SHAPING FINANCIAL FUTURES : KIDVESTORS CO-FOUNDER TAKES THE STAGE AT ESSENCE FESTIVAL

NEW ORLEANS, LA – July 4, 2025 — This Independence Day, the spotlight wasn’t just on fireworks — it was on financial freedom. KidVestors Co-Founder Courtney Pettway joined a powerhouse panel on the Global Black Economic Forum stage during the Essence Festival of Culture, speaking passionately about the importance of building financial futures for youth and families.

Financial Futures & the Power to Prosper

The panel, titled “Financial Literacy & the Power to Prosper: Teaching Wealth-Building from the Ground Up,” brought together changemakers committed to reshaping how underrepresented communities engage with money. Pettway was joined by fellow trailblazers including Aniesia Williams of DreamBloc, Dr. D’Wayne Edwards of Pensole Lewis College, and Dr. Brandi Waters of the College Board, with author and advocate Alencia Johnson serving as moderator.

Together, they discussed the importance of early financial literacy education, real-world wealth-building tools, and culturally relevant resources designed specifically for Black communities.

From Pacifiers to Portfolios

Representing KidVestors, Pettway shared how the platform is transforming the way students learn about money — starting as early as elementary school. “We believe financial futures are built in childhood,” Pettway said. “That’s why we created a program that’s fun, culturally relevant, and built for the way our kids actually learn. Because it’s not just about understanding money; it’s about owning your financial future.”

KidVestors combines gamified learning, animated lessons, and even real stock market rewards to teach students everything from budgeting basics to investing, entrepreneurship, and beyond. Pettway emphasized the importance of moving beyond one-time workshops and embracing consistent, practical, and accessible education to truly prepare students for lifelong financial success.

Building the Future—One Lesson at a Time

From credit and saving to ownership and generational wealth, panelists explored actionable strategies to ensure that financial literacy isn’t a luxury — it’s a right. Pettway spoke candidly about the gap in financial education and how KidVestors is working to close it by bringing curriculum and rewards-based learning directly into homes and classrooms across the country.

“Our communities deserve financial tools and education that reflect our realities and unlock our potential,” she said. “The earlier we can instill these values and skills, the brighter our financial futures will be.”

About KidVestors:

KidVestors is a financial literacy platform empowering students from grades 3–12 (8-18yo) to master money, investing, and entrepreneurship through interactive tools, games, and real-life incentives. With a mission to close the wealth gap and raise the next generation of financially confident leaders, KidVestors is helping thousands of students build wealth one smart decision at a time.

For media inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to bring KidVestors to your school or community, visit www.kidvestors.co.