Maja Gillespie
Director
I started college as a traditional first year student and quickly found out I was not quite ready. After a handful of years of working and making some big financial mistakes, I ended up going back to school. I am a University of Idaho alumna, where I completed both my bachelor’s and master’s degree with a focus on family relations and financial literacy.
I have faced similar financial challenges as our students are facing and learned a lot of things the hard way as I did not receive any type financial education growing up, nor did we talk about money in our home. Through my own experiences and education, I’ve built a healthy relationship with finances, and I am passionate about helping students in their personal finance journey.
Keira McGann
Financial Education Advisor
I am a recent Master of Accountancy graduate from the University of Idaho, and I got my bachelor’s from Washington State University as an accounting major. I have always been passionate about money and interested in learning about various financial topics.
As a Financial Education Advisor, I am excited to help students learn about their financial options, to provide them with the tools to gain confidence in making big financial decisions, and to expand my own knowledge in the process. After this school year, I will start my professional career as an auditor for a public accounting firm.
Abel Castaneda
Peer Advisor
I am currently a third year in Mechanical Engineering. As a first-generation low-income student, the biggest challenge I faced when thinking of college was finances. Having to navigate financial aid, scholarships, work and classes was and is difficult.
As a peer advisor for Invest in Cougs I hope to give students in similar situations, or those who ask for it, the help they need or want navigating college and their goals for the future. Whether that be financially, academically or emotionally. After graduation I hope to have a fulfilling career in automotive engineering.
Matthew Endicott
Peer Advisor
I’m currently a Junior studying Elementary Education seeking an ELL Certificate as well. Finances were a struggle for me my first year in college so I thought Invest in Cougs would be a great opportunity for me to help others navigate their finances. I love meeting with students and getting to know more people in the Wazzu community!
The financial literacy skills I have learned through this program have been super beneficial and will definitely set me up well after I graduate. In the future, I plan to get a Master’s Degree in Physical Education & Health and teach in a 5th grade classroom. After a while, I would hopefully go to a high school to teach PE & Health and coach football.
Levi Englebright
Peer Advisor
I am currently a third year student majoring in Finance. I was born and raised in Washington and have been a Coug since birth. I am a huge Wazzu sports fan, and love outdoor activities. I want to be able to help any student who joins the program; creating and continuing a relationship with students is very important to me.
As a Peer Advisor I am passionate about helping the students who come through the Invest in Cougs program. Financial Literacy is an important skill to have, and being able to guide students through that is amazing. After school, I hope to either continue working towards my goal of becoming a financial analyst or pursue a career as a financial advisor, where I can focus on spreading financial education and helping others achieve their financial goals.
Sofia Lopez
Peer Advisor
I am currently in my senior year studying economics with a focus on financial markets. I am passionate about helping students find confidence financially.
As a first-generation college student, I understand the challenge of navigating college finances, and I am dedicated to making resources more accessible and understandable. After graduating, I hope to attend graduate school to obtain a Masters in Economics.
Alex Roaf
Peer Advisor
I’m currently a senior double majoring in finance and management information systems. As a first-generation college student, it can be difficult to know what resources are available for students and find ways to pay for college.
As a Peer Advisor in Invest in Cougs, I’m passionate about helping students develop financial literacy, connecting them to resources they need to succeed in college, and gain the skills to confidently manage their own personal finances. After I graduate, I hope to begin a fulfilling career in financial analytics.
Tatum Scacco
Peer Advisor
I am currently a senior sociology major with a double major in criminal justice and criminology. I was drawn to working at Invest in Cougs because it is important to me to ensure each student can find success at Washington State University, and know the resources available to lessen the burden of finances along the way.
Financial literacy is a very important skill that can be utilized in each stage of life, so it is important to learn early on! After graduation, I plan on obtaining a Masters in Social Work and becoming a social worker for at-risk youth.