Honoring Legacy Partners
Aldine Independent School District
Alief Independent School District
Allegiance Bank
Alliance Financial Ministries
Alliance for Multicultural Community Services
Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
American First National Bank
Angela Vickerman, CPA
Avenue Community Development Corporation
Harris County Public Library
Hispanic Mortgage Lenders Organization
Holman Street Baptist Church
Houston Area Urban League
Houston Area Urban League – Young Professionals
Houston Black Real Estate Association
Houston Center for Literacy
Houston Community College System
Houston Chronicle
Houston Media Source
Houston Hispanic Forum
Houston Housing Authority
Houston Housewives of Finance
Houston Independent School District
Houston Public Library
National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals
National Hispanic Professional Organization
BakerRipley (formerly Neighborhood Centers, Inc.)
Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation
New Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church
New Hope Housing
North Channel Area Chamber of Commerce
Northwest Assistance Ministries
Sam Houston State University Student Money Management Center
Smart Wealthy Millennial
San Jacinto College
Single Parents Igniting Relationships in Truth, Inc.
Spirit of Texas Bank
Stafford Municipal School District
Star Realty Services
Suburban Houston – Fort Bend Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Inc.
Texas Capital Bank
Texas Council on Economic Education
Texas Department of Banking
Texas Dow Employees Credit Union
The BridgePath
Texas Southern University – Jesse H. Jones School of Business
Texas Southern University – Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Texas Southern University
The Fountain of Praise
The Kingdom Builders Center
The Society for Financial Awareness
The Women’s Resource of Greater Houston
The Workfaith Connection
Trustmark National Bank
Trademark Creative
Background Story and Timeline of Houston Money Week
Under the stewardship of the Federal Reserve Bank, led by the dedicated guidance of Donald Bower, and with Money Management International as its fiscal partner, Houston Money Week secured essential partnerships and funding to realize its mission.
Year after year, the coalition joined hands with various banks, organizations, city entities, educational institutions, and entertainers to make April the national month for financial capabilities. The first week in April became the "kickoff week," but the entire month was dedicated to offering hundreds of free financial events to the community.
Year after year, Houston Money Week's calendar was packed with activities, including parades, workshops, outdoor outings, essay competitions, university collaborations, youth events, faith-based gatherings in local churches, and specialized events for students at Houston Community Colleges, with all 9 campuses actively participating.
The world was struck by the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted daily life and posed unprecedented challenges. Meetings and gatherings became impossible, but the financial needs of Houstonians continued to grow.
Despite the challenges, Houston Money Week emerged from this crisis stronger and more resolute than ever. The coalition recognized the crucial role it plays as a united front of non-profit organizations, government agencies, community-based initiatives, supportive financial institutions, and local businesses.
Houston Money Week's growth led to a significant milestone when it transitioned to be housed under the direction of The City Controller's Office in partnership with another distinguished financial literacy program, Bank On Houston. This strategic collaboration marked a pivotal moment in our mission to provide financial literacy to all Houstonians.
In the summer of 2023, a series of phone calls were made to reignite the flames of our mission. From this outreach, a small yet highly effective leadership team was meticulously crafted, seamlessly blending the wisdom of past contributors, the dedication of our present partners, and the forward-thinking visionaries who will shape our future.
The Story of Our Mascot
The story of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, is one of remarkable achievement, innovation, and unwavering commitment to the principles of financial literacy. Benjamin Franklin was not only a statesman and inventor but also a strong advocate for responsible financial management. His life story and values align closely with the mission of Houston Money Week, which seeks to make financial literacy accessible to all Houstonians. Benjamin Franklin is celebrated for his wise sayings, such as “A penny saved is a penny earned” and “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” He was a self-made man who started as an apprentice and became a successful printer, author, scientist, and diplomat. He believed in the power of education and the responsible handling of money to improve one’s life and contribute to the well-being of society.
Houston Money Week continues to reference Benjamin Franklin as their brand ambassador because his life exemplifies the very essence of what they aim to achieve. His commitment to self-improvement, financial responsibility, and lifelong learning is an inspiration to individuals seeking to enhance their financial literacy and navigate the ever changing financial landscape. By embracing Benjamin Franklin as their brand ambassador, Houston Money Week pays homage to his legacy and promotes the values he stood for, reinforcing the importance of financial education and responsible financial management as a means to achieve personal and societal success. Benjamin Franklin’s story serves as a constant reminder of the enduring relevance of these principles and the significance of making financial literacy accessible to all.