Brother-sister duo paying it forward in Racine
November 6, 2025
For siblings Selina Garcia and Eric Bernal, giving back to their hometown of Racine comes naturally.
Both work at Johnson Financial Group and both volunteer as Money Coaches at St. Catherine’s High School, helping teens build confidence and skills that will serve them for life.
“I’ve always believed that financial education is one of the most important life skills,” said Selina. “Becoming a Money Coach is my way of helping young people feel confident about money early on. I want to share what I’ve learned — the mistakes, the lessons, and the successes — so they can make smarter decisions as they grow.”
For Eric, the motivation runs deep. “Financial literacy isn’t something that was discussed regularly in my household growing up,” he said. “We grew up in the inner city of Racine, and I saw firsthand how many families live paycheck to paycheck. I feel there’s a real need to provide knowledge and information to the younger generation, especially people of color.”
Both say volunteering in their own community adds special meaning. “It means everything,” said Selina. “These are the same schools, neighborhoods, and families that helped shape me. Being able to give back, especially in a way that empowers the next generation, feels incredibly rewarding.”
Eric agreed. “It’s nice to write a check to do some good, but I think it’s even more powerful when you donate your time. I love knowing I can have a positive impact right here in Racine.”
As siblings, they’ve found an unexpected bonus in sharing the experience.
“We definitely compare notes — sometimes we laugh about similar student questions or share what worked best,” said Selina. “It’s nice having someone who understands exactly what the experience is like, and it pushes us to be better coaches.”
“It’s special to share these experiences with my sister,” Eric added. “We relate them to our own experiences growing up, and I think we both have that same passion to make a difference in the community we love.”
Both Selina and Eric say the most rewarding part is seeing students’ growth in real time.
“My favorite part is watching the lightbulb moments — when a student realizes they can save, budget, or set goals for themselves,” said Selina. “Seeing that confidence grow is the best feeling.”
For Eric, it’s the conversations that stick with him. “I love hearing one’s wants, wishes, and dreams — and showing how the math can support the story. That’s what drives me to help others.”
Their students have left lasting impressions, too.
Selina recalls a student who thought saving was impossible until she set a small goal and saved her first $100. “The pride on her face said it all — it wasn’t just about the money; it was about believing in herself.”
Eric remembers another student who was already a strong saver. “We talked about getting his money to work for him — money market funds, CDs, even investing. The next week, he went to his bank to see how he could maximize his dollars. That kind of motivation is amazing to see.”
When asked what they’d say to someone considering volunteering, both encourage others to take the leap. “You don’t have to be a financial expert,” said Selina. “The most important thing is caring about people and wanting to help them grow.”
Eric put it simply: “I’d ask them how they feel about changing someone’s life. Whether you’re in the financial industry or not, we all have experience with money — and that’s something powerful we can pass on to the next generation.”
And that’s exactly the impact you can have too.
By volunteering as a Money Coach, you can help teens develop real-world money skills, gain confidence, and set themselves up for a successful future, all while giving back to your own community. To learn more about volunteering as a Money Coach visit our website, fill out this interest form, or contact Volunteer Recruitment Specialist, Stephaine Crosley at stephaine@securefutures.org to learn how you can start inspiring the next generation of financially confident young adults.