Empowering Women, Erasing Student Debt - Michelle Tran Leading at Summer & NYC Fintech Women

In this episode of Accrued, Tedd Huff and Colton Pond welcome Michelle Tran from Summer. Their discussion tackles some of the most important topics in fintech today. The focus is on real-world problems and practical solutions, making the conversation both relevant and accessible to anyone interested in finance.

One of the major topics is the $1.7 trillion student loan crisis. The group dives into how this debt disproportionately impacts minorities and women and examines how companies like Summer are stepping up to guide borrowers through government programs. These programs can help reduce or even forgive student loans, offering significant relief. The discussion highlights the real impact on individuals, showing how targeted support can change lives.

The importance of financial wellness in the workplace is another key area of discussion. The group underscores that more companies are recognizing the need to support their employees’ financial health. With a large portion of the workforce burdened by student loans, effective financial wellness programs are becoming essential. These programs don’t just ease financial stress—they contribute to a more satisfied and productive workforce, which benefits everyone involved.

When it comes to challenges faced by women in fintech, the conversation turns to visibility and funding. The group addresses the ongoing struggle for women to gain recognition and secure the necessary resources to succeed in the industry. They discuss the importance of initiatives that amplify the achievements of women, ensuring they get the opportunities they deserve. These efforts are crucial in building a more inclusive fintech industry.

The discussion also covers the significance of being a certified B Corporation. This certification isn’t just about status—it reflects a company’s commitment to doing business in a way that benefits society. For companies like Summer, this means designing products and services that genuinely help people manage their financial challenges, rather than just focusing on profit.

Regulation in fintech is another topic that gets a thorough examination. While regulation is often viewed as a hurdle, the group argues that it can push companies to improve their processes and better serve their customers. They explore how simplifying access to government programs can make a significant difference for borrowers, turning what might seem like a challenge into an opportunity for better service.

Finally, the group looks at the future of financial literacy and social responsibility, particularly in the workplace. They agree that employers will increasingly play a critical role in helping employees manage their finances, whether it’s through saving for retirement or paying down student loans. This approach not only benefits employees but also leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

This episode of Accrued offers clear insights into the challenges and opportunities within fintech. Through a well-rounded discussion, Tedd, Colton, and Michelle provide valuable perspectives on how to address financial issues and promote diversity in the industry.

Key Highlights

The Hidden Impact of Student Loans on Minorities

Student loans affect everyone, but did you know minorities and women face the biggest burden? In this segment, Michelle Tran explains how Summer helps these groups by lowering or even erasing their debt. Learn how technology can make a difference in people’s lives by reducing financial stress and offering a clearer path to financial freedom.

Why Financial Wellness at Work Matters More Than You Think

Financial stress isn’t just a personal issue—it affects job performance too. Michelle Tran discusses why companies should care about their employees’ financial health. By offering wellness programs that help manage debt, companies can create a more productive and satisfied workforce. Discover the benefits of focusing on financial wellness in the workplace.

The Challenge of Funding Female Founders

Ever wondered why so few female founders get funding? Michelle Tran sheds light on this issue and shares how NYC FinTech Women is working to change the game. Through networking and recognition, this organization is helping women gain the visibility they need to secure investment and grow their businesses.

How Summer Simplifies Student Loan Forgiveness

The process of getting student loans forgiven can be complicated, but Summer makes it easy. Michelle Tran explains how the company uses technology to streamline the application process, helping borrowers access the benefits they deserve. Find out how Summer is saving people thousands by making loan forgiveness more accessible.

Certified B Corp: What It Means for You

What does it mean for a company to be a certified B Corporation? Michelle Tran breaks down how this certification ensures that Summer is committed to making a positive impact, not just profits. Learn why being a B Corp matters and how it benefits both the company and its customers.

Real-Life Success Stories from Summer

Want to hear how Summer is making a real difference? Michelle Tran shares inspiring stories of people who have significantly reduced or even eliminated their student debt thanks to Summer. These success stories highlight the power of financial wellness and the importance of accessible loan forgiveness programs.

Why Regulation Can Be Good for Fintech

Regulation often gets a bad rap, but Michelle Tran argues that it can actually drive progress. By pushing companies to comply with strict rules, regulation encourages innovation in areas like financial services. Find out how regulation has led to new solutions that make it easier for people to manage their money.

AI in Fintech: More Than Just a Buzzword

Artificial intelligence is often misunderstood, but it has real benefits, especially in fintech. Michelle Tran talks about how AI is being used to personalize financial services and make them more efficient. Learn how AI can help you manage your finances more effectively by providing tailored advice and simplifying complex tasks.

