Young Trailblazer Forges Path to Financial Freedom through Investing

SIFMA Foundation

New York, NY, October 12, 2024 – Echoing the immortal words of Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” Angelina Koudriashova defied the odds by creating a high-powered investment portfolio that could make Wall Street proud. While enrolled in 12th grade at Academy for Science and Design, in Nashua, NH, Angelina developed a diversified investment portfolio aimed at securing long-term financial success.

Angelina’s investment strategy placed her first in the nation in the SIFMA Foundation’s Spring 2024 InvestWrite competition. Angelina triumphed among thousands of participants nationwide for her astute insights into the dynamics of capital markets in the high school division. In recognition of her accomplishment, Angelina and her teacher, Shawn Krause, were honored by the SIFMA Foundation during a special ceremony.

The SIFMA Foundation’s InvestWrite national essay competition serves as a vital bridge between classroom education in mathematics, social studies, language arts, and the practical application of research and knowledge essential for saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. The competition is a culminating activity for the acclaimed Stock Market Game™, a curriculum-based financial education program challenging students to manage a hypothetical $100,000 online portfolio of stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and cash. InvestWrite empowers students to apply their hands-on learning in real-world scenarios that teach the fundamentals of investing. SIFMA Foundation’s programs are proven to enhance participants’ test scores in math and economics, foster financial planning skills, promote teamwork and interpersonal social-emotional learning, and better prepare students for future academic and professional endeavors. With a steadfast commitment to closing opportunity gaps in society, the SIFMA Foundation equips young people from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on underserved youth, with a robust understanding of financial markets.

A number of studies have emphasized the critical need for financial education to navigate today’s complex economic landscape. Investing in financial education yields long-term benefits, both for Press Release individuals and for society as a whole, by fostering economic stability and reducing financial vulnerabilities, according to Financial Literacy and Financial Education, a recent study by Tim Kaiser and Annamaria Lusardi. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive and accessible educational programs from an early age. SIFMA Foundation’s programs are leading the way in reaching and engaging youth and their teachers and families.

“It brings me immense joy to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Angelina and her teacher for a remarkable achievement in InvestWrite,” said Melanie Mortimer, President of the SIFMA Foundation. “Angelina’s essay details a very thoughtful and compelling plan for long-term financial independence. Her achievement signals the value of early financial education in setting youth on a path to positive financial life outcomes.”

The Spring 2024 InvestWrite competition posed the following challenge to 4th-12th graders: ‘Which investment in your Stock Market Game portfolio performed the best and why? Using this investment, recommend a diversified $25,000 portfolio of stocks, bonds, and/or mutual funds to save for a personal, family or community goal in the year 2030. Be sure to mention what your goal is.’

Thousands of volunteer financial professionals from hundreds of financial firms select the winners of InvestWrite each year. Angelina captivated this panel of expert judges with a compelling and insightful essay.