2025 Entries Reveal Growth in Children’s Understanding of Money
Boston, MA (September 4, 2025) – OneUnited Bank, a leading Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), is proud to announce the winners of its 15th annual “I Got Bank! Youth Financial Literacy Essay & Art Contest.” Each of the ten (10) youth winners are awarded a $1,000 savings account.
The 2025 winners are Jasmine Curd, 12, Blue Springs, MO, Andrew Elus, 11, Miami, FL, Rusty Fisher, 12, Apple Valley, CA, Jai Irby, 12, Boston, MA, Brandon Littlejohn, 12, Newman, GA, Jalonie Lue Shue, 12, Miami, FL, Zoë Madison Orndorff, 9, Homestead, FL, Arfa Mohamed, 8, Rocklin, CA, Alanna Oguadimma, 9, Milton, MA, Jacob Phillips, 8, Missouri City, TX.
Each winner spoke about their financial literacy journey and how it will help them and their families. The panel of judges included Teri Williams, the bank’s President & Chief Operating Officer and Sherri Brewer, the bank’s Senior Vice President, Chief Retail Officer.
President Williams stated, “In 2025, we saw growth in children’s understanding of money, including the cost of food and other necessities. They expressed a desire to help their families, which may reflect the current economy. We are proud to ignite family conversations about money, which will improve their financial wellbeing.”
Williams wrote the book “I Got Bank! What My Grandad Taught Me About Money” (Beckham), after discovering the lack of focus on educating urban youth about financial literacy.
The “I Got Bank!” Financial Literacy Youth Essay & Art Contest is part of a larger OneUnited Bank initiative to make financial literacy a core value in America. To learn more about past I Got Bank winners, please visit the OneUnited Bank Financial Literacy Blog.
OneUnited Bank also offers its robust Financial Education Center with online playlists on Financial Basics, Major Life Decisions, Starting a Career, Small Business and Preventing Elder Fraud. OneUnited Bank hopes its efforts will improve the financial skills of children and adults throughout the country.
Media Inquiries: Suzan McDowell, Circle of One Marketing, [email protected], or by phone at 305-576-3790.
About OneUnited Bank:
OneUnited Bank, America’s leading Community Development Financial Institution, the nation’s largest Black-owned bank, eleven-time recipient of the US Department of Treasury’s Bank Enterprise Award for community development and named Inc. Magazine’s Best in Financial Services 2024. For more info, please visit www.oneunited.com
###
