Carla M. Vaughn, MBASUMMA CUM LAUDE
As a graduate in Finance and International Marketing, Ms. Vaughn has had over 20 years of business experience. Those skills, coupled with being a teacher and trainer, has allowed her to utilized her skills to be an effective instructor and administrator. With a background additionally in business, and running a financial company, she has many of the talents needed to guide the working operations of Financial Literacy First. As a graduate of Jones International University (Summa Cum Laude), and a graduate of Wayne State University (B.S. dual management major), she is well versed on academia. With a passion to lead others to economic empowerment, Ms. Vaughn, is constantly striving to make our communities a better place. This means she is committed to educating both the young person and older worker. As the owner of Business & Financial Management Services, her profession puts her in front of many small business owners and individuals. This pulse on the community means she is in touch with how important it is for people to become financially literate. |
David C. GibsonCO-FOUNDER DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING & FINANCE
With several years as a leading Accountant for Fortune 500 companies, David brings a larger perspective to Financial Literacy First. His degree in Accounting and business experience makes his talents and skills valuable.
Mr. Gibson is widely known to have a passion for community involvement and supporting the aims of religious organizations. His personal experience as a father has made him particularly sensitive to understanding the needs of young people to be financially literate. Having graduated from Liggett High School, earning a Bachelor of Science from the University of Houston, and several years of community service, Mr. Gibson has been an ideal fit for this position of Co-Founder & Corporate Director of Accounting & Finance. His professional experience includes working with such companies as Lucent, AT & T, zetcom North America, Business & Financial Management Services, Robert Half, and many more. This experience makes him a well rounded professional that can navigate Financial Literacy First into being a sound, progressive organization. |
Gary L. GilliardDIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
After spending 40 years in the Denver banking industry holding positions of Branch President, Senior Lender, & Senior Vice President, Gary Gilliard is ready to focus on small businesses and non-profits. During his banking days, he worked with small to medium size business owners who needed financing whether through the SBA, Community Banks, CDFI’s, lines of credit, equipment loans, factoring or personal savings.
Gary’s approach is to assist his clients by advising the best strategy for the needs of each individual business to become more effective, efficient and successful. His experience spans two economic downturns, and COVID-19 makes the third. He enjoys assisting businesses in tough times to survive! Gary has also been a college professor teaching classes in accounting and finance classes at the Community College of Aurora, the University of Phoenix, AIB Banking School and seminars at the Aurora-South Metro SBDC. He is now using his teaching skills to teach financial literacy with Financial Literacy First! Gary served on the Aurora Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Treasurer. |
Corey SanchezDIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Corey is a Financial Literacy Educator at WealthWave, a long time professional and graduate from Colorado Mesa University. He stands behind his passions and convictions. He states:" Our MISSION is to ERADICATE financial illiteracy worldwide.
It’s time to close the gap between those who know how money works and those who don’t—the suckers. It’s time to break the cycle of endless debt, foolish spending, and financial cluelessness, so anyone who wants to take control of their financial future has the knowledge to make it happen. Corey is an experience Financial Advisor with Transamerica and has years of experience educating individuals with financial understanding. He is a fully licensed and educated professional that cares about his clients as well as teaching kids.
He has been teaching children with Financial IQ Elective in the schools for the past year. This has added to the demonstration of his passion for money management. |
D'Andre CurtisDIRECTOR OF FUNDRAISING & DONOR MANAGEMENT
D'Andre Curtis rounds out our board by bringing his talents as a Community Partner & Family Engagement Specialist that has worked several years in the Aurora Public School system in the capacity of Assistant Principal and Culture, Climate & School Assessment Coordinator. His passion to support our youth is strong and focused and he brings upliftment to not just the youth but to Financial Literacy First. He has been a recognized leader for many years.
His awards have been:
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