Creating change today. Creating wealth tomorrow.
We believe in education, access, community, equity, and shared power.
Champions for Financial Legacy educates, empowers, and transforms the futures of HBCU students and underserved communities.
We are architects of financial progress, advocates for equality, and champions of change:
To bridge the wealth divide and close the gap, we need to forge innovative solutions, cultivate shared knowledge, and equip future generations to unlock their full financial potential. This is the essence of a true champion.
We stand for empowerment, and we champion:
- Universities and Partners – Making an impactful difference in lives.
- Educators – Shaping the next generation of visionary leaders and unstoppable changemakers.
- Students and underserved communities – Empowering them to build wealth and brighter futures.
We exist to create better futures.
Where financial fluency is a right, not a privilege. Where every person can discover possibilities they never knew existed and have the confidence and tools to bring them to life. We don’t just seek a path to better futures; we create them.
Our Founders
Individually, CFFL’s founders have dedicated their lives to uplifting communities. Together, they’re committed to expanding wealth-building opportunities for those who have been historically underserved.
Hon. Dr. Gloria Carter
Dr. Gloria Carter is the CEO and co-founder of the Shawn Carter Foundation, an organization she founded in 2003 with her son, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, dedicated to opening the doors of education, travel, enlightenment, and experiences to those who may never have thought it possible. She has received numerous honors for the impactful contributions made to local, national, and global communities.
Alva Adams-Mason
Alva Adams spent 25 years as a champion for equity at Toyota Motor North America. The seasoned executive recently retired from her position as Group Manager of Multicultural Business Alliance and Strategy and Multicultural Dealer Relations. In this final role, she was responsible for directing strategy for Toyota’s multicultural partnerships, organizational support, and sponsorships relevant to Toyota/Lexus multicultural business initiatives covering the Black, Hispanic, Asian/Pacific Islander, Native American, LGBTQ, and women external/community outreach. A native of Fort Lauderdale, FL, Adams holds a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Howard University and a certificate in diversity from the University of Houston. Adams serves on several philanthropic boards and is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Erika H. James
Erika H. James is the Dean of the Wharton School and Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise. Trained as an organizational psychologist, Dean James is a leading expert on crisis leadership, workplace diversity, and management strategy. Dean James is a sought-after thought leader whose expertise has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, Bloomberg, The Washington Post, and numerous other media outlets. She has been widely recognized as one of the most powerful and influential women in business and education by Barron’s, Black Enterprise, and Ebony.
Founding Organizations
Shawn Carter Foundation:
The Shawn Carter Foundation (aka “Shawn Carter Scholarship Fund”) was founded as a public charity in 2003 by Hon. Dr. Gloria Carter and her son, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter to open the doors of education, travel, enlightenment, and experiences to those who may never have thought it possible. In doing so, the goal is to significantly increase the educational, social, and economic prospects of traditionally underserved students so they can fulfill their dreams and become positive contributors to the global community. The Foundation fulfills its mission through various programs including its national scholarship fund, college preparatory workshops and annual HBCU bus tour, study abroad and international exposure, professional development, wealth building, scholar support, and community and goodwill programs. To learn more, visit www.shawncartersf.com.
Wharton Coalition for Equity and Opportunity (CEO):
Created in 2022 as part of Dean Erika James’ strategic plan, Wharton’s Coalition for Equity and Opportunity (CEO) partners with for-profit and nonprofit entities to address inequity through applicable research and tangible workplace solutions with the expressed goal of expanding access to economic opportunities for all. Led by Managing Director Dr. Fareeda Griffith, CEO’s robust roster of cross-sector researchers work closely with organizations to develop insights needed to inform business strategy for their workforces, marketplaces, and communities. Wharton Emeritus Professor Kenneth L. Shropshire founded the initiative in 2022. For more information, visit www.ceo.wharton.upenn.edu.
Bridges to Wealth (B2W):
Bridges to Wealth provides an innovative financial literacy curriculum to close the wealth gap through evidence-based education and opportunity. Co-founded in 2012 by Professor Keith Weigelt, Marks-Darivoff Family Professor of Strategy at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, this intergenerational program empowers youth, parents, and community members with financial and business life-skills to meet the needs of the 21st Century. For more information, visit www.bridgestowealth.org.
Inaugural Funder
Toyota Motor North America:
Toyota Motor North America Inc is an inaugural funder of the Champions for Financial Legacy (CFFL) program. Their generous support plays a crucial role in enabling the delivery of comprehensive financial
education to students and underrepresented communities. Toyota’s contribution underscores their commitment to advancing financial literacy and empowering future leaders. For more information, visit www.toyota.com/usa.