An Idea, Can We Make Everyone Rich?
December 2005, Mind Treasures began with an idea by Ms. Nazila Shokohi (co-founder) to help adults take control of their financial challenges. She believed that everyone has the potential to become rich.
Financial Literacy for Adults
2006, After reading a few books such as Created Rich, Millionaire Mind, and Rich Dad Poor Dad, Mr. Alex Mazloom (co-founder) conducted an initial two hour workshop for a small group of friends and family. The program concentrated on importance of wealth and prosperity in individual, family, and community life. Based on a suggestion from one of the workshop attendees, a similar workshop was created for college students and debuted at the University of California, San Diego shortly after. Throughout the year, ABCs of Wealth for Adults began to take shape however despite all efforts and the fact that majority of adults need help with their personal finances only a few attended group or individual sessions.
“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”
Bahá’u’lláh
Is Everyone Born Rich?
2007, While working on the adult program we recognized that all people are already born rich with abundance of potentials (also knows as character traits or virtues). We were very fortunate to be introduced to character education and after-hour enrichment programs at local elementary schools. ABCs of Wealth for children and youth began to take shape based on CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT. A group of 4th and 5th grade students commenced the first children class. By end of year, Mind Treasures received an endorsement from the California Department of education and was listed as one of their approved financial literacy resources for schools and families.
An Incubator
2008, We were introduced to the developing community of the Diamond Neighborhoods of the city of San Diego as defined by the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation (JCNI) which consists of 10 inner-city communities that are home to about 100,000 residents. Since 1995 residents of these neighborhoods have taken an active role to revitalize their community by investing their WEALTH. Over the years, Our program has organically grown from an initial workshop to continuous daytime workshops at several elementary schools in this area.
Marquis Snowden was a 10-year-old participant in the initial 2008 ABCs of Wealth workshop in the Diamond Neighborhoods. Since the first workshop, Marquis has spearheaded several projects and initiatives. His projects and accomplishments include raising funds for an elementary school climbing wall in 2008 and the Washington DC trip for a group of 8th grade students in 2011. In 2012 Association of Fundraising Professionals honored Marquis as an Outstanding Youth/Student Volunteer during the National Philanthropy Day and in 2013 he established the NewComers Investment Club in his area to engage youth to invest in the future of their community. In 2016 Marquis’ efforts was featured on Chelsea Clinton’s “It’s Your World” project. He continues to work with emerging youth leaders in the community.
