"I love being able to share Chicago Lights' vision with people and being an advocate for the organization.
"
-- LAFAYETTE KYLE FORD --
Secretary, Chicago Lights Board of Directors
"I first volunteered with Chicago Lights when I taught the financial literacy class for high school students as part of Tutoring's Career Development program five years ago," says Lafayette. "I'm a private banker at Citi, and one of the reasons I got into banking was because I realized financial literacy isn't taught in schools."
"Kids and even some parents don't know how banking and investing works. So
I came up with a curriculum for kids that included how to open and manage a checking account, do career planning, and make a budget for rent, student loans, and more."
Serving on the Board: Committed to the Mission
As Lafayette transitioned to serving on the Chicago Lights Board of Directors, other volunteers have stepped up to lead the financial literacy class, and it continues to be a vital resource for Career Development students.
"One of the reasons why I now enjoy serving on the Board of Directors is that I offer a different viewpoint. I grew up in a similar situation as some of the kids who are served by Chicago Lights--I'm from the southeast side of Chicago. I love being able to share Chicago Lights' vision with people who don't know about it and being an advocate for the organization."
"The energy and creativity Lafayette has brought to Chicago Lights stem from a true commitment to the people we serve," says Stacy Jackson, Executive Director for Chicago Lights. "His championing of our work and his strategic thinking has made Chicago Lights a stronger organization."
