passionately driven to alter the course of these events in people’s lives.
As a financial specialist, Tom has been providing financial services since 1989. Much of that time has been spent conducting individual counseling, workshops, and training for active military members, veterans, and the general public. Tom is an author of four books, three of which deal with personal finance. He is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor and holds a master’s degree in business. As an ordained minister, he is also well-versed in family counseling, parental success, and crisis management.
Patrina Dixon
Patrina Dixon, NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor and rising author of top-selling financial guided series, “It’$ My Money” has made it her mission to change that. Dixon is committed to educating the youth in her community. She led the Hartford’s Financially Fit community event and is enthusiastic about her role as a personal finance volunteer for Junior Achievement. Patrina Dixon has helped participants of all ages shape their spending and saving behaviors – to guide them toward financial wellness. Through her education received at the University of Hartford Barney School of Business, as a proud mom and a life-long financial advisor – she understands and thrives at teaching the importance of financial literacy.
Kari Lorz
Kari is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor and the founder of Money for the Mamas, a community dedicated to helping moms (just like you) build a secure financial future for your family. Through easy-to-understand education, simple budgeting, and saving printables, she can help you organize your finances, uncover your big goals, and help you achieve them through a strategic planning roadmap. Kari’s dedication to helping others comes from years of experience with business and community involvement – assisting nonprofit organizations with resources and funding to help their clients with food security, affordable housing, finding medical care, and the tools to become financially stable. Kari has a special interest in helping families with disabilities plan for the long-term of their loved ones and has experience with the needs of military families. Kari holds a Masters in Business Administration degree and, combined with decades of experience in customer service, means she knows how to communicate, guide, and motivate those who reach out for financial education. Kari wants every person to know that learning about money and using it to better your life is within your reach. You are smart enough, strong enough, and more than capable of changing your life.
Theus McBee
Theus McBee is the host of Define Your Legacy, a podcast designed to raise awareness about financial literacy and investing. Whether it’s teaching high schoolers how to apply for scholarships, showing college students how to properly save money or instructing recent college graduates how to increase their credit score, Theus prides himself on preparing the next generation for a successful financial future. As a stock market investor himself, Theus focuses on helping young adults begin their investing journey. He has been featured on numerous podcasts and shows to shed light on financial literacy. As an on-air talent and personal finance content creator, Theus has utilized his social media to inform people of all ages the power that investing can have on a person’s life. With a social media brand that has reached over hundreds of thousands of accounts, Theus prides himself on changing the world through education. Theus is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) and a proud graduate from the University of Connecticut.
Debbi King
Debbi is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor℠ and personal finance educator. Debbi received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Carolina in 1990 in Accounting and Business Education. In 1998, she filed for bankruptcy, and armed with the wisdom and knowledge she learned, rebuilt her financial life and now teaches and empowers others to do the same. She is the proud owner of The ABC’s of Personal Finance, a nationally recognized financial literacy firm. She is also a speaker and author of three award winning books, “The ABC’s of Personal Finance”, “26 Weeks to Wealth and Financial Freedom”, and “50 Shades of Money”.
Debbi was recently a featured contributor on NBCNews.com and has contributed to several large media sources over the course of her 32 year career. She is also a regular source to multiple media outlets in addition to speaking nationally on the subject of personal finance Debbi is the creator and host of the weekly podcast “The ABC’s of Personal Finance”.
Jay Adrian Tolentino
Known as “Kuya Jay”, Jay Adrian Tolentino is a Financial Literacy Advocate, Independent Financial Coach, and an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor based in Dubai, UAE. He helps OFW’s live life in their own terms through Financial Education and Coaching. He gained his expertise after experiencing financial pitfalls such as getting scammed, buying unnecessary and expensive financial products, losing money due to improper investment strategies, and accumulating debt in his first year as an expat. His passion for Financial Literacy has made him a trusted person on money matters. He has delivered talks to various organizations, companies, and universities.
In 2020, Jay was invited to speak at the Philippine Congress about a national issue that would impact the financial situations of Filipinos living abroad. Today, he hosts the Pera & Purpose Podcast, which teaches people on how to use money as a tool to live a meaningful life. Additionally, Jay serves as an active member of the Philippine Business Council, a non-profit organization that empowers Filipinos in the UAE to establish their own businesses.
