Tabitha Ejinkonye is NGPF's newest Partnerships & Adoption Manager. She has a decade of experience as an educator and most recently worked in a role with a focus on supporting education equity for all students. We're excited she's able to combine these passions at NGPF. Read more about Tabitha.

From “Figuring It Out” to Teaching It Right

Despite my education, I quickly realized I didn’t know as much about managing money as I thought. Looking back on my early adulthood, I can’t help but reflect on the financial struggles I faced.

In college, it became crystal clear that financial literacy is one of the most critical skills a person could learn, yet it’s often overlooked in traditional education.

My teaching journey was fueled by a passion to create a learning environment where Black and brown students could experience the same joy and empowerment I felt from teachers who looked like me.

I wanted to give them the opportunity to fully engage in critical thinking, to see themselves as capable of greatness, and to realize their potential beyond the classroom.

Rooted in Culture, Growing Through Education

A Southern Texas girl with deep Nigerian roots, I’ve always carried a unique blend of cultures, values, and experiences that have shaped who I am today.

As a first-generation U.S. citizen on my dad’s side, I learned the importance of hard work, community, and resilience.

This realization is what led me to make the personal choice to teach in Title 1 schools, where I could work with students who often face systemic challenges yet are brimming with untapped potential.

I knew that to truly make an impact, I needed to go beyond set academics and focus on life skills that would empower my students to thrive in and beyond the classroom.

Money Talks (And So Should We)

Financial literacy is not just a skill—it’s a necessity. It equips students with the tools to make informed decisions, break cycles of poverty, and create generational wealth.

Yet, it’s a topic that is far too often neglected in our education system.

When the opportunity to join Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) arose, I knew it would be the perfect fit. I’m grateful for the chance to go from impacting a classroom full of students to reaching thousands nationwide.

From Single Classroom to Countless Lives

Joining NGPF has allowed me to expand my impact far beyond the walls of a single classroom. I am honored to be part of a mission dedicated to revolutionizing the teaching of personal finance and empowering students with essential life skills.

The ability to equip students with knowledge to confidently navigate their financial futures is a privilege I don’t take lightly.

Financial literacy must become a cornerstone of every student’s education. Together with educators and advocates, I’m excited to create a future where personal finance is not just an option but a guarantee for the next generation and beyond.

About the Author

Tabitha Ejinkonye