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Empowering the Next Generation: Fin Lit Kids and Ebony Beckford’s Mission to Teach Financial Literacy

Women's Journal Staff on November 12, 2023

Financial literacy is a vital life skill, yet it often remains a subject relegated to adulthood. But what if children could start learning about money management from a tender age? Fin Lit Kids, a multimedia edutainment company founded by the passionate and dedicated entrepreneur, Ebony Beckford. Fin Lit Kids is on a mission to make financial literacy accessible and enjoyable for children aged 3-7. 

The Vision and the Founder

The journey that led to the creation of Fin Lit Kids began with a remarkable achievement in 2020. Ebony Beckford released her best-selling children’s book, “Madison’s 1st Dollar.” This heartwarming tale served as a catalyst, sparking the idea for Fin Lit Kids. Ebony envisioned a multimedia company that would empower adults to teach fundamental money concepts to children aged 3-7 through entertaining games, books, activities, and digital content.

Ebony’s dedication to her mission has not gone unnoticed. Her impactful work has garnered recognition, with features on prestigious platforms such as NBC News New York, Essence.com, Madammenoire.com, Blackenterprise.com, and various influential blogs. In 2022, Ebony received a $10,000 grant from UPS Ignite and Accion Opportunity Fund, which she intends to use to further expand her business.

While her entrepreneurial journey is impressive, Ebony’s background adds depth to her ability to bridge the gap in financial education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts from St. John’s University and previously spent nine years as a real estate tech executive in the corporate world before making the leap to pursue entrepreneurship full-time.

Ebony’s multifaceted experiences, coupled with her unwavering commitment to financial literacy, make her a driving force behind Fin Lit Kids’ mission to empower children with essential money management skills.

Beyond the Website and Social Media

While you can find a wealth of information on Fin Lit Kids’ website and social media accounts, what may not be immediately evident is the depth of research and collaboration that underpins their products and content. The company works closely with educational experts and psychologists to ensure that their materials are not only enjoyable but also cognitively enriching. This commitment to excellence ensures that children gain a profound understanding of money management that will serve them well into adulthood.

Changing the Game in Financial Education

Fin Lit Kids is changing the game in how children learn about money. They’ve taken the tried-and-true tools of early childhood education and infused them with a financial literacy twist, making money lessons enjoyable and relatable. One exciting project in the pipeline is an album where beloved nursery rhymes are transformed into catchy, money-centric tunes. By blending familiar melodies with financial insights, they ensure that children not only connect with the material but also internalize crucial money management concepts with ease.

Target Audience and Unique Approach

Fin Lit Kids’ target audience includes parents and educators who recognize the importance of instilling healthy financial habits in children from an early age. Traditional barriers such as the complexity of financial topics and adult intimidation often hinder these efforts. However, Fin Lit Kids provides easy-to-use, age-appropriate children’s products that simplify the teaching process, seamlessly integrating financial education into regular learning and playtime routines.

“Restoring Generational Wealth”

The tagline “Restoring Generational Wealth” encapsulates Fin Lit Kids’ philosophy. Ebony emphasizes the restoration of generational wealth over building wealth from scratch. It’s a recognition and celebration of the rich heritage of communities of color, reminding us that prosperity has always been a part of our history. This approach seeks to impact perspectives and drive by embracing and understanding this legacy.

Representation Matters

Representation is at the core of Fin Lit Kids’ educational content. They prioritize spotlighting characters who are often underrepresented in conversations about money management. All children deserve to see themselves in stories that inspire hope, joy, and accomplishment. By normalizing narratives featuring diverse protagonists and essential life skills like financial literacy, they aim to cultivate a world where every child seamlessly forges connections with characters from diverse backgrounds.

Early Financial Education Matters

Research has shown that children between the ages of 3-7 form foundational beliefs, including those about money. By introducing basic financial concepts during these crucial years, Fin Lit Kids is not just teaching; they’re setting children on a trajectory towards a healthier financial future.

The Motivation Behind the Brand

The inspiration behind Fin Lit Kids stems from Ebony Beckford’s personal experiences. The loss of her mother at a young age left her grappling with financial hardships and exposed a crucial void in financial education. Determined to fill this void for future generations, she embarked on a mission to empower children with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complex world of finance.

