Welcome to ATFA!
At ATFA, we’re not just an ordinary nonprofit; we are a dynamic force on a mission to revolutionize education and empower every young individual, irrespective of their circumstances, financial background, or privilege. Our driving force? Financial literacy—the critical skill often overlooked by traditional educational systems. We firmly believe that financial literacy is the catalyst that propels young minds to soar beyond limits and create a powerful ripple of positive change.
Join Our Global Family!
ATFA’s impact knows no bounds. With tens of thousands of benefactors spanning all 50 states and countries like Brazil, India, Canada, the UAE, and more, we’ve forged an electrifying global community that celebrates diversity, harnesses innovation, and fosters lifelong connections. Together, we’re smashing boundaries and igniting a fiery movement of financial empowerment that knows no limits.
Ignite the Flame of Financial Empowerment!
Here at ATFA, we’ve set the stage and given you the tools for you to seize control of your financial destiny. Say goodbye to the fear of facing real-world financial issues, and embrace a world of knowledge and adeptness in handling your own finances. We’re more than just an academy; we’re the ultimate platform where financial expertise becomes second nature.
Dive into a Wealth of Financial Wisdom!
Our online academy boasts a smorgasbord of financial topics, expertly curated to empower you with the knowledge you need to thrive. From stocks and savings to credit scores and minimizing debt, we’ve left no stone unturned in our quest to deliver the best and most rewarding free financial learning experience for our teenage community.
Unleash Your Financial Warrior Spirit!
It’s time to rise above the ordinary and unlock your potential as a financial warrior. Engage with our interactive content, participate actively, and watch as you grow into a force to be reckoned with in the financial realm. With ATFA, the path to success is clear—arm yourself with the wisdom to make informed financial decisions and create a prosperous future.
Stay Connected, Stay Inspired!
Follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube to stay in the loop and bask in the glow of financial inspiration. Our channels are teeming with exclusive content designed to fuel your passion and keep you motivated on your financial journey. Are you ready to conquer your financial world? Welcome to ATFA, where we empower minds and transform lives, one financially savvy step at a time!
Our Team
Our team of qualified, enthusiastic high-achievers are all committed to making ATFA the best possible learning environment and curriculum for all teenagers. They’re all dedicated to helping as many teens as possible on their financial learning journey. It’s our promise that no one knows how your teenagers learn better than we do.
Luke Novak
CEo
Luke Novak serves as the CFO for ATFA Academy, a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to financial education for teens globally. Driven by a passion for serving the community, Luke leverages his strong analytical mind and problem-solving skills to ensure ATFA’s financial health. He possesses grant writing experience from applying for a $300,000 NIH grant, fundraising, and philanthropy involvement. Luke’s leadership experience as philanthropy chair and public relations chair of NLYM translates to effective team collaboration, crucial for managing ATFA’s finance team. He holds a 4.0 GPA and is a varsity Cross Country/Track & Field athlete, demonstrating dedication and a strong work ethic.
Parker Collette
Cfo
Parker Collette is the Executive Assistant of ATFA, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the mission of providing free, world-class financial education for teenagers anywhere across the globe. He proudly holds a 4.0 GPA. He also likes to be social and is a great person to be around. He is the first ever 8th grader to be on the ATFA team.
Benjamin Blackerby
coo
Benjamin Blackerby is the Chief Operating Officer of All Teens Financial Academy (ATFA) and a Maryland native, dedicated to creating impactful change in financial literacy education. As COO, he has played a pivotal role in ATFA’s mission, leading strategic initiatives that empower communities through accessible financial education. Benjamin exemplifies strong leadership, especially in launching ATFA’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) program in partnership with Morgan State University. This groundbreaking program focuses on reducing recidivism rates by equipping incarcerated individuals with essential financial skills to aid their successful reintegration into society. Benjamin’s journey with ATFA began on the marketing team, where he quickly distinguished himself by developing creative campaigns that expanded ATFA’s reach and influence. His innovative approach to content creation and outreach has brought significant growth, connecting ATFA with new audiences and potential partnerships. Under his leadership, the marketing team has launched numerous impactful projects, such as workshops and events that teach financial literacy and business management to young adults across Maryland.Benjamin’s passion for financial education and his drive to make a difference have positioned him as a key leader in ATFA’s mission, using his skills to foster financial empowerment within underserved communities.
Natalie Yee
marketing
Natalie Yee is a social media marketer with a mission to empower individuals through financial literacy. As a member of ATFA, she uses platforms like Instagram and TikTok to engage and educate audiences on the importance of financial knowledge, from budgeting and saving to investing. Based in Maryland, Natalie creates content that breaks down financial topics, making them accessible and relatable for all people.Reaching a diverse audience, Natalie is able to inspire others to take control of their financial futures. Her goal is to make financial literacy not only accessible, but also empowering, helping individuals build a stronger financial foundation for themselves.
Erin Appiah
State rep lead
Erin Appiah is a senior at Tuscarora High School and leads the State Rep Program for the Ashwin Teen Financial Academy (ATFA), a nonprofit focused on making financial literacy accessible to young people. Erin’s interest in finance began early; at 12, she taught herself the basics of investing and even started programming her own trading models. Her curiosity has only grown since then, leading her to intern at the World Trade Center Institute, where she’s developed her understanding of global economics and business strategy. Erin is also the Director of Marketing and Commercial Planning for InstatrainVR, a tech startup working in virtual reality training. Beyond finance and tech, Erin has always been committed to community impact. She’s co-founded three nonprofits, including The Great Giveback, which has been highlighted on local news channels in Frederick, Baltimore and DC for its work in supporting underserved communities. Erin’s dedication also led to a partnership with Stephen Ritz, founder of the Bronx Machine, resulting in a $90,000 donation to Baltimore City schools to support students.As the Frederick County Association of Student Councils President, Erin represents students’ voices and organizes impactful projects, including the MASC State Convention, engaging over 2,000 students from across the state of Maryland.
Ashwin Joshi
Board of executives
Ashwin Joshi, Founder and CEO of ATFA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to providing free financial education to teenagers worldwide, maintains an unwavering dedication to excellence, exemplified by his consistent 4.0 GPA. He is a project funding associate at A1 Hospitality, a top hotel developer in the U.S. West. Industry leaders like Mr. Haberling, CEO of HFG Trust, and Mr. Patel, CEO of A1 Hospitality Group, mentor him. Ashwin also trades in the stock market, managing a custodial account since 15. His family’s business interests span the U.S., Canada, and India since he was seven. These experiences and his financial education equipped him to lead ATFA in teaching global teenagers essential financial skills. He is one of Washington state’s 15 U.S. Senator Youth Scholarship finalists, advocating for better financial literacy with state officials. Despite being in high school, Ashwin leads ATFA with global aspirations for impactful change.
Board of executives
Sahir Tandon
Board of executives
Sahir Tandon is the Chief Technology Officer of ATFA, a 501(c)(3) Washington-based nonprofit organization with the mission of providing free, world-class financial education for teenagers anywhere across the globe. For many years, he has remained enthralled with computer science and has taken many computer science courses. He has a propensity for learning and is very active in his community and school. He is an engaged leader in many school clubs, including being the coding captain for his Robotics Club, and is also the troop leader in Boy Scouts while being an Eagle Scout himself.