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 has been the Director since 2024. She is passionate about Financial Literacy and is honored to help ensure that the next generation of college graduates makes informed decisions during their college years and are better prepared for life after college.
Assistant Director
Nadine Jones is the 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.
Assistant Director
Tony brings a dynamic background in education, nonprofit leadership, partnership
development, and community engagement to his role as the Assistant Director of Niner
Finance. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Indiana Wesleyan
University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Xavier University.
He is passionate about managing and expanding our campus and community
partnerships and strengthening the UNC Charlotte footprint across the region.
His career includes leadership roles with Sugar Creek Charter High School, Right
Moves for Youth, and the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club—organizations where he
consistently championed growth through impactful programming and cross-sector
partnerships. He is a passionate public speaker, community liaison, and recipient of the Charlotte Ledger “40 Over 40” award, for exercising strategic vision and leadership. Tony is poised to
“advocate for student success and retention, while promoting student wellbeing.”
Silang Jia is a Master in Accounting Student at UNC Charlotte. He graduated in May 2026 from UNC Charlotte with a BS in Accounting and was a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer for two years. As the Niner Finances VITA GA, Silang plans to continue growing the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program. He is also a member of Beta Alpha Psi, where he attends professional development events and does community service . Silang’s hobbies include hiking with his dog and playing trading card games.
Graduate Assistant
Liam Carruthers is a Graduate Student in the Data Science & Business Analytics program at Charlotte. He graduated from Charlotte in May of 2026 with a B.S. in Data Science and a B.A. in Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies (WRDS). Liam was taught the importance of financial literacy at home from a young age and wants to help others see the value that financial literacy can provide. Liam began working with students in undergrad as a writing tutor and is excited to continue supporting students with Niner Finances. Outside of school and work, Liam enjoys playing and watching sports, cooking, reading. He also loves to be outdoors and spend time with his friends and family.
Student Admin
Aarna Patel is the Student Admin at Niner Finances. She is a Marketing major aiming to concentrate in digital and AI marketing. Her career goal is to become an Estate and Trust attorney, giving people peace of mind through thoughtful planning for themselves and their loved ones. She understands the importance of financial literacy and wants to help spread the knowledge and support those who need it. In her free time, Aarna enjoys investing in her mental and physical wellness through reading, watching movies, painting, and going on walks. She also has a strong passion for nature and enjoys learning about wildlife and the natural sciences.
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
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
Emanuel Solorio is a Peer Financial Wellness Coach at Niner Finances and a junior majoring in Accounting at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Emanuel was raised with an investment mindset, and as he grew up, he built a passion for financial literacy. That grew deeper when he joined ALPFA at UNC Charlotte. This is where he realized that he did not just like talking about financial topics, but he also liked teaching others about them. Emanuel felt like he wanted to use this to do more on campus, and that’s when he decided to join Niner Finances so he can teach other students about how to be more confident with their finances. He is also dedicated to connecting with first-generation students and Latino students because he knows how important it is to bring awareness to financial literacy in his community and the campus community, so that everyone knows that they have access to a financial education on campus. In Emanuel’s spare time, he loves to collect and listen to vinyl records and go out and do photography.
Financial Wellness Coach
Evan Bridges is a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he is double majoring in Business Analytics and Finance. On campus, he has taken on a range of roles, including assistant coach for the women's club basketball team, Director of Compliance for Alpha Kappa Psi, and consultant for 180 Degrees Consulting. Outside of academics, he enjoys cooking, working out, and playing basketball with friends. As a first-generation student, Evan understands firsthand the importance of making financial literacy accessible to peers who may not have had the chance to learn it growing up. His passion for teaching sound financial habits stems from a genuine desire to help others build the lives they want without the stress of financial uncertainty. He looks forward to breaking down financial concepts and advancing financial education for students across UNC Charlotte
Financial Wellness Coach
Itziar Carrasco Gomez is a Financial Wellness Coach at Niner Finances. She is majoring in Finance with an Accounting concentration. She also works at Student Niner Media as the Marketing Director, working with clients to book and create advertisements to connect them with the student body, and managing the revenue of the entire organization. Through her work, she learned the value of proper budgeting and financial oversight, skills she hopes to bring as she helps students with their own financial needs! Though she is often working on one thing or another, she loves to read and watch horror movies in her spare time.
Financial Wellness Coach
Kim is a double major in Finance and Marketing while pursuing a Certificate in Entrepreneurship. She also serves as a Student Ambassador for the Center for Entrepreneurship. As a Peer Financial Wellness Coach, Kim is passionate about increasing financial literacy, particularly for underrepresented communities and individuals who may not have had access to financial education. She believes that understanding how to manage money is one of the most empowering life skills a person can develop because financial knowledge creates opportunities, independence, and the freedom to build the life you want. She is excited to help students develop practical financial skills that will support them throughout college and beyond. Outside of work and academics, Kim enjoys playing pickleball, trying new foods, reading, and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. She owns and operates CookingWithKim, a personal chef and catering business, where she combines her creativity with her passion for bringing people together through food. She is passionate about lifelong learning, building meaningful connections, and inspiring others to invest in both their financial well-being and personal growth.
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
Quentin Allaume is a Junior double majoring in Finance and Accounting, with a minor in Political Science. He’s also currently serving as the Executive Vice President of Alpha Kappa Psi. His goal is to teach financial literacy to help his peers build the confidence and knowledge to make smart financial decisions. Quentin believes that financial literacy shapes someone's financial well-being for the rest of their lives. He is committed to breaking down financial concepts into practical, accessible tools that students can use so that his peers can leave college better prepared. Outside of school, Quentin enjoys working out, watching movies, and cooking.
Financial Wellness Coach
Rafael Reed is a Peer Financial Wellness Coach for Niner Finance. He is a triple major in accounting, finance, and sports analytics with a passion for using analytics to find solutions in the world of finance and sports. After attending programs like Junior Achievement and learning about personal finance in school, he discovered his passion for financial literacy education and its importance to shaping our future. When he is not working, Rafael enjoys watching sports with his friends and traveling to new places to discover new restaurants.
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
Sergio is a junior at UNC Charlotte pursuing a double major in Accounting and Finance. Drawing on both his academic background and experience in the financial services industry, he is passionate about making personal finance accessible and helping students build the knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions. As a first-generation college student, he understands the challenges of navigating higher education and personal finances without a roadmap. This experience shapes his commitment to serving as a resource for peers, particularly those without prior exposure to financial planning or budgeting. As part of the university's First-Gen Support Committee, he provides input and advocates for resources and community among his first-generation peers. He believes that financial freedom is the key to realizing your future, and works to expand access to financial literacy for students, connecting them with the tools and solutions they need to build a stronger financial foundation.
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.