The Future of Financial Literacy: Employers Take the Lead

Who will teach us about money in the future? Michelle Tran believes employers will play a bigger role in financial education. By integrating financial planning tools into the workplace, companies can help their employees make better financial decisions. Discover how this approach can benefit both employees and businesses.

NYC FinTech Women: More Than Just a Meetup

NYC FinTech Women started as a small group but has grown into a community of over 15,000 members. Michelle Tran explains how this organization is empowering women in fintech by offering opportunities for networking, learning, and career advancement. See how this community is making a difference in the lives of women in the industry.

Takeaways

1️⃣ Join Power Networks Like NYC FinTech Women

Want to fast-track your fintech career? Get involved with communities like NYC FinTech Women. These groups are goldmines for networking, career tips, and insider support that can push your career to the next level. Don’t miss out—join today!

2️⃣ Secure That Funding: Be Bold and Get Noticed

If you’re a female founder, don’t let funding challenges hold you back. Get aggressive with your networking, target female-friendly investors, and use platforms that spotlight women entrepreneurs to boost your chances of landing that investment.

3️⃣ Double Your Money: Ask About Student Loan Perks

Is your employer offering to match your student loan payments with 401k contributions? If not, it’s time to bring it up! This simple move could grow your retirement savings while you pay off debt—talk to your HR today.

4️⃣ Get Paid What You Deserve: Ask for That Raise

Tired of being underpaid? It’s time to step up. Do your homework, know your worth, and confidently ask for the raise you deserve. A bold ask could mean a big boost to your income.

5️⃣ Crush Financial Stress with Fintech Tools

Don’t let money worries weigh you down. Use fintech apps to budget smarter, save more, and knock out debt faster. Take charge of your finances and see how it transforms your peace of mind.

Links:

Michelle Tran LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/michellektran

Summer:

Website: www.meetsummer.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/savewithsummer

NYC FinTech Women: https://nycfintechwomen.com

Fintech Confidential

YouTube: https://fintechconfidential.com/watch

Podcast: https://fintechconfidential.com/listen

Notifications: https://fintechconfidential.com/access

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fintechconfidential

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fintechconfidential

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fintechconfidential

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About:

Guest Michelle Tran:

Michelle Tran brings over 15 years of expertise in enterprise sales and partnerships with notable roles at BlackRock, Apex Clearing Corporation, Harness Wealth, and Vestwell. Currently, she holds the position of Head of Commercial at Summer. Michelle is not only a fintech powerhouse but also the founder of NYC Fintech Women, a vibrant community of over 12,000 women in fintech across the greater New York area. Her contributions have earned her recognition as one of FinTech Magazine’s Top 100 Women in Fintech .

Summer:

Summer partners with financial institutions and employers to empower their populations to reduce education costs and student debt through proven technologies, policy expertise and human support. Founded in 2017 by industry experts, Summer’s mission is to alleviate student loan debt for 46 million borrowers by providing leading solutions for college cost planning, automated enrollment for loan assistance plans, tuition assistance, student loan contributions and retirement matching, and emergency savings. Summer is a certified B Corporation.

NYC FinTech Women:

NYC FinTech Women is an organization with more than 10,000 members across startups, traditional finance, and VCs. Our mission is to connect, promote, and empower women to advance their careers in FinTech. We fulfill our mission through hosting events, featuring women in FinTech Female Fridays and the Inspiring FinTech Females annual list, showcasing FinTechs in our Fireside Chat Minute, and providing a job board, #HireHer.

Hosts:

Tedd Huff:

Tedd Huff is the Co-Founder of Voalyre and the President & Founder of Diamond D3, a consultancy renowned for its expertise in global payments and marketing. With over two decades of experience in FinTech, Huff has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry through his contributions to various startups and established companies, focusing on growth, innovation, process improvements, and enhancing user experience in the complexity of payments.

Colton Pond:

Colton Pond is a seasoned marketing executive with a strong fintech and financial services background. In his latest role, Colton is the CMO for LoanPro's API-first lending platform, aiming to meet the increasing market demands. His track record includes a significant tenure at Truv, where he led the marketing team to achieve a 300% growth in year-over-year revenue. Colton has also held key marketing and sales positions at MX, Lucid, and HealthEquity, demonstrating his ability to drive success and innovation within the fintech sector.

DD3, Media:

DD3 Media is a media creation, management, and production company delivering engaging content globally