Kerri McLaughlin is a passionate activist for economic empowermentthrough education, partnership, and personal connection. She works tirelessly to break down barriers to build community members’ financial capability, both on an individual level and by aligning with stakeholders to effect systemic change.
As the Director of Financial Education forPawtucket Credit Union, Kerri has partnered with more than 62 RI schools, employers, and community organizations to deliver quality financial education to over 6,400 learners. She is the driving force behind PCU’s Real World Day, an annual experiential learning opportunity for more than 600 Rhode Island high school students.These efforts are informed by years of work as a certified financial counselor in the areas of budgeting, debt management, housing, and bankruptcy counseling.
Kerri serves as Co-Director of the Rhode Island Chapter of New Leaders Council. NLC RI is a young professionals leadership development program working torecruit, train and promote our state’s progressive leaders. By creating a collaborative community that reflects and celebrates Rhode Island’s diversity,we empower change makers and advocates to turn their ideas into action.Kerri also serves on the board of the Rhode Island Jump$tart Coalition, a coalition of stakeholders dedicated to improving the financial capability of the region’s residents.
Kerri grew up in Rhode Island. Her passion for financial empowerment was sparked at the University of Rhode Island while pursuing her B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies with a concentration in Family Financial Planning and Counseling. She is currently attending Roger Williams University to obtain a graduate certificate in Community Development. When she is not working, volunteering, or studying, Kerri loves to create paper crafts with her dog, Lola, by her side.