Looking to the Future

In five years, Ebony envisions Fin Lit Kids as the go-to resource for early financial education. The company’s product range will expand to include interactive apps, physical products, school curricula, and global partnerships. They aim to reach more children and parents worldwide, empowering them to start teaching financial literacy early.

Empowering Future Generations

Fin Lit Kids and Ebony Beckford are on a mission to empower the next generation with crucial financial literacy skills. Their commitment to making money education enjoyable and accessible is commendable. By recognizing and embracing the wealth within our heritage and spotlighting diverse voices, Fin Lit Kids is not only teaching financial literacy but also shaping a brighter financial future for all children. Readers of this article are encouraged to embrace the importance of early financial education and start teaching their children about money management today. With Fin Lit Kids leading the way, the journey to financial literacy can be a fun and enriching experience for all.

Instagram | Twitter | Youtube | finlitkidsbox.com

Inspiring Positivity: Janice Delima Tentler’s Advocacy for Mental Health

Women's Journal Staff on November 12, 2023

Janice Delima Tentler, the driving force behind Alegre De Pilipinas LLC, stands out not only as a fashion and business aficionado but also as a strong advocate for mental health. Her digital presence is more than a canvas for her professional pursuits; it’s a platform where she consistently shares uplifting messages and positive quotes, contributing to the well-being of those who may be navigating challenging times.

Hailing from Leyte, Philippines, Janice’s formative years were shaped by a supportive family – Santos Delima, Erlinda Delima, James Delima, and Jerson Delima. As the youngest and sole daughter, she experienced unwavering protection and encouragement from her brothers. Her early years were characterized by joy, warmth, and the blossoming of her inherent talents.

From a tender age, Janice showcased a prodigious flair for singing and dancing. Her abilities matured, propelling her onto grander stages. Her vocal prowess earned her the title of “Singer of the Year” during her high school years, a testament to her exceptional musical talents.

Post high school, Janice embarked on an educational journey, initially pursuing a two-year accountancy program at San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City. Driven by her passion for music, she shifted to Mountain View College, dedicating another two years to refining her musical skills. Her academic pursuits eventually led her to San Carlos University, where she pursued a Bachelor of Secondary Education.

Inspiring Positivity: Janice Delima Tentler's Advocacy for Mental Health

Sourced photo

Simultaneously, Janice ventured into the modeling scene, aligning herself with Chameleon Models under the management of Amy Undaloc from Zee Magazine. Despite her demanding role in a prestigious five-star hotel, Janice’s charisma and talent set her apart, making her a captivating presence in any setting.

Janice’s proficiency extended beyond the realms of performance art; she demonstrated a keen aptitude for drawing and artistry. Winning various pageants and hosting events further bolstered her self-assurance. As a front-act singer, she shared the stage with renowned Filipino artists during their global concert tours, solidifying her reputation as a gifted performer.

Currently holding titles like Mrs. Great Lakes Earth 2022 and Mrs. Philippines International Universe 2023, Janice’s life took a new trajectory when she married Dewayne Tentler. Their union blessed them with three children – Charlie Karl, Noah, and Saviona. Janice’s commitment to her passion for singing persisted even after motherhood. She not only continued to sing but also imparted her musical wisdom to her children, who frequently showcase their talents on stage, especially at their local church.

Janice Tentler’s mellifluous voice serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Beyond personal fulfillment, she leverages her talent to uplift others, becoming a voice for those who may go unheard. One of her preferred songs, “Grace,” resonates deeply with both Janice and her audience, embodying a spirit of upliftment.

In weaving together her commitment to mental health advocacy with her extraordinary talents, Janice Delima Tentler emerges as a beacon of positivity. Her life story, adorned with achievements and passions, is a testament to the transformative power of art and talent in shaping a positive impact on the world.

Inspiring Positivity: Janice Delima Tentler's Advocacy for Mental Health

Sourced photo

For those curious to delve into Janice’s journey and witness her performances, her Facebook page and photo albums offer a comprehensive view. Additionally, her children’s captivating performances can be enjoyed through the following links:

Janice’s Facebook

Janice’s photo albums

Children’s performances

Janice’s singing

Interview with Olga Amraie: Charting the Future for Women in Tech with WTech

Women's Journal Staff on November 12, 2023

Women’s Journal: Olga, it’s a pleasure to have you with us. Your work with WTech has been transformative. Can you tell us what inspired you to take on this role?

