Take Charge Delaware Women:
State Treasurer Jack Markell and Delaware Financial Literacy Institute Honor Delaware Money School Students
Ninety-four Delaware Money School students were honored at a celebration on Wilmington's Riverfront for their on-going commitment to financial education in the unique program, From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of Their Money. Delaware State Treasurer Jack Markell, founder of the Delaware Money School and the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, and Citi Chief John Kohari, Operating Officer for the Global Cash Management Division of Citi, presented awards to those who have reached program milestones of 10, 20, 30 or 100 class hours.
"In 2004 when we began this program, we challenged Delaware women and men, no matter who they were or where they were in life, to take control of their financial lives," said State Treasurer Jack Markell, a strong proponent of financial education. "For those around the state that accepted the challenge, the From Purses to Portfolios financial education program has successfully enabled them to take an active role in the management of their financial lives. "
"Our participants have logged thousands of hours in Money School classes," stated Ronni Cohen, Executive Director of the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute and creator of the program. "Women and men cannot ever stop learning about, and using, financial concepts and tools that keep us financially healthy. The From Purses to Portfolios program and the Delaware Money School support the needs of both those students beginning on this journey of knowledge and those that are well into this journey by providing classes across the state for every level of financial knowledge."
At the event, two participants were honored with special awards. The first of these awards was presented to Sandra Varano of Claymont. Ms. Varano was the recipient of the Golden Purse award, which honors an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to taking charge of her finances, to helping others do the same, and to selflessly sharing ideas, time, skills and feedback with the Delaware Money School. The second award was presented to Derrick Lightfoot of Wilmington. Mr. Lightfoot received the Delaware Money School Advocate's Award, which honors an individual who has demonstrated a commitment to financial education by attending classes and taking this message out to the community through speeches, writing, mentoring, and volunteering.
Treasurer Markell also welcomed 7 new members to the Treasurer's Circle which recognizes participants who achieve 100 hours of financial education through the classes offered at the Delaware Money School. New inductees into the Treasurer's Circle were: Denise Whaley Cannon of New Castle; Olivia James of Newark; Shanta Jeffers of Magnolia; Dianne Long of Wilmington; Paulette Smith of New Castle; Jane Taylor of Newark; and Theresa Warren of Christiana;
Since 2000, the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, home of the Delaware Money School, has provided community-based, free financial education classes taught by financial professionals.
Learn more about The Delaware Money School at www.DelawareMoneySchool.com and From Purses to Portfolios: Delaware Women Take Charge of their Money at www.pursestoportfolios.com
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