PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATIONS
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain program
Certificate awarded in 2022.
This holistic program on blockchain and cryptocurrencies is an excellent primer on all things related to digital money. The classes were taught by Gary Gensler now head of the SEC.
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Association for Financial Professionals - CTP
The Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation serves as a benchmark of competency in the finance profession and is recognized as the leading credential in corporate treasury worldwide. Sponsored by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), the CTP credential signifies that you have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required to effectively execute critical functions related to corporate liquidity, capital and risk management. In today’s environment, companies are looking for proven and ethical professionals. They are looking for CTPs.
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CFA Institute - CFA
A CFA is a certified investment professional who provides investment guidance and portfolio management for individuals, businesses and other organizations. These professionals can work at institutional investment firms, broker-dealers, insurance companies, pension funds, banks and universities. In this program students learn Wall Street methodologies on stock and bond valuations, pricing of derivatives, portfolio management and ethics.
EDUCATION
Drexel University
Masters in Finance with a concentration in Bank Management
Temple University
Focus in Finance with a minor in statistics
VOLUNTEER WORK
FINANCIAL SERVICES VOLUNTEER CORPS.
I've always admired the group Doctors without borders and the medical professionals who lend their expertise to help others. I wanted to find a way to help others as well, but my only skills were finance and banking. How could I help? After reading Muhammad Yunus book Banker to the Poor, I realized my skills might be helpful to the right institutions. But how to get started? Then I came across a group called the Financial Services Volunteer Corps ("FSVC"). The FSVC is a non-profit that helps international financial institutions by using the talent and expertise of US financial experts.
I was selected for my first project to help an Angolan Bank (Banco Keve) to develop a small business lending division. It was an amazing experience and I learned that banking challenges are mostly universal. We all deal with the same issues. So I was able to help. Later I did a project in Tunisia helping the non-bank finance companies develop credit scoring models. I also had the opportunity to work with an Algerian incubator and offer feedback to the Algerian small businesses there. These opportunities enriched me far more than I helped them. And in some small way, I feel I am able to give back to the finance and banking community.
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SBA - EMERGING LEADERS PROGRAM
The SBA engaged Interise out of Boston to deliver their executive MBA program called Emerging Leaders. In this program, some 42 districts across the US collaborated with local small businesses to teach them how to grow their companies. I began teaching this class in 2007 and was the Philadelphia instructor through 2021 when the program ended. In this role, I got to see the immediate and direct result of my education and advice. These companies grew! I think my ability to bring together the book knowledge from my education along with my experience in banking and as an entrepreneur gave me instant credibility with the CEOs and enabled my to be effective.
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HOPEWORKS
Hopeworks is a non-profit in Camden NJ that teaches teens computer programming and sets them on a career track outside of college for those who are not a good fit for college. Many students learn to become Salesforce.com admins and end up earning more than the combined salaries of their parents, all while avoiding college and student loan trap. This program is amazing. I had the chance to introduce the Raspberry Pi computer to them in 2015. The Raspberry Pi is a UK-manufactured PC that costs $35 and has amazing flexibility. It's a great platform to introduce computers and coding.