The Facet Wealth Scholarship for Increased Diversity in Financial Planning
2023 FACET SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Elisse Jean-Pierre
Emory University, B.B.A.
Elisse Jean-Pierre is a thoughtful product manager who specializes in conducting user research, gathering and synthesizing competitive insights, and marrying business value and user value. Elisse has a passion for helping economically-disempowered communities seize opportunities to establish financial security for themselves and their loved ones.
Financial exploitation that turned into setbacks in her own family drove her passion to ensure as many families as possible have access to the tools and education they need to reach their financial goals. It also helped shape her curiosity in human behavior and her knack for creating solutions with little to no resources, which have made her successful in her product career.
Facet Mentor: Ryan Furlong
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Dionne Blanks
North Carolina A&T State University, B.S.- Banking & Finance
Dionne Blanks is the Founder of the Economic Empowerment Circle, LLC, a financial education company that helps Professional Women become more financially secure by teaching proper money management and stock market investing skills. She educates through highly effective live webinars, workshops, on-demand courses and her personal finance books. Her clients receive the knowledge and step-by-step guidance needed to flourish financially. Dionne is a wife, mother, identical twin Gemini, Entrepreneur and a 90s R&B and Hip Hop Music Enthusiast.
Facet Mentor: Kathy Griffin
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Abrahim Adewunmi
University of Nicosia, Cyprus Candidate for Master of Science, MSc Blockchain and Digital Currency, December 2022 & San Francisco State University (SFSU) San Francisco, CA and Bachelor of Science, Business Administration 2019
Abrahim is setting a great example for the crypto industry with his dedication to providing financial literacy and resources to those who have been left out of traditional financial systems. With his Master’s degree in blockchain and digital currency from the University of Nicosia paired with his commitment to acquiring a CFP certification, Abrahim’s mission is truly admirable. As co-founder of CryptoNoir, Abrahim works hard to create an accessible platform where those underserved by traditional finance can learn about investing in cryptocurrency. By opening up these opportunities for the underserved, Abrahim is helping to demystify crypto investing and make sure that everyone has access to resources that can help them make smart financial decisions.
Facet Mentor: Rob Curtis
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Tianna Johnston
California State University, Long Beach, M.S. Healthcare Administration. Texas Christian University, B.A. Biology, Minor Psychology
Tianna Johnston is a senior program manager with five years of experience in consumer-packaged goods with a passion for personal financial planning. She is driven to transition her career into finance to educate people on financial literacy and help clients holistically manage their financial health, especially those in minority populations. Tianna is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Outside of work, you can find Tianna traveling, walking her dog Harley, hiking or attending sporting events that her husband coaches. She also enjoys riding her Peloton and tackling challenges in the kitchen, such as new recipes, urban gardening and food preservation!
Facet Mentor: Sarah Gallagher
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Yamiesha Bell
Rutgers University, B.A.; University of Connecticut, M.A.; Relay Graduate School of Education, M.A.T
Yamiesha Bell is an educator by passion, certification, and profession. After going through her own debt free journey– Yamiesha became passionate about helping others on their financial wellness journey. Using her skills as an educator, Yamiesha has a holistic approach in educating and supporting individuals and families to reach their financial goals, while helping them build better habits and relationships around money.
Facet Mentor: Jordan Gilberti
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Evan Anderson
Miami University, B.S.
Hailing from Cincinnati, Ohio, Evan Anderson’s passion for becoming a financial professional began in high school when he worked as a caddie at a local country club. There he learned the importance of financial literacy and the impact proper money management can have on a person’s life. After graduating from Miami University with a B.S. in Sports Leadership & Management, Evan sought out to combine his passion for finance and sports by helping athletes and their families achieve generational wealth. Driven by this vision, Evan currently works at an independent financial firm dedicated to educating athletes and entertainers about financial freedom and helping them create generational wealth for their families. The journey of obtaining his CFP will give him the expertise necessary to have a greater impact on both his clients and his community.
Facet Mentor: Alex McDonald
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Ardarius Singleton
Texas Tech University, M.S.Personal Financial Planning
Facet Mentor: Patrick Finneran
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