CLIMB MISSION AND VISION
Mission: CLIMB’s mission is to help teens and young adults improve their financial capability through education and capital market engagement.
Vision: Our vision is that financial independence is attainable for everyone no matter the background or prior circumstance.
WHO WE ARE
CLIMB USA is a 501c3 non-profit organization that is developing a community of youth and families that are all learning the economic way of thinking and living within a strategically organized ecosystem. The key elements of our economic empowerment framework include youth development, building wealth through investment clubs, entrepreneurial training, and thought leadership.
WHO WE SERVE
Our programs and services are focused on ‘opportunity youth,’ families, and communities that have historically been underserved. While our activities are available to all, we strive to connect our programs to organizations that serve the low and moderate-income demographic and people of color. Our programs are accessible nationwide.
ROBERT WYNN
PRESIDENT
Prior to opening his own businesses, Robert Wynn created a number of financial education programs while he was the Financial Education Officer at the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. These programs include such widely recognized projects as the Money Conferences, the Millionaires Clubs®, the Finance and Investment Challenge Bowls®, CLIMB® and the Intelligent Arts Showcase®.
KEVIN TORRENCE
FINANCIAL MANAGER
Kevin Torrence joined the CLIMB USA team in October 2021. Prior to CLIMB USA he was employed with General Motors as a Dealership Account Manager. Kevin’s experience in administration, accounting and customer relationships is welcomed and will assist CLIMB USA in reaching our goals. Along with CLIMB USA, Kevin actively supports Big Brother and Big Sister of Dane County (WI), plays golf and enjoys a good read.
JANEANE LEESE
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Janeane Leese is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in the financial industry, and she brings this wealth of knowledge to her role at CLIMB USA. She has a proven track record of managing teams and delivering financial education to individuals and communities and has held key managerial positions at two major financial institutions in the Southeast. With her dedication, leadership, and exceptional organizational skills, Janeane is a valuable addition to the CLIMB USA team. Her expertise and commitment align with the organization's vision of making financial independence achievable for everyone, regardless of their background or prior circumstances.
CLIMB USA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Anthony Cobb, Board Chair
GAP
Mark Schug, Ph.D., Vice Chair
Mark Schug Consulting
Salli Martyniak, Treasurer
Community Matters
Jeremy Tardy, Secretary
Tardy Entertainment
Carla Cross
Cross Management
Jamar Jones
Foureva Media
Tori Mansfield
FULCRUM
Ken Robertson
Greater Milwaukee Foundation
HOW WE ARE FUNDED
We rely on the community to help support our programs to ensure they are free/affordable for the students and families we serve. At CLIMB, one of our mottos is, “If everyone does a little, we can accomplish a lot.” Your support, no matter how big or small, moves our vision forward, and your contribution will build the velocity of our CLIMB WAVE.
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$100 Sponsor one youth in CLIMB Youth Leaders Program for one semester
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$250 Sponsor the educational speakers series
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$500 Sponsor support services for starting a new investment club
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$1000 Sponsor the Go4IT! Institute for Leaders and Entrepreneurs
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$1500 Sponsor annual investment club dues for five youth
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$2500 Sponsor multiple CLIMB programs