Who We Are
Empowering the Next Generation with the Financial Tools to Thrive
At The Crayons and Coins Financial Literacy Foundation, we believe that every child—no matter their background—deserves access to practical financial education. We're on a mission to break cycles of poverty and spark generational wealth, one lesson at a time.
Our Story
The idea for The Crayons and Coins Financial Literacy Foundation was born out of a passion to empower underserved youth, with the tools they need to make confident financial decisions for life.
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Our founder, a financial educator and advocate, saw how underserved communities lacked access to age-appropriate financial literacy programs. With that in mind, we built a foundation focused on early introduction, accessible learning, and fun, relatable resources.
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Since our founding, we've been dedicated to reaching students where they are - whether that's a classroom, community center, or foster care program - through engaging, relevant financial education.
Our Mission
Empowering the nation’s minority and low-income youth through financial literacy education, equipping them with the financial foundation to save, invest, give, and spend wisely for a brighter tomorrow.
Our Vision
Building a nation where every child, regardless of background, has the knowledge and confidence to navigate their financial future with ease, fostering a culture of prosperity and abundance.
Our Core Values
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Empowerment - We believe in equipping every child with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate financial decisions and take control of their economic futures.
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Equity - We are committed to breaking systemic barriers by providing equitable access to high-quality financial education, ensuring all youth—regardless of their background—have equal opportunities to thrive financially.
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Integrity - We uphold transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in every interaction, fostering trust among students, families, schools, and communities.
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Community - We value collaboration, partnership, and meaningful relationships within schools, community centers, and organizations to amplify our impact and cultivate a supportive environment for financial growth.
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Innovation - We continuously evolve our educational methods and programs, staying adaptive and responsive to the changing financial landscape, empowering youth to effectively manage, invest, save, and give for lifelong success.
Meet the Board of Directors
Behind every great movement is a team of leaders dedicated to the mission. Our Board of Directors brings diverse expertise and unwavering passion to our mission of financial empowerment.
Laura Sanders, MBA
Founder & Board Chair
Laura Sanders is a finance advocate and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets for Fortune 500 companies. She is the founder of The Crayons and Coins Financial Literacy Foundation and Journey To Generational Wealth, both created to empower youth and families—especially in underserved communities—with the knowledge to build financial stability and generational wealth. A Licensed Life Insurance Agent and Financial Coach, Laura is dedicated to breaking financial barriers through education, access, and advocacy.
Giana Thompson, MBA
Board Secretary
Giana "Coach Gee" Thompson brings 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership. Is a seasoned business professional and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in Business Administration. She is the founder of GT BetterLiving and Quality Virtual Solutions, where she combines her passion for service with her expertise in business operations to support individuals and organizations in reaching their goals. A devoted wife, mother, and community advocate, Giana is committed to empowering others through discipline, accountability, and purpose-driven solutions.
Robert L. Anderson II
Board Member
Robert L. Anderson II is the Director of Solutions Optimization and Support at SAS, where he brings nearly 30 years of experience leading innovative customer solutions across industries including healthcare, finance, and government. A graduate of NCA&T State University and recipient of the 2022 SAS CEO Award of Excellence, Robert is a strategic leader passionate about driving impact through technology and collaboration. He currently resides in the Washington, DC Metro Area with his wife and three children.
Paitchere Amos, MSA
Board Treasurer
Paitchere’ A. Amos, is a dedicated public servant with extensive experience in auditing and financial oversight within state and local government. Currently serving as an Assistant City Auditor III with the City of Houston Controller’s Office, she conducts performance audits and attestation engagements to support operational excellence. With a Master’s in Accounting and active membership in several professional organizations, Paitchere’ brings strong fiscal leadership and a passion for accountability to the board.
Valeria Fuller
Board Member
Valeria Fuller is a Licensed Professional Counselor and retired educator with over 28 years of experience in education, including roles as a classroom teacher and high school counselor. With a background in biology and counseling, she is deeply committed to supporting youth and families through guidance, advocacy, and mental health services. A proud Houston native, Valeria continues to serve her community while enjoying life with her husband and three children.
How We Work
The Crayons and Coins Financial Literacy Foundation is led by our Board of Directors and powered by passionate volunteers, educators, and community partners. We collaborate with schools, community centers, and youth programs nationwide to deliver engaging financial literacy content in a fun and meaningful way.
Together, we’re creating ripple effects that last a lifetime.