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Hartford treasurer, schools and banks host bilingual financial literacy symposium for families and students
Summary
City Treasurer Carmen Sierra and Hartford Public Schools joined Liberty Bank and local partners to host a bilingual financial literacy symposium at Sports Medical Science Academy, featuring workshops on homeownership, debt management and small-business planning and outreach to more than 20 student leaders.
Hartford City Treasurer Carmen Sierra and Hartford Public Schools hosted a bilingual financial literacy symposium at the Sports Medical Science Academy in Hartford, bringing city officials, bank representatives, educators and students together for workshops on homeownership preparation, debt management, small-business planning and foundational investing.
Carmen Sierra, Hartford City Treasurer, said the event was part of a broader effort “to empower the Hartford residents that are here, by making financial education equitable, accessible, and actionable, like here today, for all of you.” The program was sponsored by Liberty Bank (gold), Eagle Capital Management and several local partners; Liberty Bank senior vice president Dinora Lopez described the bank’s sponsorship as part of its community giving during its 200th anniversary year.
The symposium combined short presentations and hands-on workshops. Dr. Leslie Torres Rodriguez, superintendent of Hartford Public Schools, said the district is treating financial education as part of educating “the whole family” and stressed generational aims: “I actually believe that it's about building agency for families, for individuals to have choice so that you can determine your future and the stability of your family.” Organizers said more than 20 students from Buckley High, Weaver High and Harper Public High School attended as leaders and members of the superintendent’s student advisory council.
Workshop topics announced included a new “debt detox” session, a home-ownership preparation class and a small-business academy. Presenters and partners named in remarks included Voya, MB Global Partners, Watchers Scott Partners (represented by Margaret Foley), loan officers from Liberty Bank, and local counselors who run the homeownership prep course. Commissioner Joshua Godfrey, a co-founder of Godfrey and Sonberg Wealth Management and one of the event’s speakers, urged attendees to use the day to ask practical questions: “Please today, take the opportunity to ask the questions. Stop afterwards and ask additional questions.”
Student participants and volunteers were credited repeatedly by organizers. Shay E., chair of the planning committee and identified in remarks as chief administrative officer in the treasurer’s office, led the event’s organization; organizers named a roster of volunteers and exhibitors who staffed workshops and information tables. One student speaker summarized the event’s practical value: “This is real stuff,” the student said when describing lessons about paychecks, credit and investing.
Organizers emphasized bilingual access: emcees and translators conducted the program in English and Spanish and several speakers highlighted bilingual outreach as central to the event’s mission. Multiple presenters encouraged parents and caregivers to bring financial conversations into the home and to pass knowledge to the next generation.
No formal government actions, votes or policy adoptions were recorded in the symposium remarks. Organizers said the symposium was intended as education and community outreach rather than a policy meeting. Closing remarks thanked sponsors, exhibitors, volunteers and students for participation and said organizers expected to continue similar events in the future.
