Volunteer Spotlight

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.

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 several outstanding coaches and giving them an opportunity to share their experiences with our wider community.

Thank you Angelina and Claudia! 

Coaching and Community: Angelina and Claudia’s Story

When Claudia enrolled in the Financial Futures program in 2023, she “dove into the ocean of knowledge” with the support of her coach, Angelina. What began as a coaching relationship transformed into friendship. After the program ended, they stayed connected, and when the Road to Retirement program opened up,  they jumped at the chance to work together again. Here’s their story.

Claudia:. In the beginning, I was nervous to be working with someone so knowledgeable, but then I saw it as a great opportunity to learn and grow. Outside of the environment of the WMM program, we always stayed connected about what was happening in our lives, always transmitting that positive vibe and mutual support. She has been checking my progress thoroughly, filling me with information and resources, and communicating with me constantly. 

Through the program, I have improved my credit score. I have more tools to manage my financial life, and I made a new and extraordinary friend. Besides that, resting peacefully without debts is a beautiful privilege that I want to maintain.

It has been satisfying to be part of the WMM community, just the fact of meeting with different women who are struggling with financial issues and seeing how they are fighting to resolve, sharing experiences, and giving away advice on how to prevent others from doing the same, have caused a big impact on my perspective. And one of the things I have implemented in my daily life is the vision board, which helps me to follow and track my goals.

Angelina: Claudia and I hit it off immediately. She was very open and honest about what she wanted to learn and gain from the program and the coaching. Our personalities matched each other very well and we knew that we could share openly with one another. My first impression: I felt like we had been friends for a long time already. I was the lucky one who had someone who wanted to excel and learn as much as she could about money and education for her family…she was impressive.

We really became friends and stayed in contact with each other when the program ended. She had a child during our cohort and I felt like a big sister giving her advice along the way. We developed a relationship of trust and admiration. We shared calls, texts, pictures, I sent articles and links with info I knew she would like, and we had a few virtual chats along the way since 2023. We encouraged one another often. When I learned about Road to Retirement, I quickly asked if she was interested in joining, and that led to us being paired together again. Yay!

Honestly, she inspires me! I feel like a proud big sister watching Claudia grow and take it all in.  She always has a hunger for more knowledge and asks questions to gain better understanding. Seeing the progress that she’s made in the last 1.5 years makes me proud because she implements everything she’s learned yet still wants to learn more. I realize how valuable coaching is, and I want to see her achieve her goals and dreams. 

She is the epitome of a star student, who is raising a baby, tending her home, was working full time until she had her baby, taking classes and getting certifications. She is determined to succeed, and nothing is going to stop her.

Advice for Other Coach-Participant Pairs

Claudia: “Be honest and sincere with yourself and those around you. Do not lose your naturalness and absorb as much knowledge as you can. Even if you already know things, there is always something new to learn and improve. Do not be afraid to dive into the ocean of knowledge, where you will not only learn how to build better and more secure economic well-being, but you will also create wonderful bonds of friendship.

Angelina: Always be honest and encouraging. Remember that we all face battles in this life. Listen and lift each other up with positive words and affirmations. The learning goes both ways, not just from Coach to Participant. The personal reward of giving back to other women is powerful. Making new friendships, learning new things from others, and just the joy of being part of such a wonderful group of women empowering one another is priceless.