Before my career as a mortgage lender, I worked for Caterpillar Financial (CAT) - one of Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee's largest corporate partners. While at CAT, I was exposed to JA's mission and programs. In 2018, I volunteered with JA for the first time through their JA Classroom programs and taught financial literacy to a group students at Ravenwood High School in Williamson County. Since then, I've been hooked and have volunteered across all three JA programs: JA BizTown, JA Finance Park and JA Classroom. 

Now, I work for Legends Bank as a mortgage lender and love providing clients an awesome experience when buying a home. As a lender, I witness a wide range of financial circumstances and how financial decisions, especially early in life, can impact their dream of owning a home. 

When I was considering organizations to support philanthropically, JA was an easy choice because their programs teach students the skills needed to make good financial decisions. 

Each time I help someone buy a home, I give back to the community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I became more intentional about the organizations I was supporting. Since financial circumstances weigh so heavily in the process of buying a home, I decided to start investing in JA.

It is incredibly empowering as a volunteer to lead students through the JA Finance Park simulation and directly share how a credit score can impact financial options. Learning to budget, balance your checking account, live within your means, and see how one financial decision can impact another decision are critical skills every adult should have. JA programs give kids the chance to learn these skills regardless of if they are learning them in school or at home. 

Students who experience JA programs grow up to make better financial choices. JA provides that safe place for kids to explore and make mistakes as they learn. None of us are born with the innate ability to manage money and build a credit score - those are learned skills yet some kids are never taught how to do those things successfully. 

My hope is that every student in Middle Tennessee can experience JA. That's why I'm helping JA reach over 36,000 students this year and raising $2,500 by June 30th. Please join me in supporting this organization and thanks for your consideration!