Laura Adams
Laura Adams is a personal finance expert and author of the award-winning book Money Girl’s Smart Moves to Grow Rich. She hosts the top-rated Money Girl podcast on iTunes and QuickandDirtyTips.com with over 50 million downloads.
Laura is a frequent personal finance contributor on FOX News, FOX Business, and The Huffington Post. Her advice has been featured on NBC News, in USA Today, U.S. News and World Report, Time, Consumer Reports, and many other media outlets.
Somya Munjal
Once I graduated college, I really realized how incredibly large the gap was between the rich and the poor in America. I decided to dedicate my life to helping bridge that gap. I truly believe that proper money management, hard work, and some good mentors can help turn a life around. Anything I can do to help our society become more confident in money management is truly a privilege—because it really is a beautiful thing to serve others in achieving their dreams and quests.
Somya R. Munjal is a social entrepreneur dedicated to fiscal and monetary policy reform through the empowerment of people. She’s the founder of socioeconomic empowerment EdTech Youthful Savings and the Managing Partner of CPA for the People LLP. She is also the author of Audacious Endeavors which helps all people start socially conscious business ventures that emphasize the need for the triple bottom line – people, planet and profit. Her intent is to bring the world together through responsible financial systems, integrative education and impact-driven entrepreneurship. Somya is a Certified Public Accountant and NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor.
Matt Partrich
Matt Partrich is a distinguished Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant with a proven track record of empowering individuals to achieve their financial goals and cultivate a secure financial future. Leveraging his extensive expertise in personal finance, strategic planning, and client-centric guidance, Matt is dedicated to transforming lives through sound financial practices and holistic well-being.
With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Matt has garnered a reputation for his unwavering commitment to helping clients attain financial literacy, make informed decisions, and optimize their financial resources. His comprehensive approach encompasses budgeting, debt management, and risk mitigation, ensuring that his clients possess the tools they need to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of personal finance.
As a Certified Personal Financial Wellness Consultant, Matt’s qualifications are underscored by his rigorous training, adherence to ethical standards, and continuous pursuit of knowledge. He holds certifications from accredited institutions, and his proficiency is complemented by his innate ability to communicate complex financial concepts in an accessible and relatable manner. This exceptional skill allows him to connect with diverse audiences and provide tailored solutions that align with each individual’s unique financial aspirations and circumstances.
Matt’s impact extends beyond the realm of numbers and spreadsheets. His empathetic and compassionate approach fosters a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to discuss their financial concerns openly. By prioritizing education and collaboration, he equips his clients with the confidence to take charge of their financial journeys and make informed decisions that positively impact their lives.
Pamela Setufe
Pamela S. Setufe is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor. She is a firm believer of the biblical verse that says, “to whom much is given, much is required.” That is why after seeing the need for financial education at her workplace and in her community, she co-founded The WiseAnt Group, LLC to help individuals and families ditch debt, save money, and start building generational wealth. She is also the CEO & Founder of Dream Today, a non-profit dedicated to promoting literacy and equity in education and healthcare for children and women in impoverished communities in Africa.
Pamela has over 17 years of experience in healthcare administration, with her most current role as the Chief Compliance Officer of a large Medical Group in San Antonio, Texas. Throughout her career, Pamela coached, mentored and trained many employees, and also contributed to their personal and professional growth & development. To Pamela, the benefits of these trainings and coaching were not all one way. She gained a greater understanding of the financial and emotional challenges her colleagues faced when it comes to major changes in their lives, or even saving and planning for their retirement. She related not only to these challenges, but also to the apparent lack of impactful educational programs and tools available to help them make informed financial decisions.
Pamela holds a Masters Degree in Healthcare Administration (MHA) from Trinity University, and a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration-Finance Concentration and Economics (double major), with an International Studies Minor from Truman University. In 2020, she was honored to become a Fellow of the American College of Medical Practice Executives, popularly known as Medical Group Management Association (MGMA). With a thirst for knowledge and continuous improvement in her career, Pamela is also a Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) and a Certified Provider Credentialing Specialist (CPCS). As a way of giving back, it is Pamela’s joy to help others achieve their dreams, as they work towards greater financial wellness.
Bola Sokunbi
Financial Wellness Expert, Bestselling Author and Speaker, Founder of Clever Girl Finance, 2021 NFEC Financial Education Instructor of the Year
Bola is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI), money coach, business strategist and founder of Clever Girl Finance, a platform that empowers and educates women to make the best financial decisions for their current and future selves. Bola has also been named the 2021 Financial Education Instructor of the Year.
