Latrisa DeGraft-Hanson has been a United Way of Greater Atlanta Financial Coach volunteer since January 2015. The inspiration to volunteer was stirred after countless interactions with financially unaware individuals who came into Bank of America where She worked as a Financial Center Manager.  What she recognized was that many people did not have the skills or ability to manage their personal finances and she saw a cycle of despair and frustration.  She wanted to help break this cycle or at least interrupt it.

 As a Financial Coach, she says she has the chance to partner with individuals who want to do better for themselves and their families by adopting better financial behaviors.  She absolutely enjoys seeing “the light go-on” when someone really understands how simple effective money management can be with discipline, focus and accountability.

 She chose to connect with United Way because of its reputation for truly helping communities, families and individuals facing life’s challenges. United Way works with those who are ready for accountability to achieve their financial goals and or career aspirations.  She is delighted to be connected.

Latrisa has been absolutely touched by client partners when they share “their joy in actually being able to save $2,000” or just being a listening-ear for a single parent, who’s struggling with how to validate an adult-son who wants to express his independence while still living at home.  She states “Honestly, each coaching interaction is different, but  I feel so fortunate to be allowed to engage, encourage and  be encouraged from these interactions.”

 For now, Latrisa is pursuing an MBA at the University of North Georgia, Mike Cottrell College of Business in Gainesville, GA.  For her second-act career-wise,  she intends to work as a purpose-driven financial consultant while still helping others to achieve their personal financial goals.