Prudential Emerging Visionaries program honors young changemakers for solving social and financial challenges in their communities.
As one of five finalists at the 2023 Prudential Emerging Visionaries Summit last April, Jordyn Wright faced pressure — but she was ready for the challenge. The 15-year-old confidently stood in front of a panel of judges, including Chairman and CEO Charles Lowrey, to pitch a cause close to her heart: providing students with financial literacy education and the tools to lead their own businesses.
“Sending our youth into adulthood without financial literacy education is like sending our army into a war without the correct equipment,” Wright explained.
Her initiative, “Passion to Purpose,” provides resources and mentors for teens passionate about creating change in their communities through business ventures. The program trains students to have an entrepreneurial mindset, pitch their ideas, and secure financing. She also requires each to select a social cause for their business to support. Since June 2022 she has mentored more than 60 young people, and 11 have launched their own businesses.
Wright’s pitch succeeded. She and the other four finalists each received $10,000 after selling their ideas to the judges. And that was on top of $5,000 given to her and the other 24 remarkable students in the 2023 class of Prudential Emerging Visionaries.
Prudential Emerging Visionaries recognizes young leaders developing innovative solutions to societal or financial challenges in their communities. It also equips them with skills and resources to take their projects to the next level.
Today, applications open for the 2024 Prudential Emerging Visionaries program. Students ages 14-18 across the United States are encouraged to apply by Nov. 2.
“It’s an honor to support young leaders who are making their communities stronger and more inclusive,” says Lowrey. “This program is another way we’re working to fulfill Prudential’s purpose of making lives better by solving the financial challenges of our changing world. I look forward to recognizing the creativity, initiative and perseverance of the next cohort of Emerging Visionaries.”
Next April, 25 students will be honored for their proposed solutions to financial and societal issues. In addition to the $5,000 prize, each winner will be awarded an all-expenses-paid trip to Prudential’s headquarters in Newark, New Jersey. During a four-day summit, the students will receive guidance from Prudential leaders and mentors, while networking with fellow changemakers to help focus, refine or expand their vision and project goals.
Being honored as an Emerging Visionary has brought important changes for Wright. Her program has received more visibility thanks to media interviews that highlight being recognized by Prudential. And she continues to learn from ongoing sessions with her Prudential coach. “It is amazing to have the support and guidance of experienced professionals who believe in me and what my project can become,” says Wright.
Prudential sponsors Emerging Visionaries in collaboration with Ashoka, a leading organization in the social impact sector. The Financial Health Network provides financial health advisory support.
To learn more about Prudential Emerging Visionaries and how to apply, visit prudential.com/emergingvisionaries.
