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Prima Consulting CEO Shanna Weber Strengthens Financial Literacy Access for African American Youth Via ECCC Partnership
Prima Consulting founder Shanna Weber has long been committed to helping underserved youth gain the financial knowledge she once needed herself. Her passion was on display in November as Weber returned to teach at the Ethnic College Counseling Center, Inc. (ECCC) Financial Freedom Workshop, a program designed to give African American students and families practical tools for wealth-building financial stability.
Weber, a strategic advisor and leadership expert with more than 20 years experience in the financial industry, served as a lead presenter for the workshop, which drew approximately 40 high school students and a separate group of parents for a combined five hours of hands-on training.
“The first step towards creating equity across financial wealth is knowledge,” Weber said. “I come from an underserved community, and I understand the barriers. My goal is to leverage my professional expertise and bring dynamic, engaging, and practical financial knowledge to students who may have no other access to this information.”
A Community Organization Expanding Its Mission
ECCC was founded in 1983 by Pensal and Dr. Christophe J. McCray – an educator with three degrees and an optometrist – to increase the number of African American students entering and graduating from college. More than 3,000 students have participated in its college readiness programs over four decades.
Their daughter, Talia McCray, a retired college professor and Fulbright Scholar, now leads ECCC as executive director and has overseen the nonprofit’s expansion to include financial literacy – a response to the continued racial wealth gap and the lack of accessible financial education for Black families.
“A lot of grandparents and great-aunts are raising these young people, and our organization offers the vital support system they may not have at home,” said McCray, who raises $100 per student from donors to fund investment accounts for program graduates. “I enjoy seeing the kids’ responses. They don’t understand compounded interest, but if you show them how that little $100 can grow as an investment, what we are doing is like giving them a million dollars because we are showing them how to make sacrifices and build wealth. We are working to ensure Black people stop being just consumers and start figuring out how to be smarter with their money.”
Since 2021, ECCC’s financial curriculum, which was developed in partnership with Charles Schwab using the Money Wise program, has served more than 200 students. In addition to the five-hour workshop, participants must complete training before and after the event – a total of nine hours – to start their investment accounts. ECCC is powered by volunteers and donations.
Inside the Workshop: From Budgeting to Investing
The November Financial Freedom Workshop covered fundamental wealth-building skills including:
- Budgeting and spending plans.
- Credit score development.
- Debt management.
- Investing basics, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs.
Weber has presented at the workshop roughly eight times since 2021, offering continuity as ECCC grows its financial education offerings.
Her instruction combines professional expertise with personal experience. During the session, Weber shared the list of lifetime financial goals, from graduation to retirement, she wrote at age 20 – goals she achieved by age 40 through consistent planning and disciplined execution.
“I show them the list of financial goals I wrote when I was 20 that I wanted to achieve by 65, and explain that I reached every one of them by age 40,” she said. “We are giving this generation a road map to financial security.”
With many teens turning to entrepreneurial work, Weber emphasized the importance of developing financial clarity early.
A Broader Record of Community Leadership
Weber’s involvement with ECCC is one part of her commitment to community advancement, and her dynamic presentation style engages audiences of all ages. As a development coordinator for Traillionaires Foundation she mentors and trains students in underserved communities with professional skills to build confidence and prepare for long-term career success. She volunteers with TechNation Careers leading training programs for refugee women on interview and employment readiness. Weber is also co-founder of the Denver chapter of Women in ETFs, a global nonprofit that supports and connects women in the exchange-traded fund (ETF) industry, growing the Denver chapter to more than 500 members since 2016.
Her work across these organizations underscores a consistent approach that combines compelling presentations, leadership development, and strategic execution for powerful social impact.
About Prima Consulting
Prima Consulting, founded by CEO Shanna Weber, helps leaders elevate their impact, strengthen their teams, and build thriving workplaces. With more than 20 years of executive leadership experience – including enterprise strategy work for an organization overseeing $8 trillion in assets – Weber provides strategic advisory, leadership coaching, and organizational alignment services for executives across industries.
To learn more visit https://swprima.com/.
