UTC Hosts Annual Event to Inspire Future Finance Leaders
On February 5, 2026, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) hosted its 7th annual Empower Your Future event, aiming to provide high school students with a deeper understanding of careers in finance and economics. Organized by the Department of Finance and Economics within the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, the event brought together students, faculty, and industry professionals for a day of learning and engagement at the Wolford Family Athletic Center.
This year’s event welcomed juniors and seniors from Soddy Daisy High School and East Ridge High School, offering them a firsthand look at what a future in finance or economics might entail. Through a blend of keynote addresses, faculty presentations, and interactive panels, students were encouraged to explore the wide array of career possibilities in these dynamic fields.
Keynote Speaker Emphasizes Self-Reflection
Jackie Morgan, the keynote speaker and an outreach senior advisor at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, challenged students to think critically about their interests, strengths, and values. Her presentation emphasized the importance of aligning personal traits with professional paths, a message that resonated with attendees and set the tone for the day’s programming.
“Before choosing a career path, it’s vital to understand who you are and what drives you,” Morgan shared. “Finance and economics offer many opportunities, but the right fit depends on your unique personality and goals.”
A Vision for the Future
Dr. Bento Lobo, UC Foundation Professor and First Tennessee Bank Distinguished Professor of Finance, founded the Empower Your Future event with a mission to provide young people with early exposure to the world of finance. Reflecting on the importance of informed decision-making, Lobo noted, “At this age, many of us stumbled into our careers. This event is about giving students the information we didn’t have, helping them make educated decisions about their futures.”
Lobo emphasized the value of presenting a broad spectrum of voices, including experienced professionals and current students, to showcase the diversity within the field. “We want students to hear from different perspectives and understand the real-world applications of what we teach in our classrooms,” he added.
Academic and Industry Insights
Associate Dean Kathleen Wheatley of the Rollins College of Business delivered opening remarks, encouraging students to engage fully with the day’s activities. “Finance and economics are woven into the fabric of our daily lives,” Wheatley said. “By participating in today’s forum, we hope you gain insight into the many career paths available and how they contribute to the success of our region.”
Presentations from UTC faculty added depth to the program. Kim Holder, managing director of the Center for Economic Education, led a session titled “Why Economics Rules Everything Around Me?”, exploring the everyday impact of economic principles. Hunter Holzhauer, Robert L. Maclellan and UC Foundation Associate Professor of Finance, offered students a detailed look at the question “Why Study Finance?”
Student and Industry Panels Offer Real-Life Perspectives
Participants had the opportunity to hear from current UTC students who shared their experiences in finance and economics courses, student organizations, and internships. These firsthand accounts provided valuable context for prospective majors considering their next steps after high school.
The industry panel featured a mix of recent UTC alumni and seasoned professionals who discussed their career trajectories and the day-to-day realities of working in the financial sector. Their stories illustrated the diversity of roles available and underscored the importance of adaptability and lifelong learning.
Shanni Irizarry, a counselor at East Ridge High School, praised the event’s engaging format. “The way the day started—with students reflecting on their own interests—was incredibly effective,” she said. “It made the presentations more relevant and helped students see how the content applies to their lives. I plan to incorporate some of what I learned here into my own work with students.”
Looking Ahead
Events like Empower Your Future play a critical role in bridging the gap between classroom learning and career readiness. By exposing students to the practical applications of finance and economics, UTC aims to cultivate the region’s next generation of business leaders.
For more information about the UTC Department of Finance and Economics and future Empower Your Future events, visit the university’s official website.
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