Director of Niner Finances
Nicole Benford is the Director of Niner Finances. She is a graduate of the University of Colorado Denver with her BA in Sociology and a UNC Charlotte Alumni with her Masters of Accountancy (MACC) from the Belk College of Business. After spending 20 years in Financial Services, she joined Niner Finances in 2022 and was most recently the Program Director for Programming & Community Engagement. She is passionate about Financial Literacy and has spent a lot of time volunteering to teach Financial Literacy throughout her career and is honored to help ensure that the next generation of college graduates makes better decisions during their college years and is better prepared for life after college.
Interim Assistant Director
Nadine Jones is the Interim Assistant Director of Niner Finances. She is a graduate of Champlain College with her BS in Integrative Professional Studies focusing in Finance, Social Work, and Business Administration. After taking a supervisory/leadership role during her time as a Personal Finance Peer Coach at her school, she realized her passion for helping high school and college students with understanding financial concepts, and having accessibility to financial resources. During her undergrad, she hosted workshops for students on campus, while going to a local high school in a nearby town to break down the basics of banking and help students to develop a healthier mindset when it comes to spending. She is also devoted to helping her community in any possible way that she can. With this in mind, she did several jobs in the field of social work to interact and connect with individuals who were unhoused and experiencing economic hardship in Burlington, VT. When she’s not working, Nadine enjoys sunsets at waterfronts, exploring anything that’s strawberry, and finding joy in the little things life has to offer.
Financial Wellness Coach
Alissa Young is a first-year Business Honors student majoring in finance at UNC Charlotte. A Maryland native, she is passionate about educating youth and expanding access to financial knowledge within underserved communities. With a people-first mindset and natural leadership abilities, Alissa is committed to helping others build confidence and clarity around their financial decisions. On campus, Alissa looks forward to growing as a leader while supporting her peers in developing healthy financial habits. She believes that financial education is a powerful tool for creating opportunity, independence, and generational impact, benefits that all should have access to. Through her work, she aims to empower others to take control of their financial futures and break down barriers to economic mobility. Outside of academics, Alissa is passionate about personal growth, staying active, and exploring music, basketball, and hiking. She continuously seeks new ways to grow both financially and professionally, living by the principles she teaches.
Financial Wellness Coach
Ana Jackson is a Computer Science student at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a concentration in Data Science. Through her academic and professional experiences, she has developed a strong interest in financial literacy, data driven decision making, and improving access to financial resources for college students. Ana has balanced school and work while learning more about budgeting, financial aid, and long-term financial planning. In addition to her academic work, Ana has gained professional experience through internships that blend technology, analytics, and real world problem solving. When she’s not working as a waitress or studying, Ana enjoys watching anime and collecting manga, making coffee at home, reading, and finding new places around Charlotte to eat.
Financial Wellness Coach
Aria is a sophomore double majoring in Finance and Management Information Systems with a minor in Capitalism. She is passionate about increasing equity and wealth in marginalized communities. As a peer financial wellness coach, she aims to empower young people to be confident with their finances by providing accessible resources. Aria is a member of the Levine Scholars and Business Honors Programs and is involved on campus as an intramural sports official. Outside of work and school, she loves to DJ, go to Waffle House, and watch basketball.
Financial Wellness Coach
Danny Powers is a first-year Business Honors Program student at UNC Charlotte double majoring in Finance and Human Resources Management. A native of the small town of Mebane, NC (home of a new Buc-ee’s!), Danny has been ecstatic to explore Charlotte and discover new favorite food spots. He arrived at UNC Charlotte with Junior standing after graduating from an Early College program with both his High School Diploma and Associate's Degree. Danny serves on the executive board of Gamma Iota Sigma and is passionate about peer financial education, helping other students build financial literacy skills sooner rather than later. He is always looking to grow his network through interesting conversations with new people. Outside of school, he loves listening to music, working out, hanging out with friends, and travel hacking.
Financial Wellness Coach
Elijah Alston is a Freshman Computer Science major at UNC Charlotte and is a future oriented leader with many long term goals and aspirations he strives to achieve. His hobbies are playing video games, watching and playing sports, and reading. He hopes to bring an open mind and problem solving mindset to Niner Finances and have a positive impact on the UNC Charlotte community. He believes that financial literacy is the cornerstone of success and is grateful for the opportunity to spread that knowledge with his peers. He hopes for a successful and fulfilling time at UNC Charlotte and to meet many new friends and make many connections while he is here.
