Pathway Financial Education is honored to be recognized by LISC KC as the Financial Empowerment Champion at the 2025 Thrive celebration. This signature annual event brings together community builders, leaders, and partners working to strengthen Kansas City.
Each year, Thrive highlights organizations and individuals who are expanding opportunity, stability, and long-term prosperity for residents across the region. To be named the Financial Empowerment Champion is a meaningful acknowledgement of Pathway’s mission to help individuals and families build financial confidence, stability, and generational wealth.
A Recognition Rooted in Impact
In 2024, Pathway supported more than 1,500 Kansas City community members through workshops, 1:1 coaching, and specialized programs for adults, small business owners, youth, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Among these efforts:
- Adult Financial Education: Quarterly core modules and rotating workshops help individuals build critical skills in budgeting, saving, debt repayment, credit building, and long-term planning.
- Small Business Support: Through partnerships such as the DoorDash Accelerator for Local Businesses and the launch of our Pro Bono Small Business Clinic, Pathway provides access to accounting, legal, HR, banking, insurance, and marketing professionals — removing barriers that often prevent small business owners from growing sustainably.
- Youth Financial Literacy: Programs delivered in partnership with KIPP Legacy High School, Lincoln College Preparatory Academy, Hogan Prep, and Operation Breakthrough’s Ignition Lab equip students with financial skills early, before they face real-world decisions about money, credit, college, and employment.
Across every program, Pathway’s approach remains the same: meet people where they are and walk with them toward where they want to be.
Honored to Stand Among Community Leaders
Pathway was recognized alongside several outstanding Kansas City changemakers, including Central City Economic Development Sales Tax District, Marvin Lyman, Gates Bar-B-Q & OG Investment, and Sandra Olivas. Being part of this group represents the collaborative spirit required to create lasting economic mobility and financial equity across the region.
“We are honored to receive this award,” said Executive Director LaTasha Jacobs. “It affirms the work our team, volunteers, and partners pour into making financial education accessible, practical, and relational. Most importantly, it reflects the courage of the individuals and families who show up to learn, grow, and take steps toward a more secure financial future.”
