Exploring Life & Business with Allicia Golden-Magee of Golden Key2 Success

Today we’d like to introduce you to Allicia Golden-Magee.

Hi Allicia, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
I commenced my journey in financial aid as a work-study student at Voorhees College. Upon graduation, I was hired by the director, Mr. Kitchen, to assume the role of Director of Student Loan Debt & Financial Literacy just four months later. Throughout my professional career, I’ve been committed to assisting students and parents who often encounter neglect and insufficient support during the college enrollment process. My primary objective is to empower individuals with crucial financial literacy knowledge, thereby easing the financial burdens associated with transitioning from high school to college. 

I authored a book titled “Dotting The I’s & Crossing The T’s: Transitioning From High School To College Guide,” available on Amazon. Leveraging my extensive practical experience in the financial aid industry, I provide invaluable guidance to high school seniors embarking on the next chapter of their academic journey. 

With over 18 years of experience in both the commercial and public sectors of higher education, I am a seasoned professional. I’ve served as a student loan debt manager and director of a financial literacy program, demonstrating expertise in areas such as Title IV regulation, Direct and Federal Loans, staff training and development, implementation of effective Financial Literacy Programs, and the creation of efficient Default Management Plans. 

During my tenure at North Carolina Central University, I achieved remarkable results by reducing the university’s student debt rate from 16.8% to 4%. This accomplishment was acknowledged by LendEDU as the lowest among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and one of the lowest in the state of North Carolina. I attribute this success to my hands-on approach, exceptional customer service, and individualized attention to students. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Launching my business posed challenges, primarily due to the difficulty in finding individuals who shared the same passion for assisting people in resolving their student loan debt and navigating the financial aid process. Unfortunately, I operated solo for approximately two years. Recently, I successfully onboarded an expert in scholarships and a specialist in the FAFSA process. Given the dynamic nature of the financial aid landscape, staying abreast of the latest information from the Department of Education is imperative. This ensures that we provide accurate information to both our clients and the schools where we conduct workshops. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Who Are We Our team comprises professional financial aid experts, academic advisors, and student loan consultants with more than 35 years of collective experience. We have team members who specialize in various areas, such as scholarships, student loans, the verification process, FAFSA completion, virtual and in-person workshops, and much more. 

Mission 

Our mission is to embrace financial literacy while preparing families and educators on what is expected and needed to make college more affordable for everyone. 

We work with a large number of clients including: 

Home Buyers 

High School Counselors/Administrators 

Loan Officers 

High School and College students 

Teachers 

Youth Organizations 

Parents, and many more 

MINI Bio- 

Allicia Golden-Magee, also popularly known as the Student Loan & Financial Aid Guru, is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. She has a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, 

Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership and Masters of Art & Teaching in Elementary Education. 

She has worked in the financial aid world as a Student Loan Debt Manager and Financial Literacy Counselor for 18 years in both private and public colleges. In 2016, a well-known Student Loan agency named Allicia as the “Financial Aid Superhero of the Year.” While employed at North Carolina Central University, Ms. Allicia was recognized nationally for having the lowest student loan debt rate amongst all HBCUs in North Carolina and nationwide. Her passion for helping others is shown through her hard work on educating others about the good and bad of student loans and how to navigate the financial aid process. 

Many other speaking engagements include: radio interviews (Melissa Wade 103.9 and WNCU 90.7), local universities high schools, Financial Aid conferences with the Department of Education, local workshops hosted by churches, community organizations, and first-time home buyer events in South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Connecticut, Georgia, and Alabama. Her financial literacy workshops vary in topics concerning the Free Application for the Federal Student Aid process, applying for scholarships, managing student loan debt, among many other topics. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a quiet only child who enjoyed participating in sports. Despite not being wealthy, I was raised in a loving environment. I observed my mother and grandmother showering affection on others and caring for them. As a child, I wasn’t aware of our financial situation because the love provided by my mother and grandmother overshadowed any material constraints. Today, I strive to emulate those same qualities by offering help and support to others whenever possible. 

Pricing:

• 21.99 My book for high school students
• Assistance with student loans begin as low as $75.00
• College & high school workshops varies
• College & High School staff training varies
• Community speaking engagements varies

Contact Info:

• Website: www.goldenkey2success.info
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegoldenkey2?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrs-allicia-golden-magee-01b492a9
• Twitter: @goldensuccess940