Nikson Alex
Raised in Long Island, New York, I currently serve as the Chairman of Youth for Finance, an organization born from a vision to inspire financial empowerment among young adults and teenagers. As an incoming freshman at Macaulay Honors College at Baruch, my journey so far has been a testament to the transformative power of education and resilience.
In the backdrop of the 2008 Financial Crisis, my childhood unfolded. I watched my parents navigate the stormy economic conditions, consistently choosing frugality and responsible decisions over personal indulgences. These sacrifices were not without reward - through determination and patience, they managed to save enough to secure our own apartment and, eventually, our very first home.
These early experiences became my motivation and inspiration, driving me to take part in programs like the Morgan Stanley Jumpstart Scholars and the Bank of America Student Leader Internship. These experiences not only deepened my understanding of finance but also sparked a responsibility within me to make this knowledge accessible to others.
During this journey, I crossed paths with Alex Chen. Finding a kindred spirit in Alex, we bonded over our shared experiences, our common belief in the power of pragmatic optimism, and our mutual commitment to financial literacy. Together, we founded Youth for Finance, with the aim of nurturing a financially literate generation.
As the Chairman of this organization, my role is not simply a professional obligation, but a deeply personal calling. This mission is a tribute to my parents' perseverance, a way to channel their legacy of resilience, and to ensure that other families need not traverse the same arduous path of financial insecurity.
Every step of my journey, every challenge I've faced, and every milestone I've achieved has culminated in the person I am today. This journey has not always been easy, but I wouldn't trade my experiences for anything. They have defined my purpose and fueled my passion to empower others.
As I stand here today, my heart overflows with gratitude for the journey so far and anticipation for the road ahead. I'm committed to turning financial literacy from a privilege to a right, driven by my steadfast belief that empowering individuals with financial knowledge is a key to building stronger, more resilient communities. My journey continues, and I invite you all to join me on this mission to inspire and empower through financial literacy.
