Financial Literacy Leadership Summit 2026: Strategy, Stewardship, and Outcomes
The Financial Literacy Leadership Summit brings educators, nonprofits, volunteers, and sponsors together to recognize Financial Literacy Month and strengthen financial capability across Greater Boston. This working forum offers a keynote on the current state of financial capability, followed by three focused sessions on outreach to priority communities, effective engagement and retention strategies, and senior fraud and financial well being. Join CFA Society Boston to exchange practical, ready-to-use approaches you can adapt to your programs and deepen your impact. This event will also have the option to attend virtually!
Agenda At-A-Glance
| 11:00AM -11:45AM |
Registration |
| 11:45AM - 12:45PM |
Lunch and Networking |
| 12:50PM - 1:20PM |
Keynote with Treasurer Deborah Goldberg: Strategy, Stewardship, and Outcomes |
| 1:20PM - 2:30PM |
Panel 1: Reaching Priority Communities |
| 2:30PM - 2:45PM |
Break |
| 2:45PM - 3:45PM |
Panel 2: Trends that Change How We Teach |
| 3:45PM - 4:00PM |
Break |
| 4:00PM - 5:00PM |
Panel 3: Fraud, Scams, and Senior Financial Security |
| 5:00PM - 6:00PM |
Networking Reception |
Panels
Panel 1: Reaching Priority Communities
According to the 2024 National Financial Capability Study from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, nearly two-thirds of adults report that higher food costs have forced them to cut back on other spending over the past five years, placing disproportionate pressure on economically challenged communities. This panel will explore strategies for effectively reaching priority communities, with a particular focus on young people and the financial knowledge and practical experiences they need to become financially savvy adults.
Elizabeth Lavasta | Lawrence High School Teacher, Lawrence High School
Michael Mullin, CFA | Chief Market Strategist, Claro Advisors (moderator)
Rad Nova | President & CEO, Junior Achievement of Greater Boston
Deirdre O'Connor | Chief Operations Officer, Junior Achievement Of Greater Boston
Robert Powers, Ed.D. | Policy Manager at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Education
Panel 2: Trends that Change How We Teach
According to the 2024 National Financial Capability Study from the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, 81 percent of adults now use a mobile device to manage checking or savings accounts, making digital banking the place where financial habits are formed every day. This panel highlights practical program formats and tools that deepen engagement, build trust, and keep participants coming back, with a focus on interactive formats that raise retention in short programs, keeping materials current without heavy production work, and scenario practice that travels easily across audiences.
Erica Carere | Board Member, FitMoney
Dr. Kathy Hevert | Associate Professor of Finance, Babson College
Suzanne Norman, CIMA, CPCC | Founder, The Whealthy Woman (moderator)
Abby Raphel | Founder, The Redwoods Initiative
Panel 3: Fraud, Scams, and Senior Financial Security
With 12.5 billion dollars in fraud losses reported to the FTC in 2024 and older adults bearing the highest median losses, fraud is a growing threat to senior financial security. This session focuses on what providers are seeing on the ground, how to respond early, and how to promote lasting financial wellbeing for older adults.
Angie Chen | Associate Director of Savings and Household Finance, Center for Retirement Research at Boston College
Chris Heye, PhD | Foudner and CEO, Whealthcare Soultions Inc. and Whealthcare Planning LLC.
Robert Mascio | Director of Investor Education Outreach, FINRA Investor Education Foundation
Eric Wimer, CFA | Retired, Institutional Asset Manager (moderator)