Meet Kyra Jones | Founder & Visionary

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kyra Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyra, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Friends of Finance was created in response to the 2022 mandate requiring high school students—in the state of Ohio—obtain 60-hours of financial literacy to fulfill graduation requirements. Our mission is to empower educators and community stakeholders with an inclusive, and impactful financial literacy curriculum. I aspire to instill in students, a confident understanding of financial concepts that leads to an overall sense of self-trust and positive financial well-being.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Financial Accountant responsible for the preparation of the most sophisticated financial statements at Nationwide Mutual Insurance. Previously, I was a Sr. Control Manager at JPMorgan Chase, responsible for the validity and integrity of the firm’s financial statements, overseeing regulatory reporting and internal controls. I have over 10-years of experience in the Finance Industry.

I’m a graduate of Franklin University, where I received my Bachelor of Science in Business Economics. I also hold FINRA License Series 7 — General Securities Representative and FINRA License Series 66 — Investment Advisor Representative.

As an avid reader, I serve on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, where I dedicate my time and expertise to the Finance Committee, providing fiscal and strategic oversight.

I am also the founder and organizer of High Paper Society, a book club with a focus on personal development. Through thought-provoking discussions and shared experiences, I aim to inspire, support, and empower members to reach new heights in their personal and professional lives.

Lastly, my dedication to knowledge and community is further exemplified by my role as Founder and Visionary of Friends of Finance, where I aspire to create supportive learning material for high school students, that cultivates essential financial skills, promotes responsible financial behavior, and fosters a culture of financial well-being.

I’m most excited about the impact that both Friends of Finance and High Paper Society will make. Just yesterday a member told me my book club is keeping her accountable to reach her reading goals. Literacy is so important! I had no idea what to expect when I started HPS. It feels like a huge responsibility, but I’m honored.

I’m most proud of my perseverance and dedication. It’s truly been a journey and it took real discipline, focus and determination to get where I’m at today. In 2014, I re-enrolled in college, determined to obtain my Bachelor’s Degree. During that time I was also 7-months pregnant. I attended Franklin University full time all while maintaining a full time job. I used to do my homework on my lunch breaks. I did this consistently for four years, and I obtained my degree in 2018. The journey was not easy.

The journey has taught me that your comfort zone is your worst enemy. I’m only where I’m at today — and accomplished all that I have because I was willing to step out of my comfort zone and take risk. The most meaningful decision I’ve ever made, was to leave JPMorgan Chase. I was comfortable and it’s a great company to work for; however, after working for Chase for six years, I knew it was time to leave. Shortly after I graduated, I accepted a 6-month contract with Morgan Stanley. I had no idea how I would support me and my family once my contract was up but it was the best decision I’ve ever made in terms of career moves. Morgan Stanley was the start of my path to success.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I don’t get out much—I wish I did but if my best friend were visiting I would absolutely take her to Kitchen Social for Brunch. I think everyone should try their biscuits and their cocktails are always so fresh and tasty. We would visit Ocean Club for Happy Hour. I love to shop and my best friend does too, so I’d take her to Sole Classics. We would check out Cedar Point for some adrenaline or The Woodhouse Day Spa if we are more interested in unwinding. Is taking a quick flight somewhere an option?

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to give a shoutout to Elango Glenn, CEO & Founder of Financial Compass Foundation. Elango is dedicated to helping clients build long term wealth based on the pillars of good credit, home ownership, financial planning, and increased income. He has years worth of experience in the financial services industry — he cofounded The 700 Credit Score Club at The Urban League. Elango serves as my mentor and trusted advisor. When he became aware of the state mandate requiring financial literacy instruction, he went on to suggest I create an e-book or workbook to further drive the initiative—leading up to me writing Personal Finance for Young Adults. Friends of Finance offers supplemental learning material with a focus on personal finance, corporate finance and government finance. Our comprehensive learning materials include both our teacher and student edition textbooks, lesson plan, lesson quizzes and more.

Website: http://friendsoffinance.org/

Instagram: @ourfriendsoffinance @highpapersociety @ikyrajones

Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/kyra-jones

Image Credits
I am the owner of the images presented.