You may not know this about me, but about 10 years ago, I lead a very different life.
You more than likely know about my time in Costa Rica, and when I struggled as a single mom. Then when I dropped it all and went back to my parents and Seattle, and then when I started trading.
However, this is something I haven’t talked about yet, and it’s equally as important…
I was attending the University of Washington, where I was studying international law and human rights, with a minor in ethics. To go along with my studies, I held a variety of different volunteer jobs — so many, in fact, that I drove my father a bit crazy with how many hours I spent volunteering versus actually earning money.
I loved giving back, working with people from all over, and using my teaching skills to make a difference in their lives.
One of my first teaching jobs was at an organization called Women’s Refugee Alliance, teaching English to refugees from Africa and Asia. Once a week, I’d drive into a questionable area of Seattle and teach these women how to speak with their children’s teachers, how to call emergency services, how to make a reservation at a restaurant, etc. This all started with the basic letters of the alphabet and written language.
Specifically, the challenge here was that the women who came from Eritrea, a country on the Horn of Africa in East Africa had never even attended school, or learned how to write. I’ll never forget what it’s like teaching women my mother’s and grandmother’s age how to hold a pencil for the first time.
And there, began my journey as a teacher.
I went on to teach drug avoidance programs for at-risk youth in areas of Seattle that gave me pause to drive into them. I was once paired as a mentor to a young girl in 7th grade who was failing every class, and she lived with over 20 relatives in a small apartment.
These are some of the causes that I worked for, in pursuit of my degree, all of which lead me to where I am today. There were many more jobs after that, but those were some of my favorites. And now? I’m teaching options.
The Queen Takes Me Under Her Wing
I know many of you are familiar with Carolyn Boroden, our Fibonacci Queen. When I was learning how to trade — and really struggling, I talked to Carolyn at the bar during a mentorship (long before I worked for Simpler). I told her I was really struggling with my trading, and I was going to have to quit and be an Uber driver or go back to bartending if I couldn’t figure it out.
As it turns out… while I had some amazing life endeavors, all of my experience teaching and working for non-profits, wasn’t going to be enough to support my son and I alone in Seattle. Oddly enough, you can make more money than as a young teacher.
It was then that she invited me to the office, and she taught me her craft. She didn’t have to do that. I was just a young client, about to cry to her at the bar. But, she did. And now, I’m here talking to you today.
Carolyn and I, back before I worked at Simpler.
The Full Circle
It’s now almost 5 years after that conversation with Carolyn, and this fall we’ll both be speaking at an amazing non-profit event, called Traders for a Cause.
I’ll also be closely working with with Jill Malandrino from the Nasdaq (she’s a long time associate of John’s). She’s the host of TradeTalks, and she regularly reports from the Nasdaq Marketsite, Nasdaq PHLX Trading Floor, and industry conferences. Here’s a video of Jill and I working together at the Nasdaq Marketsite yesterday, where we discussed when it’s a good time to buy the dip.
I’ve told you how important teaching, and giving back to the community are for me. I speak at many different events, but this one — is different. It’s special because those speaking are donating their time, and those attending, are spending money to learn to trade while also donating to hand-picked, charitable causes.
What is Traders for a Cause?
Traders4ACause is more than just great events, it’s a state of mind. A drive to succeed. An expression of gratitude. A great fellowship.
Traders4ACause was founded with a goal: to captivate, motivate, and inspire traders and investors to succeed — while striving to promote a culture of philanthropy and altruism; empowering them to make a difference in the world by donating to worthy causes.
T4AC19 is the 6th edition of this hallmark conference, hosted each fall in Las Vegas. It’s a weekend filled with networking, educational and motivational presentations, and plenty of social events — and provides an unparalleled opportunity to rub elbows and exchange ideas with some of the brightest minds in the financial industry. Traders4ACause prides itself on providing a “sales pitch” free learning and social environment, with a program sincerely focused on actionable ideas and strategies to foster success.
As a sincere thank you for mine and Carolyn’s participation in the T4AC19 program, Traders4ACause is pleased to extend a promotional discount code, which lowers your minimum donation to attend the conference by $250! Simply select the Simpler Trading Subscriber ticket, and at checkout, look for a link on the right side that says “Have a discount code? Click here to enter it.” That code is “SIMPLERVIP”.
This event is completely volunteer based, and I’m so grateful for the ability to use my skills, and pass them on to others, for a great cause. Not only that, but, since this IS a non-profit organization, you may be able to write this off on your taxes! However, I’m NOT a tax professional, so you should check with yours on that!
Here are some of the organizations who benefitted from last year’s event:
Want to Learn More?
The ticketing page (also linked from the site) is here.
Thank you so much for listening to my story. I hope to grab a cocktail with you in Vegas!