Olga Amraie: Thank you for having me. The journey began with an observation: the stark underrepresentation of women in leadership roles within the tech industry. I wanted to be part of a movement that not only recognized this gap but also worked actively to close it. WTech was the perfect avenue for that, giving women a platform for empowerment and growth.

Women’s Journal: What are the core objectives of WTech?

OA: WTech aims to provide comprehensive support to women in the tech industry. From career development to networking, we want to ensure that women have the mentorship, the role models, and the community they need to succeed. Especially during the pandemic and with the crisis in Ukraine, our focus expanded to helping women navigate the challenges of digitalization and displacement.

Interview with Olga Amraie: Charting the Future for Women in Tech with WTech

Photo Credit To: Olga Amraie

Women’s Journal: How does WTech integrate with the broader tech ecosystem in Los Angeles and globally?

OA: Los Angeles is a melting pot of innovation and creativity, which mirrors the essence of WTech. We’re not just a local community; we’re a global network that provides a forum for women to connect, share their experiences, and collaborate on a worldwide scale.

Women’s Journal: The statistics on women in tech, especially in leadership roles, are quite sobering. How is WTech addressing this imbalance?

OA: Yes, the figures are indeed concerning. Only about 25% of the tech workforce are women, with even fewer in leadership positions. WTech is tackling this by spotlighting successful women leaders, creating mentorship opportunities, and advocating for diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.

Interview with Olga Amraie: Charting the Future for Women in Tech with WTech

Photo Credit To: Olga Amraie

Women’s Journal: Can you expand on how WTech has adapted to recent global challenges, like the pandemic and the war in Ukraine?

OA: Certainly. The pandemic underscored the importance of digital adaptability. We provided our members with resources and guidance on digitalizing their businesses and shifting to remote work models. In response to the war in Ukraine, we’ve been actively supporting displaced women tech professionals, helping them find jobs and integrate into new professional environments.

Women’s Journal: It’s inspiring to see WTech’s impact. Can you share more about the success stories or the growth you’ve witnessed?

OA: Every woman who finds her confidence, every startup founded, and each career milestone reached by our members is a success story. We’ve seen a rise in women-led tech startups, an increase in mentorship pairings, and an overall greater visibility of women in tech. It’s a ripple effect – empowering one woman can inspire many more.

Women’s Journal: Finally, Olga, what does the future hold for WTech and women in tech?

OA: The future is promising. As more women enter the tech field and climb up the leadership ladder, we’ll see a shift towards a more inclusive industry. WTech will continue to champion these brilliant minds and pave the way for the next generation of women in tech. We’re not just working towards progress; we’re working towards a revolution in the industry.

Women’s Journal: Thank you, Olga, for your invaluable insights and for the incredible work you’re doing with WTech. It’s leaders like you who are forging a new path for women in tech.

OA: It’s my pleasure. This is a collective effort, and every step we take is a step towards creating an equitable and dynamic tech industry for everyone.

Olga Amraie’s leadership and vision exemplify the change that the tech industry needs. Through WTech, she’s not just setting the stage for women in tech; she’s ensuring they have the spotlight. Her commitment to the cause goes beyond advocacy; it’s about creating tangible, lasting change. As Amraie leads WTech into the future, the tech community watches with great anticipation for the next chapter in women’s empowerment in the industry.

In the spirit of celebrating female empowerment in tech, let’s spotlight five trailblazing women who have not only headed startups but have also flourished:

  • Whitney Wolfe Herd – As the CEO of Bumble, Herd has redefined the dating app industry by giving women the steering wheel, setting a precedent for female-first platforms.
  • Anne Wojcicki – At the helm of 23andMe, Wojcicki has made DNA testing mainstream, providing consumers with personal genetic insights and revolutionizing personalized healthcare.
  • Gwynne Shotwell – As the President and COO of SpaceX, Shotwell has been instrumental in the company’s success, managing the day-to-day operations and helping make space more accessible.
  • Adi Tatarko – Co-founding Houzz, Tatarko has created a platform that has transformed the landscape of home remodeling and interior design, connecting millions of homeowners with professionals.
  • Sheryl Sandberg – Although recently stepped down as the COO of Facebook, Sandberg’s impact on the company and her advocacy for women’s leadership in business through her book “Lean In” has been profound.