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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.