Our mission
Our Mission
Cultivate and prepare the soil, plant the seeds, create a fertilizing strategy to aid in reaching the full potential and finally on an ongoing basis we continue to nurture.
Our mission focuses on implementing programs designed to aid in closing the economic gap understanding no one class, one interaction nor one program will fully accomplish this mission. We close the financial gap by providing specifically designed education, tools, information, ongoing programs/support as well as inclusion regardless of income or location.
Our Goals
Cultivate and prepare the soil, plant the seeds, create a fertilizing strategy to aid in reaching the full potential as well as ongoing nurturing of youth and families in lower income and underserved communities. We do this by Implementing sustainable programs to close the economic gap increasing access, teaching financial literacy, providing necessary information, making available adequate tools, providing ongoing support and ensuring inclusion in future efforts and projects.
Founding member
Allison Ford
Hello and welcome to our website,
Growing up lower income in rural Louisiana, I realized my opportunities existed because of resourceful well-respected parents. I am a by-product of my village which was comprised of individuals (teachers, principals, counselors, an uncle, grandparents, professors, community, church family and Methodist connection) along my path directing and even pushing me into areas outside my comfort zone which later led to opportunities which at that time exceeded my parents' financial resources. Empowering youth and young adults to make informed decisions which aid in accomplishing their future goals is my passion. I have long had a passion for supporting underserved and underbanked communities to assist in implementing meaningful solutions as well as offering insight to equip students and consumers with the necessary tools resulting in measurable impact in their community’s future. I understand my purpose is to take what was shared with me and share with others.
In 2019, the opportunity arose to pursue my passion and further explore the area of financial literacy and economic inclusion. Research and analysis were conducted to determine the gaps which continue to exist, conducting interviews and reaching out to those established within the industry to obtain their perspective and recommendations as it relates to existing challenges and gap; thereby, drawing conclusions to understand the areas requiring greater focus. Additionally, I conducted further analysis to conclude the area my 30+ years of analyzing consumers behaviors, experience, and complaints would prove most beneficial. Following this thorough analysis my target audience was determined. Finally, the desired certification and curriculum which more readily speaks to the needs of the target audience was obtained.
Prior to launching products, workshops, and tools, COVID-19 hit globally and transformed our lives as well as opportunities for partners to support the launch dwindled. During the latter part of 2019, my then 9-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dissecans which affected both knees and would ultimately result in 3 back-to-back surgeries and immediate modification of priorities. I was then home focused on my daughter’s health, surgeries, therapy. I realized decisions I made earlier in my life to save or forego some "wants" positioned me for “such a time as this”. My experience allowed me to not only focus on my family’s safety and well-being, but I also recognized strengths and transferrable skills within myself which allowed me to successfully manage the unknowns and overcome continued obstacles in unfamiliar territory.
Today, I continue to offer my knowledge and experience through my financial literacy platform to all via “FinanciallyLit Kidz” and “FinanciallyLit 2020”; however, my target audience and outreach is directed toward the underserved and unbanked communities. 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, everyone staying home, and unable to visit relatives. We realized there were gaps in our plans, systems and infrastructure for businesses and personally. While none can see or truly predict the future, we have a clearer vision of priorities and the importance in securing the foundation and structure going forward.
Sadly, 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. I have chosen to expand my territory – cultivate and prepare the soil, plant the seeds, create a fertilizing strategy to aid in reaching the full potential and finally on an ongoing basis we continue to nurture youth and teens through our Financial Literacy Programs (FinanciallyLit Kidz) and families (FinanciallyLit 2020). My desire is to fill the economic gap. We do that by educating, providing necessary support and access, ensuring inclusion and ongoing programs to support the efforts. We invite you to join us in our efforts to fill the gaps and spread economic inclusion and empowerment.
ABOUT THE FOUNDER
Allison Ford is an NFEC Certified Financial Education Instructor who provides financial literacy workshops, keynote speaking, and program development in her local community of Dallas, Texas, and surrounding areas. She also has expanded capability to serve groups across the United States that are looking to build financial education programming that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of participants. 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 institutions 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. She also has vast experience with non-profits, volunteering, and speaking on financial topics. Her current ventures include Financial Literacy Programs for youth and teens (FinanciallyLit Kidz), as well as families (FinanciallyLit 2020). Her 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.