Ep # 378: Building Prosp(a)rity & Bridging the Wealth Divide

XYPN Radio

10-01-2024 • 52 mins

Join us this week as we explore Prosp(a)rity, a non-profit dedicated to nurturing, uplifting, and advancing Black women, and ultimately positioning them to pay it forward to their communities and next generations. Bri Franklin, Co-Founder of Prosp(a)rity, shares her journey — from post-Ivy League student debt to catalyzing change.

This episode, Bri emphasizes the urgency of addressing predatory lending and student debt, spotlighting the systemic changes required. She details the programs Prosp(a)rity, champions. If you're a financial advisor seeking meaningful involvement, Bri outlines avenues for your impactful contribution. It's more than personal finance; it's about fostering resilience, community, and pursuing financial empowerment for all.

What you’ll learn from this episode

  • Bri founded The Prosperity Project in 2020 during the Black Lives Matter movement.

  • The initiative was sparked by the recognition of the disproportionate financial struggles faced by black women.

  • She conducted a survey on LinkedIn involving 18,000 people, highlighting the severe financial impact on black women.

  • Initial corporate support in 2020 waned, prompting the organization to explore revenue-generating activities such as speaking engagements, the "UnDEBTfeated" show, and are working on an app.

  • The organization operates on three pillars: interception (HIRE for students), intervention (35 to free for debt relief), and interference (systemic disruption through corporate engagements).

  • Encourages financial planners to participate in preventative work, especially in high schools, and seek partnerships for increased outreach.

  • The organization is adapting its models based on insights from financial practitioners.

  • Bri is exploring collaborations, live shows at conferences, and continuous learning to ensure sustainability and scalability.