My Story

I entered the field of education nearly two decades ago, driven by a hope of making a meaningful impact. After deep reflection, I had the harsh realization that my work, as meaningful as it was, missed the mark of being truly transformational.

It was even harder to accept that the very population I intended to serve—those from underprivileged backgrounds—was the group most adversely impacted by the current educational structure.

The more I examined this, the clearer it became: a critical gap exists in our standard curriculum. Students are taught physical education, driver’s education, and a wide range of academic subjects, yet financial education is noticeably absent. This oversight means schools fall short in preparing students for one of life’s most essential challenges—managing their finances.

G.I.S.T. was created to address this urgent need within the educational system. Our mission is to narrow the income and achievement gaps by teaching essential skills such as personal finance, investing, and entrepreneurship. Through G.I.S.T., I’ve found a way to continue my work in education—but now with a renewed focus that aligns more deeply with my purpose.