Former student of Weaver High School participates in the first Bilingual Financial Literacy Symposium in Hartford, CT; Financial Educator NOW a Mortgage Loan Officer at Liberty Bank through Community Advocacy!
Treasurer Carmen I. Sierra proudly highlights the inspiring story of Rashia Schand, a Weaver High School alumna and Hartford native, whose journey from the South End of Hartford to becoming a published author and mortgage loan officer exemplifies resilience, determination, and community-driven impact.
As a Hartford native and graduate of Hartford Public Schools in Hartford, CT, Rashia Schand’s story is one of resilience and determination. She was raised by her grandmother in the South End of Hartford and attended Hartford Public Schools. Navigating those very halls, she found herself surrounded by many counselors, staff, and administrators who believed in her potential. Those very mentors became her pillars of support, encouraging her to dream bigger and pursue higher education.
With their guidance, Rashia ventured off to college and attended Delaware State University, majoring in Business and Finance. This decision was pivotal as it shaped her understanding of the corporate world and laid the foundation for her future career. After graduating, she secured her first job at a major insurance company in Hartford, a role that allowed her to contribute to her city while gaining valuable experience in the corporate sector. It wasn’t long before she reached another milestone: purchasing her first home in the very city that raised her.
Yet, something stirred inside her. While successful in corporate America, Rashia felt a deeper calling. She had a passion for working with youth and recognized a gap in financial literacy education, particularly in underserved communities. She realized that her knowledge and experience could make a lasting impact by helping young people understand how to manage their money and build a secure financial future.
In April 2023, Rashia took a leap of faith and wrote her first book, “Jumpstart Your Money Journey for Teens”. This wasn’t just a book; it was a tool, a resource designed to equip the next generation with the financial knowledge that many adults only learn through trial and error. The book was a success and opened doors that Rashia could have never imagined. One such opportunity was the invitation to lead a workshop at the inaugural Bilingual Financial Literacy Symposium, hosted by the City of Hartford’s Office of the City Treasurer.
That symposium became a catalyst for something even greater. While there, she met the wonderful team from Liberty Bank, and through some networking, she was offered the chance to join Liberty Bank as a mortgage loan officer. It felt like divine timing, as if all the pieces of her life’s puzzle had finally come together. In this role, she now works for one of the top lenders in Hartford, helping people achieve homeownership, a dream that she herself realized years earlier. Rashia has been able to leverage her skills in finance while pursuing her goal of serving her community.