Clever Girl Finance inspires women to pursue their dreams of financial independence in order to live life on their own terms.
Bola is available for speaking engagements at colleges, organizations and corporations. She focuses on a variety of money topics that provide educational, inspiring and engaging financial conversations for team meetings, staff development, group gatherings, conferences and students. Her speaking style is fun, personable and approachable.
Her features include CBN News, WSRadio.com, various podcasts and webinars. She also frequently hosts her own Clever Girl Finance workshops that revolve around personal and business finance.
Gordon Stein
Gordon Stein is a Cleveland-based keynote speaker, author, blogger and personal finance expert, who helps people apply innovative techniques to build wealth, so they can fully enjoy their professional and personal lives.
He is the author of the best-selling Cashflow Cookbook: $2 Million of Financial Freedom in 60 Easy Recipes. This breakthrough book features a simple approach and financial “recipes” that can free up more than $13,000 monthly. These savings can be applied to debt reduction or incremental investment. All with minimal effort and sacrifice. Rob Carrick, personal finance columnist of Canada’s Globe and Mail newspaper, summed it up well, “If you’re going to write a book about personal finance, Job #1 is to say something different than the hundreds of books already covering the topic…Gordon Stein aced this test.”
Bill Schretter
Bill Schretter, MBA, CLU, ChFC, CFP, ATA is a published author and NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor who provides financial literacy workshops, keynote speaking, and program development in his local community of Southwest Ohio and throughout the United States. Bill serves groups across the United States that are looking to build and host financial education programs that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of participants.
He currently serves as a CFP Board Ambassador™, (one of only 47 in the world), member of the planning committee for the annual WSU LIFT2 Symposium. and a Board Member of the FPA of Southwestern Ohio. Further, he is a past president of the FPA of Southwestern Ohio, a former Director of the Dayton Society of Financial Service Professionals, and was the AARP Regional Financial Education Instructor in Southwestern Ohio providing seminars to its members.
Bill has been published in many print and online publications, including the New York Times, U.S. News & World Report, Bloomberg, Money, WalletHub, and others. In addition to the Certified Financial Education Instructor designation, holds many others, including CFP®- CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CLU®- Chartered Life Underwriter, ChFC®- Chartered Financial Consultant, ATA®- Accredited Tax Advisor, AEP®- Accredited Estate Planner, and more.
Karen Oeser
Throughout her 25-year investment career, Karen was distraught to continuously see high-salaried women seeking retirement advice at the END of their careers and realizing that they would not have enough to live their retirement dreams comfortably. She was also saddened to see the number of women living paycheck to paycheck, feeling as if there was no way out of their financial despair. So, she decided to do something about it in 2020 and partnered with Erica Neal to launch Financial Literacy for Her. They specifically designed the program to help women develop healthy financial habits by addressing the mindset issues that trip them up.
Erica and Karen then took it up a notch in 2021. They published an Amazon #1 bestseller “Mind of Gold: A Girlfriend’s Guide to Financial Freedom” to help women discover their personal and financial identities while encouraging positive relationships and generational impact. The book was so well-received that they turned it into an online course targeting single moms.
Rahkim Sabree
Rahkim Sabree is a nationally Certified Financial Education Instructor, life coach, TED speaker, mentor, and community leader who advocates for financial empowerment through publications, interviews, podcasts, and his own published work. Working exclusively with leaders who have a mission to improve people’s lives, Sabree feels passionate about helping others embrace their limitless possibilities and find greater flexibility and freedom using the power of money. He has authored two books, Financially Irresponsible and Mentorship: The Playbook.
In addition to blogging on his own website and on platforms such as Black Enterprise, Sabree has been featured on The New York Post, Yahoo! Finance, Business Insider, CEOWorld Magazine, Experian, and Entrepreneur, among others.
Jamila Souffrant
Jamila Souffrant is a money coach, NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor, and host of one of the top personal financial podcasts, Journey to Launch, which takes people on a step-by-step journey to financial freedom. Souffrant guides her faithful listeners – aptly dubbed “Journeyers” – to build wealth, tackle debt, and gain empowerment as business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives. This cutting-edge weekly podcast showcases Souffrant’s professional advice alongside guest interviews with experts in financial fields ranging from real estate to creative entrepreneurship.