Rocky Mountain State Chapters Unified in Mission to Expand Advisory Leadership for Financial Education

DENVER, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- National Financial Educators Council^® (NFEC) is pleased to recognize its growing network throughout the Rocky Mountain Region, encompassing active chapters in Colorado and Wyoming. Collectively, these chapters serve as a coordinated regional coalition dedicated to advancing financial literacy, expanding economic empowerment, and sustaining meaningful financial wellness programs.

Operating autonomously within each state yet unified by shared objectives, the chapters collaborate to address financial education inequities affecting students and families. Their partnership strengthens the structural support necessary to deliver high-quality instruction, policy advocacy, and community outreach.

Broadening Access and Enhancing Academic Integrity

The state chapters are committed to equitable educational access and rigorous standards that parallel other core academic subjects. Their advocacy efforts include comprehensive graduation policies, qualified educators, outcomes-based accountability measures, structured learning progressions from kindergarten through high school, active family participation, and secure funding models. The coalition works to ensure that financial education is recognized as a critical life skill with measurable and sustainable impact.

Chapter leaders contribute to advisory boards that guide regional strategy and state-level action. Their backgrounds reflect experience in finance, public administration, education, and civic leadership.

Collective Leadership for Lasting Change

Aaron Cruz, BA, CFEI^®, Wyoming – 14 years as a partner in Tactical Financial Solutions; owner of Unbroken Finance, a financial education company dedicated to serving treatment centers, recovery programs, and individuals rebuilding after hardship; volunteer providing financial education with Volunteers of America Northern Rockies.

Lindsey Zerbinos, BS, Colorado – teacher of middle school and senior financial literacy at a Title-1 school in Denver; Founder of Funding America, LLC, a mission-driven initiative that equips students and communities with knowledge to navigate money, markets, and modern economic systems with confidence and integrity.

Shangra-La Jones, Denver, Colorado - holds one Masters in Public Financial Management and a second in Public Administration. Her financial services career has included top-level roles at a brokerage firm, as Assistant Vice President of Compliance banking, and as a Grants Manager. She has distinguished herself both in the financial industry and as a strong advocate for financial literacy education.

Dr. Tyson Garfield, Personal Finance Expert and founder of TheMedicineCheck.com – has merge his two passions to support the financial wellness of Coloradans: medicine and financial wellness. His partnership empowers the CFEC to make a strong, lasting positive impact on people's lives, helping ensure that top-quality financial education resources are available to all.

Together, these advisors will expand evidence-based programming, bolster standards for financial education, and spearhead long-term improvements in financial wellness outcomes across the Rocky Mountain area.

"Collaboration across the Rocky Mountain region strengthens our collective impact," said Vince Shorb, CEO of the National Financial Educators Council. "Although each of the state chapters continues to prioritize impact in its own communities, working together regionally helps us accelerate progress toward ensuring that more people gain access to the resources they need to achieve financial capability."

The initiative supports the NFEC's joint mission to enhance standards for financial education, support certification for instructors, and promote a campaign to get financial education recognized as a core subject – Make Financial Education a Core Subject.

The Rocky Mountain Regional Financial Educators Council operates under the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC), an IACET Accredited Provider and Certified B Corporation promoting higher standards for financial education. Through certification training, policy advocacy, and research-based programming, NFEC supports a growing network of leaders committed to improving financial literacy outcomes and lasting financial security. 

Media Contact:
Claudia Martins
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SOURCE National Financial Educators Council