Our volunteers are the heart of Women’s Money Matters’ unique programs. Our programs match participants with dedicated mentors who commit to months of connection, support, and encouragement.  Volunteer presenters are experts in their field and join us for program sessions to lead discussions and bring real-world context to the topics. 

We have profound gratitude for the thoughtful, consistent care demonstrated by our volunteer community.  As part of a monthly series,  we’re highlighting outstanding volunteers them an opportunity to share their experiences with our wider community.

Meet Cristine

Cristine has nearly three decades of experience in banking and management and currently works at Santander in commercial banking, supporting commercial operations and servicing teams. She began her career in business management while attending Rhode Island College and has held roles ranging from customer service representative to branch manager, along with positions across sales and operations.

Describe your motivation to volunteer with WMM.

I understand the value and have seen firsthand how not truly having insight into your finances can impact any household, especially in difficult domestic or challenging home situations. When my father passed away at a younger age, it quickly became clear that my mother had relied on him to handle all of the finances. It took time and support for her to be able to navigate credit, budgets, and the details that come with taking control of your own finances. 

Volunteering for organizations that support women—empowering and advocating for them—are always the ones I lean towards.Independence, knowledge, and sharing vulnerability: I try to share my own real-life situations to help participants feel comfortable knowing they can learn, grow, and make positive change.

Tell us about some highlights or bright moments in your coaching/presenting experiences so far. 

I’ve been a Volunteer Coach for over 6 years.  The most rewarding moments come from watching participants progress through the programs and sharing their wins. I always try to give kudos and reinforcement, following advice from a former leader who used to say “a lot of a little is a lot”— we are here to help participants stay encouraged!

What continually impresses me is how participants share what they’ve learned, whether through Women’s Money Matters or their own research. Their different perspectives and points of view have taught me so much. While we might not know all of their experiences, working with them has opened my eyes to the importance of having patience and grace, reinforcing how crucial it is not to judge others.

I’m consistently amazed not only by the participants but also by all the other volunteers and staff members at WMM. Their dedication and passion shine through in every single session, making this volunteer experience truly meaningful.

Our volunteers are the heart of Women’s Money Matters’ unique programs. Our programs match participants with dedicated mentors who commit to months of connection, support, and encouragement.  Volunteer presenters are experts in their field and join us for program sessions to lead discussions and bring real-world context to the topics. 

We have profound gratitude for the thoughtful, consistent care demonstrated by our volunteer community.  As part of a monthly series,  we’re highlighting outstanding volunteers them an opportunity to share their experiences with our wider community.

Meet Sarah & her mom, Cindy

Describe your motivation to volunteer with WMM. Had you volunteered before? Why is financial literacy and empowerment important to you? Describe your ‘why.’
I grew up watching my mom, Cindy, volunteer in different ways — especially helping women learn Excel — and late at night we’d sometimes watch a financial TV show together, which sparked my curiosity about money. As I got older, I continued volunteering and, after helping many friends with their finances, I wanted to share those skills more widely. Cindy, who taught herself many of these skills and passed them down to me, has always loved helping women feel confident and independent. Financial literacy can truly change lives, yet it’s something most of us aren’t taught enough — especially women. To me, it’s real empowerment because it gives you the freedom to make choices and shape your life.Provide a brief bio of your professional background, including any certifications or training relevant to the WMM programs.
Cindy works in the actuarial department of an insurance company, and I’m a program manager in the clean energy sector. We’re both “math people” at heart, and while neither of us has formal training in personal finance, we bring strong analytical skills and a passion for numbers to everything we do. In another life, we both might have loved to work in finance.
When did you start volunteering with us, and how many programs have you been a coach or presenter in?
I started volunteering with WMM in spring 2025 and am excited to be a coach in my second cohort this month. Cindy is currently coaching her first cohort.
Tell us about some highlights or bright moments in your coaching/presenting experiences so far.
Cindy loves connecting with her participant and helping build a strong financial foundation. I enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions that fit each participant’s unique circumstances. Together, we love seeing how even small steps in financial learning can boost confidence and independence.
Have there been any surprises, have you learned new things, gained new insights through these experiences? How has working with WMM participants broadened or deepened your knowledge or understandings?
Volunteering with WMM has been full of learning. My mom and I have both realized that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers — it’s about understanding each participant’s challenges and finding solutions that work for them. We’ve learned that empowerment comes from both skills and support, and seeing that impact is incredibly rewarding.
Finally, share anything else you’d like the reader to know about WMM programs and the volunteer experience.
Just do it! Volunteering with WMM is a meaningful way to give back, and it’s amazing to see the direct impact on someone’s confidence and financial skills. The program is such a fantastic resource for people who need it, and every session reminds me why this work matters — for both participants and volunteers.

When participants ask questions, it shows they are engaged and want to learn more.’ Fabian Smith, volunteer presenter, shares how WMM’s programs create space for meaningful dialogue.

Our volunteers are the heart of Women’s Money Matters’ unique programs. Our programs match participants with dedicated mentors who commit to months of connection, support, and encouragement.  Volunteer presenters are experts in their field and join us for program sessions to lead discussions and bring real-world context to the topics. 

