Aug 19, 2025

Spotlight on Conference Keynote Speaker Mellody Hobson

We’re thrilled to have Mellody Hobson as our conference keynote speaker on August 23. Learn more about this trailblazing leader, author, and advocate who champions financial capability as a core part of education. 

 

Register Now:

August 23 | 10:30 am PT / 1:30 pm ET

Priceless Wisdom: Mellody Hobson on Money, Mindsets, and Teaching Gen Z

Join financial literacy advocate Mellody Hobson for an inspiring conversation on what Gen Z needs to know about money and how educators can empower students to build financial confidence.

We’ll be giving away 200 copies of her New York Times bestselling children’s book, Priceless Facts about Money, to lucky session attendees.

 

Mellody is:

 

Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments, the first Black-owned mutual fund company

Mellody joined Ariel Investments as an intern shortly after graduating. She rose through roles in marketing and senior leadership, becoming President in 2000 and later Co‑CEO by 2019.

 

The first Black woman to chair an S&P 500 company

Mellody made history as Chair of Starbucks Corporation from 2021-2024. She is currently a  director of JPMorgan Chase and Estée Lauder Companies, among others.

 

And that’s not the only “first” 

In 2017, she became the first Black woman to lead the Economic Club of Chicago. In 2022, she joined the ownership group that purchased the NFL’s Denver Broncos, making her the first Black woman involved in new ownership of an NFL team

 

Named one of the “100 Most Influential People” in the world 

In 2015, TIME Magazine listed Mellody in this prestigious list, acknowledging her significant impact in the fields of finance, business, and community leadership.

She’s also made the top 100 lists for both Forbes’ and Fortune’s Most Powerful Women.

 

A recent guest on the Oprah podcast

She’s also been a guest on Oprah’s podcast. Watch her most recent interview.

 

Don’t miss this chance to hear from one of the most influential leaders in finance and to win a copy of her bestselling book. Register now to secure your spot!

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.

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