Semifinalist

Stephanie Perez-Morales

San Jose State University, 2015
B.A.Political Science

Current Profession
Consultant
Centro Community Partners

As a first-generation college graduate, my biggest impact has been serving underserved communities in my hometown of San Francisco. Through my work in financial education, I’ve empowered individuals and families to gain stability, navigate financial systems, and access vital resources, such as safe credit and financial planning tools. This has allowed me to give back to the community that raised me, helping those facing homelessness and economic challenges to build brighter futures.

The support and mentorship I received from Meritus (now 10,000 Degrees) were pivotal in this journey, instilling in me the confidence and tools needed to break barriers and create meaningful change. Their belief in my potential inspired me to help others unlock theirs, fostering a cycle of hope and empowerment in our community.