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MI Money Matters: Financially Empowering Our Communities Forum

MI Money Matters: Financially Empowering Our Communities Forum

You Are Invited...

Join us in Grand Rapids for the MI Money Matters: Financially Empowering Our Communities Forum, an event focused on building financial resilience through community collaboration. This in-person forum offers a chance to connect with peers, share strategies, and explore solutions that support financial well-being across Michigan communities.

A wonderful event for:

  • Community Partners
  • Financial Educators
  • Advocates for Economic Empowerment
Illustration of a diverse group of adults smiling about financial empowerment.

Event Details

  • Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
  • Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • Location:
    Grand Valley State University: Pew Campus
    L. William Seidman Center
    50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
  • Parking: Complimentary parking is available in designated university lots. For parking options, visit GVSU guest and visitor parking.
  • Register by: Wednesday, October 15, 2025

 

Register for the Event

Lunch will be provided.

Forum Panelists

Join us for the panel discussion, “What Financial Empowerment Means in 2025”. 

Dondreá Brown

Dondreá Brown is a relentless advocate for financial empowerment, a proud father of 11, and an influential force for the next generation. He believes in creating spaces filled with smiles, laughter, and learning, where individuals are empowered to take ownership of their financial journey. Rooted in his own lived experience, Dondreá carries the conviction that his family will be the last generation to start from scratch.

Dr. Delsa Chapman

Dr. Delsa Chapman serves as deputy superintendent of the Division of Assessment, School Improvement, and Systems Support at the Michigan Department of Education. She has nearly 30 years of experience in education, all served with the Lansing School District.

Brian Rakovitis

Brian Rakovitis is an economic mobility consultant dedicated to ensuring that low-income and marginalized households have access to equitable wealth-building opportunities. With over a decade of experience, Brian has led statewide initiatives to expand financial empowerment, build inclusive asset-building programs, and advance policy solutions that remove systemic barriers to economic opportunity.

Agenda

9:00 a.m. | Registration & Networking

  • Welcome table and check-in
  • Coffee and light refreshments
  • Community resource browsing and networking

9:30 a.m. | Opening Remarks & Welcome

  • Welcome from Office of Postsecondary Financial Planning Director, Robin Lott
  • Welcome from Dr. B. Donta Truss, Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach, Grand Valley State University
  • Welcome & Opening Remarks from Rachel Eubanks, Treasurer, State of Michigan

9:45 a.m. | Panel Discussion - Redefining Financial Success in Michigan Communities

  • Panel Discussion: “What Financial Empowerment Means in 2025”
  • Interactive Q&A

10:45 a.m. | MI Money Matters Demo

  • Demonstration on features and benefits

11:00 a.m. | Tabletop Discussion

  • Participants will have an opportunity to collaborate on each topic and share key insights from discussion

12:00 p.m. | Closing & Call to Action

  • Reflection & recap of key takeaways
  • What’s next? What role do you or your organization play?
  • Distribution of MI Money Matters Resource

12:15 p.m. | Networking Lunch

  • Table talk discussions: “Share Success Stories & Community Spotlights”

1:00 p.m. | End of Forum

 

Forum speakers are subject to change.

Questions?

Please contact TreasuryOutreach@michigan.gov. We are happy to assist you!