For Suerethia Henderson, financial expertise wasn’t just a degree on her wall; it was a lifeline for communities that lacked access to fundamental financial knowledge. While working to attain a bachelor and master’s degree in finance, she realized that key financial concepts were often out of reach for many people, including her own family.
“I directly observed the impact of a parent lacking access to essential financial tools, resources, or programs throughout her duration in school necessary for achieving financial security,” Henderson said. “Consequently, I witnessed the personal consequences, including accumulating debt, excessive spending, challenges in saving, and experiencing financial stress and anxiety.”
These struggles, she noticed, were not due to a lack of potential, but a lack of exposure to resources and education. With this insight, Henderson set out to build a business that would empower young adults with the tools they need to make informed financial decisions.
“I had to really sit down and ask myself the question, ‘How do I provide a service to an organization to help alleviate that problem?” Henderson said.
Her answer: Wealth Network 360.
Launched in 2024, Wealth Network 360 is a business that meets the widespread need for financial literacy, particularly in communities often overlooked by traditional education systems. The business offers workshops and programs focused on practical skills—budgeting, saving, and managing money in ways that build long-term stability.
“We incorporate various learning styles, such as tactile, visual, and auditory learning. Our approach makes learning both informative and interactive for the youth,” Henderson explained. “One of our core values is development, as we strive to shape the minds of youth through our services.”
The impact of Wealth Network 360 is already felt across multiple states, including Ohio, Illinois, and Georgia, where Henderson and her team have partnered with nonprofits, educational institutions, and learning centers to deliver financial literacy programs.
“When you see the gradual progression of young adults…of the knowledge they have attained, I can’t even put it into words. It’s just so great…it’s very encouraging to hear,” Henderson expressed.
Despite the early successes, Henderson received a reality check about the challenges that come with building a business from scratch. “I thought it would go quicker, like receiving sales within the first couple of months,” she admitted. “I thought it would be a different, quicker process…It’s going to take time and it’s a journey. With that journey come ups and downs, but it’s all part of it.”
For aspiring social entrepreneurs, Henderson’s advice is simple, but astute: “Seek out mentors—people who’ve been in this position before. Whether they’re entrepreneurs themselves, asking them about their challenges, how they handled them, and receiving advice or guidance on good things to implement in my business,” Henderson said.
Henderson credited both the support she received from the Yunus and Youth fellowship program and her upbringing for shaping her approach to business and success. She highlighted the invaluable insights from the program, her community, and her parents in sustaining her determination.
“Over the last few months, we’ve had phenomenal speakers who gave great presentations on topics like AI, finance, and marketing…They shared their insights, backgrounds, and expertise which helped us a lot,” Henderson said. Reflecting on what kept her motivated during this journey, she added, “I would really say between my parents and the community. My parents have always encouraged me to excel in my potential. They’ve helped keep me inspired.”
Looking ahead, Henderson remains committed to her mission. She envisions expanding Wealth Network 360 further, continuing to equip young adults with the financial tools they need to navigate the modern financial landscape. As her program grows, Henderson’s focus remains clear: to ensure that financial literacy becomes a tool for empowerment, particularly for those who need it most.