We have profound gratitude for the thoughtful, consistent care demonstrated by our volunteer community.  As part of a monthly series,  we’re highlighting outstanding volunteers them an opportunity to share their experiences with our wider community.

Meet Fabian Smith

Fabian Smith has been a tax professional for over 27 years and currently works as a financial advisor at Blue Skies Financial Advisors.  Located in Illinois,  Fabian joined Women’s Money Matters in June 2024 as a volunteer presenter. Since then, he has shared his expertise in six sessions, helping participants gain practical skills and confidence in managing their finances.

Tell us about some highlights or bright moments in your presenting experiences so far.

The brightest moments in my presenting experience have been the overall enthusiasm of the participants. They have shown great insights and eagerness to learn new skills and have not been afraid to participate and ask questions. As a presenter, when the participants ask questions, it shows that they are engaged and want to learn more.

Often, we as human beings are afraid to speak openly about our struggles and setbacks for fear of what others might think, but I found the openness of the participants refreshing, and it made the discussions more real.

Have there been any surprises, have you learned new things, gained new insights through these experiences? How has working with WMM participants broadened or deepened your knowledge or understandings?

The brightest moments in my presenting experience have been the overall enthusiasm of the participants. They have shown great insights and eagerness to learn new skills and have not been afraid to participate and ask questions. As a presenter, when the participants ask questions, it shows that they are engaged and want to learn more.

Often, we as human beings are afraid to speak openly about our struggles and setbacks for fear of what others might think, but I found the openness of the participants refreshing, and it made the discussions more real.

Finally,  share anything else you’d like the reader to know about WMM programs and the volunteer experience.

My experience with the WMM program has been rewarding to me personally and professionally. The material reinforced some of the principles I already knew but had allowed to reside in the back of my mind.

This opportunity allowed me to connect with the coaches and program managers who are the heroes of the program because they have dedicated their time to helping women achieve independence. Overall, this has been an excellent opportunity for me and one that I talk about all the time, because it has allowed me the chance to take what I know to people who eagerly want to learn it.

From helping participants celebrate paying off debts to mentoring new coaches in our pilot Senior Coach program, Marilyn has made a lasting mark at WMM. Get to know her story.

Our volunteer coaches are the heart of Women’s Money Matters’ unique programs. More than workshops, our programs match participants with dedicated mentors who commit to a full three months of connection, support, and encouragement. We have profound gratitude for the thoughtful, consistent care demonstrated by our volunteer coaches. As part of a monthly series,  we’re highlighting outstanding coaches and giving them an opportunity to share their experiences with our wider community.

Meet Marilyn, a dedicated Volunteer Coach currently coaching in her seventh program while helping shape the next generation as part of our Senior Coach pilot. This new program pairs experienced coaches with graduates who are stepping into the volunteer role for the first time, and Marilyn has graciously served as our very first Senior Coach, mentoring new coaches with warmth, wisdom, and care.

Her mentee, Esmeralda, recently attended her first coach orientation and shared how much Marilyn’s support meant to her. As someone who identifies as introverted, Esmeralda said she felt reassured and encouraged thanks to Marilyn’s thoughtful guidance and steady presence.  Seeing graduates like Esmeralda feel inspired to return as coaches is one of the most powerful testaments to the impact of our programs and the power of coaching. 

We asked Marilyn about what keeps her coming back to coach, the connections she’s built with participants, and the moments that have stayed with her over the years —read on to hear what she had to say.

Describe your motivation to volunteer as a one-on-one coach with WMM.  Had you volunteered before?  Why is financial literacy and empowerment important to you?  Describe your ‘why.’ 

My motivation to volunteer as a one-on-one coach with WMM stems from both personal and professional experiences that have shown me the transformative power of financial knowledge. As someone who has struggled with discipline during my young adult years, I’ve seen firsthand how financial understanding—or the lack thereof—can shape someone’s opportunities, confidence, and long-term stability.

Yes, I have volunteered before, but never in a way that so directly aligns with my passion for financial empowerment. As I pursue my Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) certification, I feel a strong calling to give back by helping individuals navigate their financial journeys with clarity and confidence. I want to be the kind of coach I wish many of my clients and community members had earlier in life—someone who listens, supports, and helps demystify money management without judgment.

Financial literacy isn’t just about budgeting or credit scores—it’s about dignity, choices, and the freedom to create a life you envision for yourself. My “why” is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves access to that freedom, regardless of where they start. Volunteering with WMM gives me the chance to help bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.

 

Tell us about some highlights or bright moments in your coaching/presenting experiences so far. 

Some of my brightest moments as a coach have been the unexpected messages I receive from former mentees sharing their wins—like boosting their credit scores or paying off a debt they once felt overwhelmed by. One of the biggest things I’ve learned is how resilient these women are despite their hardships. I’m absolutely honored to have been a part of their journey!

Finally,  share anything else you’d like the reader to know about WMM programs and the volunteer experience.

There’s a real sense of community and shared purpose that makes the work even more meaningful. If someone is considering volunteering with WMM, I would wholeheartedly encourage them to do so. This experience has not only allowed me to give back in a purposeful way, but it’s also helped me grow personally and professionally.