2021 Leadership Institute Recap (Day 1)

By Danielle Robinson
TMCF Government Relations & Marketing Intern

Financial Health Plenary: Wells Fargo: Building Your Financial Future (TMCF)

On October 18, 2021, the first plenary session was presented by Wells Fargo— Leveling Up Your Financial Savvy: The Relationship Between Your Money, Your Decisions and Your Financial Health.

Over the last 10 years, Wells Fargo has provided over $91 million dollars in support of diverse students and their journey in higher education.

Wells Fargo’s financial representatives Dewey Norwood, Ewunike Brady, Moses Harris, Clarence Nunn and Bonnie Wallace. Each shared their experiences with the TMCF scholars, and thoroughly discussed why personal financial success is paramount to a successful future.

Wallace shared important tips with the scholars including how their money matters, no matter how small it might be, and how the money we spend and the decisions we make now can impact the status of the financial future that we envision.

What are the steps that students need to take to improve their financial health?

First, you need to know where you stand.

1. Keep track of every money that you spend. Keep a journal of all your expenses, no matter how small the cost.
2. Review and analyze the journal. Are you spending more than you earn? Are you spending more/less?
3. It is important to understand why you are spending the money.
4. Develop a spending plan (budget), in order to set aside money for different types of spend. (Designate spending money from saving money). Establish an emergency savings account— keep it aside for unexpected occurrences.

Credit is power. It is important to have credit. Establish credit, but you must use it very wisely.

Links Shared During Session

• https://collegesteps.wf.com/beyond-college-2021-webinar-series/
• https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOSV1mcc1bzGk85wVFCXCPw4pRewFBalO
• https://www.wellsfargo.com/about/diversity/diversity-and-inclusion/

Wells Fargo Plenary Speakers on LinkedIn

• Moses Harris
• Ewunike Brady
• Bonnie Wallace
• Clarence Nunn

The Kellogg Company Opening Reception

Ari La Vine, who attended the Leadership Institute as a TMCF scholar in 2015, hosted the Kellogg Opening Reception and paid it forward with a vibrant and energetic attitude, keeping the current scholars on their toes and fully engaged with a game jeopardy on HBCU history!

At the end of the session, there was a surprise raffle to win Apple watches. Four students were randomly selected from (TMCF LI Kellogg’s raffle). Congratulations to the winners!

• Sonja Freeman
• Jessica Guaman
• Cailyn Holloway
• Shaka Dickerson