2024 Report to Philanthropic Partners
Center Achievements and Updates
Founded in 2020, the American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality prepares the next generation of financial services leaders to diversify the profession and narrow the wealth gap.
This begins with the Four Steps Forward® initiative, designed to promote upward mobility and wealth in Black America. By offering financial education for Black women, recruiting and training for Black financial professionals, an executive leadership program for up-and-coming Black leaders, and collective impact for Black communities across America, the initiative helps combat racial inequality and generate upward mobility for generations to come.
New Managing Director Mai Skyles, MBA, channels her passion and energy into advancing financial equity and helping to create opportunities that empower underserved communities. In 2024, Skyles was recognized by the Association of African-American Financial Advisors as one of the Top 50 Under 50 Industry Professionals. She was also a main stage opening session panelist at the 2024 Association of African American Financial Advisors V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference for the topic of “Empowering Excellence — Black Women Leaders in Wealth Management”.
The Center’s impact was on full display at Howard University's HBCU Live program, as Skyles hosted a panel featuring Know Yourself Grow Your Wealth®'s Program Manager Dr. Valencia Gabay and Wealth Advisor Lee Bethel, CLU®, ChFC®, REBC®, RHU®, CAP®, ChHC®, CASL®.
Mai Skyles, MBA, Managing Director, American College Center for Economic Empowerment and Equality®
Program Highlights
The CEEE NextGen Program provides an opportunity for undergraduate students to attend the Conference for African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP) at no cost. Students who express a strong interest in financial services and exhibit outstanding leadership qualities and academic potential can be nominated to participate in the program. Under the guidance of Tori Phillips, program director, the 2024 NextGen Student Forum in Atlanta, GA hosted 58 students and scholars from 21 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other institutions.
Upon acceptance, students are paired with a mentor from the Financial Alliance for Representation and Empowerment (FARE). Mentors meet with students monthly to provide guidance and set expectations, in addition to serving as a guide through virtual workshops leading up to the CAAFP conference. During the conference itself, students showcase their skills by engaging in career-inspiring workshops and seminars. They also have the opportunity to network with leaders across financial services and wide-ranging industries. Notable attendees in 2024 included Donna Brazile, veteran political strategist, and Raphael Bostic, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.
Following their time at the conference, participants can build on their newfound knowledge through access to career resources within the Center. They are also well-positioned to apply for designations and certifications at The College and work toward the next chapter of their career in financial services.
CAAFP Attendees
CEEE NextGen Participants
Colleges and Universities Participating
Black Executive Leadership Program
Launched in 2022, the Black Executive Leadership Program (to be re-named the “CEEE Executive Leadership Program” in 2025) seeks industry disruptors to increase equitable representation in financial services. By cultivating space for leaders to learn and grow into executive level leadership roles, the four-month program utilizes a unique fellow/sponsor model. Fellows learn from and alongside sponsors, including academics, researchers, and industry trailblazers. Through a series of action planning goals and challenges, fellows set out to lead change within their own firms and accelerate on a path toward success.
Since its inception, over 100 professionals across 14 corporate firms have completed the program, with at least 17 fellows receiving promotions upon completion. 2024 saw the commencement of the program’s fourth cohort, which concluded at Nationwide HQ in Columbus, OH. Program topics included cultural competency, business acumen, emotional intelligence, and decision making. Participants who have found success in the program reported a renewed sense of belonging in the work, along with innovative training opportunities and lifelong connections that make the difference in C-suites.
Cohorts Completed (Since 2022)
Scholar Impact Stories
Greg Corneille, CFP®, ChSNC®
As a U.S. Army veteran, Greg Corneille has over two decades of experience in the financial services profession. Greg founded Choice Wealth Management, where he serves Johns Creek, GA, and surrounding communities. As a 2024 Securian Scholar, Corneille pursued the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) designation at The College to better serve clients of all backgrounds, especially families of individuals with special needs. The networking opportunities and knowledge Corneille gained because of his scholarship continue to benefit both his clients and career.
Durriyyah Jackson, CFRE, CAP®
As a Director of Development at George Washington University, Durriyyah Jackson strives to facilitate meaningful philanthropic partnerships. A 2024 Securian Scholar, Jackson completed her Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation at The College. She remains committed to following ethical and effective fundraising practices while helping clients plan for their financial legacy.
Upcoming Plans
The fifth cohort of the CEEE Executive Leadership Program (formerly known as the Black Executive Leadership Program) will kick off in September 2025, with participants having the opportunity to network at The College’s campus in King of Prussia, PA.
2025 will also see the launch of The CEEE Community, a website that will provide opportunities for professionals to network with fellow Center alumni, share thought leadership, and continue to build careers via culturally relevant resources.
2024 Financial Snapshot
Total 2024 Center Expenses: $2,900,838
A Legacy of Industry Leadership
Founded in 1927, The American College of Financial Services is the nation's largest nonprofit educational institution devoted to financial services professionals. Holding the highest level of academic accreditation, The College has educated over 200,000 professionals across the United States through certificate, designation, and graduate degree programs. Its portfolio of applied knowledge also includes just-in-time learning and consumer financial education programs. The College's faculty represents some of the foremost thought leaders in the financial services industry. Discover all the ways you can expand your opportunities with us.
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The American College of Financial Services provides equal opportunity to students and employees, regardless of race, color, and national or ethnic origin. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, CFP® (with plaque design) and CFP® (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements.
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