Regions Bank & STRIVE New Orleans Empower Careers with Financial Education
“Career readiness may open the door, but financial stability ensures long-term success. That’s why we see financial education as a foundation for building brighter futures,” explained Mike Scott, Senior Community Development Manager at Regions Bank. “When people learn how to manage money—particularly when adjusting to new income—they gain the confidence to set goals and reach them.”
STRIVE New Orleans, a nonprofit organization, works to remove barriers for individuals by connecting them with meaningful career opportunities while helping businesses fill vital workforce needs. In partnership with Regions, STRIVE is making financial literacy a core element of workforce preparation, giving participants the tools to succeed not only in employment but also in their personal financial journeys.
Through Regions Next Step, the bank’s complimentary financial education initiative, participants learn practical skills such as budgeting and saving. “Each session provides people with tools, confidence, and optimism as they plan for their future,” said Graham Ralston, New Orleans Market Executive at Regions Bank.
One recent program supported 20 women navigating unique challenges on their path to self-sufficiency. Lessons covered topics like the “52-Week Challenge” for savings, strategies for rebuilding credit, and developing tailored spending plans. Bank associates used everyday examples to make the material easy to understand and relevant to real-life situations.
“The women left feeling informed and empowered, with a stronger understanding of how to make use of the bank’s services,” said Angela Shiloh Cryer, Executive Director of STRIVE New Orleans. “Regions Bank approached our participants with empathy and compassion, and the group couldn’t stop sharing how impactful the sessions were.”
The initiative also featured a special “STRIVE Day at Regions Bank,” organized by branch managers Laura Waguespack and Rosalyn Phoenix. This event gave participants the opportunity to meet privately with bank associates, ask financial questions, and even open new personal and business accounts to help move closer to their goals.
“Each Next Step session is designed to provide knowledge and encouragement, helping people take meaningful steps toward a more secure future,” added Ralston.
STRIVE New Orleans, a nonprofit organization, works to remove barriers for individuals by connecting them with meaningful career opportunities while helping businesses fill vital workforce needs. In partnership with Regions, STRIVE is making financial literacy a core element of workforce preparation, giving participants the tools to succeed not only in employment but also in their personal financial journeys.
Through Regions Next Step, the bank’s complimentary financial education initiative, participants learn practical skills such as budgeting and saving. “Each session provides people with tools, confidence, and optimism as they plan for their future,” said Graham Ralston, New Orleans Market Executive at Regions Bank.
One recent program supported 20 women navigating unique challenges on their path to self-sufficiency. Lessons covered topics like the “52-Week Challenge” for savings, strategies for rebuilding credit, and developing tailored spending plans. Bank associates used everyday examples to make the material easy to understand and relevant to real-life situations.
“The women left feeling informed and empowered, with a stronger understanding of how to make use of the bank’s services,” said Angela Shiloh Cryer, Executive Director of STRIVE New Orleans. “Regions Bank approached our participants with empathy and compassion, and the group couldn’t stop sharing how impactful the sessions were.”
The initiative also featured a special “STRIVE Day at Regions Bank,” organized by branch managers Laura Waguespack and Rosalyn Phoenix. This event gave participants the opportunity to meet privately with bank associates, ask financial questions, and even open new personal and business accounts to help move closer to their goals.
“Each Next Step session is designed to provide knowledge and encouragement, helping people take meaningful steps toward a more secure future,” added Ralston.
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