Hidden Gems: Meet Jasmine Brown of Facts For Youth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jasmine Brown.

Hi Jasmine, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My story is a unique one that started in Buffalo, NY where I was born. I grew up in different parts of North Carolina and eventually became the oldest of five! Coming from such a big family, I became very competitive. Family competitions were a staple and graduating early was always something my dad told me I needed to do to “beat” him. I graduated from NC State in three and a half years with a degree in Business and a concentration in Finance and Accounting. My business degree and my parents being entrepreneurs was the perfect recipe for me to be a business owner and entrepreneur myself.

Owning a business, walking in NYFW, Coach of the Year, and being a staple in my community are just a few accomplishments in which I am proud. But in 2018, when one of the swimmers I coached didn’t know how to fill out a check, I started my nonprofit FACTS. FACTS for Youth helps promote financial literacy to local high school students. I wanted to be the first step toward success amongst teens financially and in all other aspects. Through early learning, I plan to prevent students from going into debt and having other financial setbacks which are easily preventable with the proper education.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not been a smooth road but if it was smooth or easy everyone would do it! Starting a nonprofit is always hard and when I started, I heard a statistic that most nonprofits don’t make it to year 3. Thankfully I’ve been able to reach that milestone but other struggles creating a nonprofit include getting funds, grant writing, marketing, and sustainability. I also have to make sure I balance my time among all of my responsibilities.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Facts For Youth?
FACTS for Youth is a 501c3 with a mission to help improve the staggeringly low financial literacy proficiency rates among NC high school graduates. Studies show that students learn best when learning is active, engaging using hands-on classroom games and activities, and they are involved in what they are learning. Therefore, the workshops I provide are hands-on, game based and delivered in high schools, churches, and community-based organizations that serve teens. Our aim is to educate students on basic personal finance to prevent future debt, credit misuse and impart a positive influence on attitudes toward money. We believe it is important to provide engaging, real-world experiences to students for an education they will never forget.

My proudest moment was writing my book, The Money Club: A Teenage Guide to Financial Literacy. I wrote The Money Club as an innovative approach to teaching personal finance in a way that is entertaining and captures the reader’s attention. It was my contribution to future generations because I know that this lack of knowledge can become devastating to students’ futures. Since putting out my book, I’ve also published a workbook, student daily planner and have started on my next book!

What sets me apart is that I am a black female. The same opportunities have not always been provided for women or among the black community. Financially speaking, the earnings gap between races makes it difficult for minority races to make enough to save or earn enough income to qualify for federal tax breaks. They are also less likely to become homeowners and participate in retirement accounts. I don’t believe that we can close the wealth gap between Black and White America without financial literacy and giving them proper tools at an early age. This is why I do what I do.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
My family! I have a praying grandmother, amazing parents who are supportive in every aspect and siblings who look up to me and push me to be my best! I have friends who share posts, hype me when I’m feeling doubtful, and support me like they are family! I’m aware that not everyone can say that so I never take it for granted!

Pricing:

• The Money Club: A Teenage Guide to Financial Literacy $17.95
• The Money Club Workbook $8.99
• Bundle: Book & Workbook $24.99

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.factsforyouth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_factsforyouth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/factsforyouthnc/

Image Credits
Jonathan Robertson Tonya Jibben Jenny Midgley