About the Ethnic College Counseling Center, Inc. (ECCC)
Founded in 1983, ECCC is a Denver-based nonprofit dedicated to increasing college access and completion for African American youth. Today, the organization also delivers comprehensive financial literacy programs to equip students and families with the tools needed to build long-term financial stability and generational wealth.
To learn more, volunteer and donate, visit https://www.ethniccollegecounselingcenter.org/about-eccc
WOLFSBURG, Germany
Volkswagen (ETR: VOW3) has announced the launch of a new lineup of more affordable electric vehicles (EVs) as part of its strategy to compete with the rapidly expanding Chinese electric vehicle market.
The German automaker revealed plans to introduce a range of budget-friendly EVs designed to appeal to a wider customer base. This move is seen as a direct response to the growing dominance of Chinese manufacturers, who have been gaining market share both domestically and internationally with more competitively priced EVs.
Volkswagen’s new models, set to hit European and international markets by mid-2026, will be priced significantly lower than previous EV offerings. The company aims to reduce production costs through enhanced manufacturing processes, scaled production of electric components, and strategic partnerships with battery suppliers.
“By introducing these new, cost-effective electric models, we are making Volkswagen’s innovative technologies accessible to a broader audience,” said Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen. “Our goal is to remain at the forefront of the EV transformation, not only in Europe but globally.”
Volkswagen’s strategy reflects a larger trend in the auto industry, where traditional automakers are ramping up efforts to compete with Chinese EV producers like BYD, NIO, and Xpeng. These companies have been able to reduce costs through economies of scale, local manufacturing, and government-backed incentives, forcing European and U.S. manufacturers to rethink their approach.
The new Volkswagen EVs will focus on combining affordable pricing with high-performance features and cutting-edge technology, including long-range batteries, advanced driver-assist systems, and energy-efficient powertrains. The company is also emphasizing sustainability, ensuring that the vehicles meet stringent environmental standards and offering fully recyclable materials in the production process.
Volkswagen plans to increase its global EV market share with these new models while maintaining its commitment to premium electric vehicles and advancing the company’s carbon-neutral goals. The company’s new offerings are expected to have a significant impact on the European EV market, where Chinese competitors have already made inroads.
About Volkswagen
Volkswagen is one of the world’s leading automobile manufacturers, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. The company operates under multiple brands, including Volkswagen, Audi, Porsche, and SEAT, and is at the forefront of the global automotive shift toward electric vehicles and sustainable transportation solutions.
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Jason Ruedy Educates San Diego Homeowners on Using Home Equity to Consolidate Debt and Lower Monthly Mortgage Payments
San Diego, California
As credit card balances and high-interest consumer debt continue to rise, many San Diego homeowners are actively searching for ways to lower their monthly mortgage payment and improve overall financial stability. Jason Ruedy, known as The Home Loan Arranger, is educating homeowners on a proven strategy: using home equity through a cash-out refinance to consolidate debt and reduce monthly expenses.
With over 30 years of mortgage experience, Ruedy is helping homeowners understand how to leverage their equity to replace high-interest obligations with a more efficient, lower-cost mortgage structure.
“Homeowners across San Diego are sitting on significant equity, but many don’t realize how powerful it can be,” says Ruedy. “When you use a cash-out refinance correctly, you can consolidate credit cards, personal loans, and other high-interest debt into one lower payment—and that can change everything financially.”
Through a cash-out refinance, borrowers can access a portion of their home’s value and use those funds to pay off debt—often resulting in monthly savings of $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the scenario.
This strategy can provide key financial advantages:
- Lower total monthly payments
- Consolidation of high-interest debt into one loan
- Access to lower mortgage refinance rates compared to credit cards
- Improved cash flow and budgeting flexibility
- Simplified finances with one consistent monthly payment
Ruedy emphasizes that this approach is not about increasing debt—but restructuring it more effectively.
“You’re not adding new debt—you’re repositioning it,” Ruedy explains. “Replacing 20% credit card interest with a lower mortgage rate can free up significant cash flow and create real financial breathing room.”
He also notes that market conditions—including mortgage refinance rates, loan programs, and home values in San Diego—play a key role in determining the right strategy, making it important for homeowners to evaluate their options carefully.
