Shay Olivarria

Shay Olivarria is a motivational speaker, financial literacy coach, former foster care youth and author of 10 Things College Students Need to Know About Money and Money Matters: The Get It Done in 1 Minute Workbook. As an ambassador for financial freedom, Shay travels all over the country to educate people on responsible financial decisions.

You've seen her in Redbook and Essence and read her financial education articles in Parents of Color Magazine, The South LA Report, HBCU Digest, and Prominence Magazine, among others. She's appeared on domestic and international radio shows to share tips on making small financial changes that make a big difference. She's worked with high schools, colleges, and community organizations such as Independent Lens, San Diego State University, University of Southern California, Upward Bound, and Promise House.

Shay's passion for motivational coaching was ignited seven years ago when she began outreach efforts for the San Diego Community College District. She advised students on the college process and has continued to reach out to youth on a number of levels. Shay is dedicated to community activism and specializes in mentoring gang-involved and at-risk youth, and has been able to channel her life experience into her professional and entrepreneurial efforts. Shay explains, Aging out of foster care made it clear to me that I need to take responsibility for my financial future. I started reading books, attending seminars, and piecing as much information as I could together. After working with students in truancy and mentoring programs while in undergrad, it became apparent that these kids needed the same help I needed.

Shay earned her Bachelor of Arts degree (Anthropology major, Business Management minor) from California State University Dominguez Hills. She is working towards her Masters of Science (Anthropology major, Business Management minor) from the University of North Texas.