We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakelah S. and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakelah, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting WWGenZ came from a need of financial literacy awareness in lower income communities. The concepts of budgeting, savings, debt, credit etc, weren’t being taught in the schools.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
While doing research, we realized that there were very few in-person financial literacy programs for the youth within the inner city of New York.. As we developed the organization in the heart of covid, we began to hold classes via Zoom. This caused us to further realized that a need for financial literacy stretched far beyond New York. The major lessons that we’ve learned were that consistency and belief in our program is key! Everyone in the organization comes from a financial professional background.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well New York always has something to do! I would take them to Ultimate Grill in the Bronx for some awesome food and Patron (in Manhattan) for some amazing drinks!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out the President of the WWGenZ organization, Hiedi B. She is the driving force behind his amazing non-profit organization.

Website: WWGenZ.org

Instagram: @wwgenzinc

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.