BEST Speaker Spotlight Series: Live Your Best (Financial) Life

On Wednesday, March 20, 2019, the Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) collaborated with Lai Ling Li, Co-Chair of Community Involvement of AsPIRE Tri-State, and Danny Lee, Market Director of the Financial District at JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) to host a financial literacy workshop, “Live Your Best (Financial) Life”.  This session is part of an ongoing collaboration known as the Business Exploration Student Track (BEST) Mentorship Program, where JP Morgan Chase (JPMC) professionals provide CPC community members with career navigation, mentorship, and networking opportunities. This workshop was organized by JPMC to educate and prepare youth for financial success in the Asian-American Pacific Islander community.

A group of high school and college-aged community members had the opportunity to visit JPMC’s City Hall branch for this event. Peter Scavone, Branch Manager, and Esmeralda Agolli, Brand Manager Trainee welcomed CPC community members into a conference room. There was a round of introductions, then Peter and Esmeralda dove into the importance of financial education. Peter explained the benefits of saving, using credit wisely, and other money management skills. Esmeralda talked about investment such as opening a brokerage account and stocks.

Peter said, “It’s not what you make; it is what you save,” highlighting the idea that it is never too young to start saving money. Esmeralda continued the sentiment by discussing a hypothetical scenario. She asked the students to think about how they would spend $100. Most students reiterated Peter’s lesson by saying they would save the $100. Some students mentioned that they would treat themselves to meals and then save the rest. Esmeralda stated that saving was a good idea but she would invest the money, because the turnout may result in a greater return in the future.

Students gained a deep understanding of money management skills as well as JPMC’s innovative products and services. Many were inspired to learn more about investments and how to improve their financial well-being.

The Chinese-American Planning Council (CPC) partnered with Lai Ling Li, a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase (JPMC) and launched the Business Exploration Student Track (BEST) Mentorship Program in January 2018. The mentorship program has three components: a workshop dedicated to coaching students on resume building, mock interview and leadership skills; a Spotlight Speaker Series panel featuring guest speakers to provide career navigation; and a networking session.

If you would like to hear more about the next BEST events, please register here.