Financial Wellness Coach
Eunice is a double majoring in Economics and Health Systems Management, with a minor in Data Science. She aspires to pursue a career in risk and compliance, regulatory governance, or wealth management. As a Peer Ambassador, she is passionate about economic empowerment and is dedicated to educating students on making smart financial decisions to build a strong foundation for post-college life. In addition to her academic pursuits, she is actively involved in various student organizations such as the Ghanaian Student Association, the Black Organization Alliance Board (BOAB), and EmpowerHer: Black Women in Business, serving as President, Vice President and Marketing & Communications Officer, respectively. Prioritizing health and wellness, she enjoys working out and playing flag football with the UNCC club team.
Financial Wellness Coach
Gerard Covarrubias is a double majoring in International Business and Finance Concentration with a minor in Economics. He is passionate about raising awareness of financial literacy to help everyone, especially college students, to educate themselves through financial habits and tools that strive for a financially literate world. Outside of class, Gerard is always eager to grow his network with others. He interacts with UNC Charlotte ALPFA members and participates in events the organization hosts. Gerard loves traveling and exploring different cultures, which has inspired him to declare a major in international business to better understand how connected the world is and to visit as many countries as possible. He has had the pleasure of studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and has the pleasure of interning and studying abroad during summer, 2025.
Financial Wellness Coach
Liza Levithan is a first generation college student and pre-Nursing major with a minor in Public Health. Driven by the belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for long-term wellbeing, Liza is particularly interested in financial empowerment during college, a pivotal stage when access to the right information can shape lifelong outcomes. She believes that financial wellness is a form of self-care that supports both academic and emotional security and strives to help people think strategically about their money. Beyond academics, Liza is deeply interested in nutrition and healthful living, animal welfare, and children’s wellbeing, and hopes to integrate compassion, education, and advocacy into her future work as a nurse.
Financial Wellness Coach
Owen is a sophomore majoring in Finance who’s always had an entrepreneurial spirit. From running a vending machine business to drop shipping and building websites, he’s tried it all. These days, he creates user generated content (UGC) videos for companies around the world. On campus, he’s a member of the Business Honors Program, where he serves as the Internal Vice President and mentors newer students in the program. He’s also been involved with the Residential Leadership Council as the Social Media Chair. Outside of school and work, you’ll probably find him out on Lake Norman enjoying water activities such as wakeboarding, wake surfing, and tubing. He loves to travel and even studied abroad in Italy. Owen believes that understanding your finances is one of the most important steps toward building confidence and independence in college and beyond.
Financial Wellness Coach
Rebecca Vitorino is currently a sophomore at UNC Charlotte, studying at the Belk College of Business. She is a pre-business major intending to specialize in either supply chain management or real estate finance. As a first-generation Brazilian American and a first-generation college student, she understands firsthand the experience of growing up with financial stress. She is passionate about educating students on financial literacy and helping them find the strength and hope to move forward psychologically during difficult financial times. Outside of work and school, Rebecca’s hobbies include digital art, writing stories, reading, watching movies and TV shows, and running.
Financial Wellness Coach
Shea Olson is a sophomore double majoring in International Business and Finance with a concentration in Risk Management Insurance. Her career goal is to work in Formula 1, blending her passion for global business with the high-energy world of motorsports. As a Financial Wellness Coach, Shea’s mission is to learn each person's “why” – why are they here and what drives them – as this understanding becomes the foundation behind their financial goals. Her goal is to educate others and empower them in making smart financial decisions, positioning them for success both now and for the future. Shea is a member of the Business Honors Program, where she serves as a mentor and class representative, as well as a member of Chi Omega. Outside of school, Shea is a competitive cheerleader, enjoys traveling, working out, and experiencing new things.
Financial Wellness Coach
Taliyah is a sophomore majoring in Finance. She loves personal finance and wants to make a difference by helping underserved communities. Outside of work, she's a Niblock Scholar, a Business Honors Program member, and a total foodie. She enjoys trying new things and exploring the arts. Taliyah aims to make learning about finances accessible, less stressful, and empowering for everyone!
Financial Wellness Coach
Yesenia Garcia is a senior, double majoring in Marketing Analytics and Spanish, minoring in Management Information Systems, pursuing a Spanish translation certificate. On campus, she is a sister of Corazones Unidos Siempre Chi Upsilon Sigma, National Latin Sorority, Inc. In addition, she is part of the LatinX Student Union, serving as the PILAS Internship Lead. Yesenia comes from a small town, called Rockingham, NC. She credits her upbringing in a rural community as one of her drivers in educating and empowering others about financial literacy. She knows the power that knowledge has, and wants to continue to help others make financial decisions that lead them closer to their goal. Outside of Niner Finances and school she enjoys going to the gym, crafting, or reading a good book.