My name is Giselle Alexander, and I am passionate about everything I do. Currently, I am an Economics & Stats and Data Science major at UCSB, and I will intern at BlackRock next year in their MASS division through research. Naturally, I am constantly immersed in the world of finance. Where I stand today is very different from where I was just a few years ago. I come from a small agricultural town in the Central Valley, where having a retirement account was rare, and the concepts of finance and anything money-related were irrelevant, confusing, and deemed unnecessary. Entering college as an economics major, I took a series in Strategic Investing, and my entire world turned around. I realized how important the "boring finance" stuff was, and my passion to help others collided with my newfound obsession with finance. I became determined to bring others up to the same level of financial literacy as I was. I opened ROTH IRAs for both of my parents, my sister, and started a 529 account for my little siblings. Suddenly, finance was no longer just a career option or a fun hobby; it was a way for me to give back to my community and fellow human beings. I literally never shut up about financial literacy topics (specifically investing) and have helped almost all of my friends open brokerage accounts, HYSA, ROTH IRAs, and credit cards, as much as they would let me. In my sophomore year, I took my passion to the next level. With a classmate, I founded the Financial Literacy Club, where we helped students become confident in all things finance-related, primarily investing. This initiative exemplifies my personal commitment to financial education. We have since doubled our membership, launched a website and newsletter, hosted guest speakers from wealth management firms, and even had Fidelity Investments speak to our students! Serving through the Financial Literacy Club is rewarding, an understatement. However, it is still frustrating that many students did not receive this type of education through their school. Having financial literacy skills is the difference between tax brackets, and it is disgusting how this information is being gatekept, preventing those in need from using their money correctly. This summer, I interned at a Finance Advisory firm. I realized how many tools the upper class has access to, which help them save money through tax strategy and smart investing. As a student, I am sharing resources as much as I can, but in the future, I will use my growing knowledge to drive change. I want the audience to feel the urgency and importance of expanding financial literacy for all communities. Instead of pursuing a career in investment banking or another high-paying role, I plan to work in municipal policy to help communities fund what they need, while working with my community to promote financial literacy, aiming to reduce economic disparities and empower underserved populations.

The world of finance was foreign to me when I first entered UC Santa Barbara last year as an Economics major. Coming from a low-income background in the Central Valley, California, I had yet to discover the opportunities that lay ahead. My journey led me to join the Strategic Investors Program and subsequently, the prestigious Dean's Investment Group. Motivated by my professor's dedication, I founded the Financial Literacy Club to provide knowledge and inclusivity. I aim to continue improving the financial system by advocating for policies that promote financial inclusion and transparency, especially for women in finance. As a first-year student I immersed myself in technical and theoretical finance classes. The Strategic Investors Program ignited my passion for investing, and I found myself captivated by the complexities and opportunities within the financial world. My curiosity led me to excel in the program and deepen my understanding of financial analysis, risk management, and investment strategies. One of my most pivotal experiences was joining the Dean's Investment Group. Under the mentorship of my inspiring professor, who significantly shaped my understanding and enthusiasm for finance, I gained hands-on experience managing a $500,000 portfolio. Collaborating with my peers, I conducted in-depth sector and stock analyses, performed detailed DCF analyses, and applied both micro and macroeconomic perspectives to our investment decisions. This experience solidified my commitment to a career in finance and honed my analytical and decision-making skills. I decided to take my passion a step further by founding the Financial Literacy Club, aiming to provide students from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the financial landscape. By organizing workshops, guest speaker events, and peer-to-peer mentoring sessions, the club fostered a supportive community where students could enhance their financial literacy and gain confidence in managing their finances. My thoughts on improving the financial system have been practically implemented through the creation of this club. I recognized the importance of accessible financial education and sought to address the knowledge gap that often exists among students from underrepresented backgrounds. . One area where I see room for improvement is in bridging the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities. Many individuals lack access to basic financial services and education, which hinders their ability to build wealth and achieve financial stability. By leveraging technology and collaborating with community organizations, we can create innovative solutions to provide financial education and resources to those who need it most. The Financial Literacy Club has already made strides in this direction by partnering with local non-profits to offer workshops and financial counseling to low-income families in our community. Moreover, I am passionate about advocating for policies that promote financial inclusion and protect consumers. Ensuring transparency in financial products and services, addressing predatory lending practices, and expanding access to affordable credit are crucial steps toward creating a more equitable financial system. As someone who has experienced the challenges of limited financial resources firsthand, I am committed to being a part of the solution by working towards systemic changes that benefit all individuals, regardless of their socioeconomic background. In conclusion, my journey in finance began with a spark of inspiration from a high school class and has grown into a deep-seated passion for financial education and inclusion. Through my experiences in the Strategic Investors Program, Dean's Investment Group, and the Financial Literacy Club, I have developed a strong foundation in finance and a commitment to making a positive impact. I am eager to continue my journey, contribute to improving the financial system, and empower others with the knowledge and tools to achieve financial success.