Ruedy’s process is built around education—helping homeowners understand how tools like cash-out refinance, mortgage refinance, and debt consolidation loans can be used to improve both short-term cash flow and long-term financial outcomes.
“When used the right way, your home equity becomes a powerful financial asset,” Ruedy adds. “It’s about taking control, reducing stress, and setting yourself up for a stronger future.”
San Diego homeowners interested in learning how to refinance their mortgage, consolidate debt, or access home equity are encouraged to connect directly for a personalized consultation.
About Jason Ruedy:
Jason Ruedy, “The Home Loan Arranger,” is a mortgage expert with over three decades of experience specializing in mortgage refinance, cash-out refinance, and debt consolidation strategies. Known for delivering competitive rates, fast closings, and customized loan solutions, Ruedy helps homeowners lower monthly payments, improve cash flow, and achieve long-term financial success.
Contact:
Jason Ruedy
The Home Loan Arranger
(303) 862-4742
Uncategorized
Jason Ruedy Educates Denver Homeowners on Using Home Equity to Consolidate High-Interest Debt and Lower Monthly Payments
Denver, Colorado
As credit card debt and high-interest consumer loans continue to rise, many Denver homeowners are searching for ways to lower their monthly payments and regain control of their finances. Jason Ruedy, known as The Home Loan Arranger, is educating homeowners on a powerful strategy: using home equity through a cash-out refinance or home equity loan to consolidate debt and improve cash flow.
With over 30 years of mortgage experience, Ruedy is helping homeowners understand how to turn built-up equity into a financial tool—replacing high-interest debt with a single, lower-rate mortgage payment.
“Too many homeowners are carrying 18% to 30% interest on credit cards while sitting on significant equity in their home,” says Ruedy. “By using a cash-out refinance, you can consolidate that debt into one lower payment and dramatically improve your monthly financial position.”
Through a cash-out refinance, homeowners can tap into their home’s value to pay off credit cards, personal loans, and other high-interest obligations—often reducing their total monthly payments by $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on their situation.
This strategy can provide several key benefits:
- Lower overall monthly payments
- Consolidation of high-interest debt into one loan
- Access to lower mortgage interest rates compared to credit cards
- Improved cash flow and financial stability
- Simplified finances with one predictable payment
Ruedy emphasizes that this approach is not about adding debt—but restructuring it more efficiently.
“This isn’t a quick fix—it’s a strategy,” Ruedy explains. “You’re replacing high-cost debt with lower-cost debt and creating breathing room. That allows homeowners to get ahead instead of just keeping up.”
He also notes that timing is critical, as mortgage refinance options, loan programs, and interest rates continue to shift in today’s market. Homeowners who act strategically can position themselves for both short-term relief and long-term financial improvement.
Ruedy’s approach focuses on education first—helping borrowers understand how to use tools like cash-out refinance, debt consolidation loans, and home equity strategies to improve their overall financial picture.
“When used correctly, your home equity can be one of your strongest financial assets,” Ruedy adds. “It can help you eliminate stress, lower your payments, and create a much better quality of life.”
Denver homeowners interested in learning how to consolidate debt, refinance their mortgage, or access home equity are encouraged to reach out directly for a personalized consultation.
About Jason Ruedy:
Jason Ruedy, “The Home Loan Arranger,” is a Denver-based mortgage expert with over three decades of experience specializing in cash-out refinance, mortgage refinance, and debt consolidation strategies. Known for competitive rates, fast closings, and customized loan solutions, Ruedy helps homeowners reduce monthly payments, improve cash flow, and achieve long-term financial stability.
Contact:
Jason Ruedy
The Home Loan Arranger
(303) 862-4742
Volkswagen Rolls Out Cheaper EVs in Battle with Chinese Carmakers
Jason Ruedy Educates San Diego Homeowners on Using Home Equity to Consolidate Debt and Lower Monthly Mortgage Payments
Jason Ruedy Educates Denver Homeowners on Using Home Equity to Consolidate High-Interest Debt and Lower Monthly Payments
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