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.
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.
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.