Financial Literacy and Empowerment in Edmonton with Ashley Tillenius
In this episode of United Way’s Do Local Good podcast, hosts Vasu Aggarwal and Shawn Singh shine a spotlight on the critical role of financial literacy in building resilient communities. They are joined by Ashley Tillenius, an Operations Manager at TD, and a dedicated volunteer with United Way’s Each One, Teach One initiative.
Together, they explore how financial literacy workshops empower individuals with the tools to achieve stability and resilience. The conversation covers budgeting basics, debunks financial myths, and provides actionable advice to help listeners take charge of their finances. Ashley also shares her inspiring story of giving back and highlights the transformative impact of financial literacy programs on Edmonton’s diverse communities.
Get Involved:
- Learn more about how you can make a difference with GenNEXT: https://www.myunitedway.ca/take-action/join-a-group/gennext/
- Access local resources by calling 211, texting INFO to 211, or chatting online at 211 Alberta: https://ab.211.ca/
- Contact Evelyn Hartley to host a financial literacy session in your community: ehartley@myunitedway.ca
Featured Programs and Resources:
- Each One, Teach One: https://www.myunitedway.ca/how-we-help/life-skills/each-one-teach-one/
- Financial Pathways Collaborative: https://www.myunitedway.ca/financial-pathways-collaborative/
Acknowledgments:
A special thank-you to hosts Vasu Aggarwal and Sean Singh for guiding this insightful conversation and to Ashley Tillenius for sharing her expertise and dedication to empowering others through financial education.
We also extend our gratitude toEach One, Teach One facilitators, Edmonton Public Libraries, and community organizations for creating accessible spaces for financial learning. Additionally, a heartfelt thanks to the Financial Pathways Collaborative for supporting economic empowerment in the Alberta Capital Region.
A big thank-you to everyone from United Way and the GenNEXT Cabinet involved in the production of this podcast, including Adam Piercey, Chris Tse, Courtney Riley, Catherine Lee-Hanley, and Daryl Hooke, for their creativity, hard work, and commitment to amplifying stories of resilience and connection.
Lastly, we express our gratitude to our listeners for joining us on this journey to explore the importance of financial literacy.
Together, we are building resilient, connected, and thriving communities where no one is left behind.
Land Acknowledgment:
This episode was recorded in Edmonton, Alberta, on Treaty Six Territory and the Métis Nation of Alberta North Saskatchewan River Territory. We acknowledge that this land has long served as a meeting place, gathering ground, and travel route for the diverse Indigenous Peoples who have called it home for generations. These include the nêhiyawak (Cree), Blackfoot, Dene, Anishinaabe (Saulteaux), Nakota Sioux, Inuit, and Métis. We are deeply grateful for the resources, knowledge, and culture shared by Indigenous communities, as we walk together on the path toward reconciliation. We honour and respect their contributions, which help guide our work to ensure no one in our community is left behind.
