We were lucky to catch up with Ariana Contreras recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Ariana thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Is there a heartwarming story from your career that you look back on?

I would really love to invite a graduate of our financial wellness program to share her story and how we impacted her financial wellness, confidence, and future. For example graduate turned coach Ramonia helped me with a presentation to volunteers here, https://youtu.be/z56gbfYWYyg

It’s impactful to hear from our graduates in their own words.

I can share about our program, impact statistics and outcomes, data about why we serve women living on low incomes, and how to get involved.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

About Me:

My name is Ariana, and I’m currently the Senior Community Engagement & Communications Manager at Women’s Money Matters, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women through financial education, coaching, and community support. My passion for nonprofit work and community building stems from a deep desire to help others achieve stability, confidence, and self-sufficiency—especially in areas like financial wellness, which can have such a transformative impact on individuals and families.

How I Got Started:

I’ve always been drawn to work that centers on empowerment and social impact. My journey began with a strong interest in connecting people to resources and opportunities that create meaningful change in their lives. My work with Women’s Money Matters has been an extension of this passion. Whether it’s coordinating programs, developing partnerships, or engaging with the community, I find purpose in helping women access tools to reach their goals.

Services/Creative Works:

At Women’s Money Matters, we provide financial coaching, education workshops, and community-building opportunities tailored to women, especially those from underserved communities. I focus on creating partnerships with organizations like banks, businesses, and local groups to bring these programs to life. Additionally, we’ve worked on gamifying our platform to increase engagement and introduced Spanish-language programs to reach even more participants.

Problems We Solve:

We address the financial literacy gap that disproportionately affects women, particularly those navigating systemic challenges like low income, unemployment, or limited access to resources. Our programs help women take control of their financial futures, develop confidence in their decision-making, and build pathways to stability.

What Sets Us Apart:

What sets Women’s Money Matters apart is our personalized approach to financial wellness. We don’t just teach financial concepts—we build relationships, provide ongoing coaching, and empower women to apply these skills to their own unique circumstances. Our programs are rooted in community, with volunteers, advocates, and partners contributing to a supportive and inclusive environment.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made as an organization. Seeing program graduates share their success stories—whether it’s securing stable housing, starting a business, or simply feeling in control of their finances—is a constant reminder of why this work matters. Personally, I’m proud of the partnerships I’ve helped build, like collaborations with Boston Medical Center, Rockland Trust, and United Way, which have expanded our reach and enhanced the support we provide.

What I Want Readers to Know:

If there’s one thing I’d like potential clients, partners, or followers to know, it’s that Women’s Money Matters is about more than just financial education—it’s about changing lives. We’re here to support women on their journey, providing the tools, encouragement, and community they need to succeed. For those considering partnering or volunteering with us, you’ll not only be part of a meaningful mission but also see firsthand the difference you’re making in someone’s life.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Our most effective strategy for growing our clientele has been fostering trust and building strong relationships with both our partner organizations and the women we serve. We rely heavily on reputation and word of mouth, as our work speaks for itself through the positive impact it has on participants’ lives. Partner organizations such as housing authorities, shelters, and domestic violence organizations refer women to us because they recognize the unique, holistic nature of our programs.

Beyond these formal partnerships, personal referrals from program graduates have been a powerful driver of growth. Women often share their experiences with friends, family, and community members, encouraging them to join. We’ve even seen mother-daughter pairs participate in our programs, which underscores the multigenerational impact of our work. This blend of organizational referrals and community trust has allowed us to grow authentically while ensuring that each participant feels supported and valued.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

I love a good pattern or system of doing things, but with personal finance and working with women of all different backgrounds you have to adapt, personalize, and be flexible with EVERYTHING. A lesson I had to unlearn is the idea that there’s always a “one-size-fits-all” pattern or system for solving problems—especially in personal finance. I’ve always loved finding efficient systems and structures, but working with women from all different backgrounds has taught me that adaptability, personalization, and flexibility are far more important.

In our programs, we work to make finances *click* for each participant by meeting them where they are. This means creating tailored approaches to learning and ensuring that every woman feels empowered to take control of her unique financial journey. To do this, we engage volunteers with diverse expertise, experiences, and skills, creating a supportive and dynamic learning environment.

It’s also about building a strong, empowering community where everyone—participants and volunteers alike—feels seen and valued. I’ve learned that financial wellness, and even life itself, isn’t always linear or black and white. It’s often messy, colorful, and full of unexpected twists, and we have to embrace that flexibility in everything we do to truly make an impact.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://womensmoneymatters.org
• Instagram: womens_money_matters
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womensmoneymatters/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/womensmoneymatters
• Twitter: @wmnmoneymatters
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJvRx40wkCN9PwsYIajg4XA

Image Credits

They were internal photographs from staff, everyone in them signed a release to share.