Highlights from SFEPD’s 18th Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference Money Tools & Strategies

What an incredible conference! SFEPD’s 18th Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference: Money Tools & Strategies brought together over 200 leaders, educators, financial professionals, students, and advocates from across the country in Washington, D.C., for two days of learning, collaboration, and professional development.

From inspiring keynote presentations and engaging panel discussions to interactive sessions, networking opportunities, and the fourth annual SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl, this year’s conference provided valuable insights and practical strategies to help individuals strengthen their financial knowledge and build a more secure financial future.

Highlights included thought-provoking discussions with industry leaders, opportunities for our SFEPD Student Ambassadors to connect with financial professionals and expand their networks, and the recognition of outstanding student achievement through the SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl and SFEPD Student Ambassador program. We were also grateful for the opportunity to visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, giving students a closer look at the work of this important financial regulatory agency.

A heartfelt thank you to our outstanding speakers, sponsors, exhibitors, host organization, the Investment Company Institute (ICI), Student Ambassadors, educators, and attendees for making this year's conference such a success! Your participation, enthusiasm, and continued support help advance SFEPD's mission to enhance financial and economic literacy and to promote the professional development of individuals in underserved communities.

Visit our website and follow our social media channels for conference highlights, photos, and more memorable moments from this year's event!

SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl

The SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl returned for 2026! SFEPD Student Ambassadors from participating HBCUs went head-to-head in a two-phase competition, putting their financial knowledge and skills to the test to claim the title of the most financially savvy team!

In the first round, held virtually, 12 teams faced off in a fast-paced financial literacy quiz. After an intense hour of competition, Tuskegee University came in first, following by Southern University and A&M college in second and Grambling State University finishing close behind in third. These teams and their oversight professors participated in a live competition to kick off day two of our conference.

Generously sponsored by our friends at The National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE) and FICO, the SFEPD HBCU Financial Literacy Bowl was hosted by Ben-James Brown from Wells Fargo. When the speed round of questions was over, Tuskegee University won first prize with Grambling State University coming in second and Southern University and A&M College placing third. Congratulations to all our students and their professors!

SFEPD Student Ambassadors Visit SEC Headquarters for Behind-the-Scenes Learning Experience

As part of SFEPD’s 18th Annual Financial Literacy Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., Student Ambassadors and Oversight Professors had the opportunity to visit the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) headquarters on October 22 for a special educational tour arranged by John Moses.

The visit offered students a firsthand look at the SEC’s role in overseeing securities markets, supporting capital formation, and helping investors make informed financial decisions. Throughout the afternoon, students heard from professionals representing the SEC’s Division of Trading and Markets, the Office of the Small Business Advocate, and the Office of Investor Education and Assistance. Discussions explored market oversight, career opportunities, support for entrepreneurs and small business owners, building wealth through saving and investing, and recognizing and avoiding financial scams.

Beyond the educational sessions, the visit gave students an opportunity to connect with SEC professionals, learn about their career journeys, and consider new possibilities for their own professional futures.

For many students, the experience was a conference highlight. Trinity Edison of Harris-Stowe State University reflected on learning more about the SEC’s role in protecting investors and maintaining fair and efficient markets. Najee Simpson of Benedict College shared that hearing directly from SEC professionals about their career paths and responsibilities was one of his favorite experiences, particularly as he pursues a career in accounting.

Brayden Smith of North Carolina Central University also emphasized the value of seeing potential career paths firsthand, describing the tour as a highlight that opened students’ eyes to new professional possibilities.

Experiences like this bring SFEPD’s mission to life by connecting financial education with real-world applications and professional development. We extend our sincere thanks to John Moses and the SEC team for welcoming our Student Ambassadors and providing such a meaningful learning opportunity.

The visit was a powerful reminder that financial literacy extends beyond understanding money—it also means discovering the people, institutions, and career opportunities that shape our financial world.

SFEPD Student Ambassadors

October was another impactful month for our SFEPD Student Ambassadors, who continue to champion financial literacy across their campuses and local communities. From hosting workshops and leading peer discussions to organizing campus events and engaging students through boothing and tabling activities, our ambassadors are helping their peers build the knowledge and confidence to make smart financial decisions. Here’s a look at some of their inspiring activities this month!

Financial Educators

SFEPD Financial Educators are continuing to spread our mission to enhance financial and economic literacy and to promote the professional development of individuals and communities through our Mind Over Money Skills presentations at HBCUs. Email us today at info@sfepd.org to schedule a presentation on your campus.

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