We were lucky to catch up with Tracy Thompson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Tracy, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about serving the underserved.

Yes, Thompson Enterprise Youth Association (TEYA) definitely serves underserved communities. We focus on young people who lack the opportunities and support that many others take for granted, which often hinders their potential.

In many communities, young people face significant barriers. They might grow up in areas with limited resources, underfunded schools, and a scarcity of positive after-school programs or role models. This isn’t just about a lack of activities; it’s a profound lack of empowerment, connection, and guidance that can prevent them from reaching their full potential. When youth are underserved in this way, it has ripple effects, impacting their personal development, future prospects, and ultimately, the well-being of the entire community.

TEYA’s mission is specifically designed to address these systemic gaps. We aim to “empower and connect youth from diverse backgrounds by providing inclusive opportunities for personal growth, education, and community engagement.” We bridge these gaps for underserved young people by:

Empowering underserved youth by providing educational programs and skill-building workshops to enhance their academic and practical abilities, alongside mentorship initiatives that offer crucial guidance and encouragement. We prioritize their emotional and social well-being by fostering a supportive community, and we cultivate leadership and community involvement by inspiring them to make a difference. Ultimately, we create an inclusive and diverse environment where every young person feels valued and has the chance to reach their full potential.

Tracy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Tracy Thompson, a Financial Advisor and passionate Community Advocate. My journey into empowering others, especially our youth, is deeply personal and driven by what I’ve observed both professionally and as a mother.

For years, in my work as a financial advisor, I’ve seen the impact that a lack of financial understanding can have on individuals and families. This professional insight, combined with my experiences as a mom, truly cemented my conviction: there’s a significant gap in what our kids are being taught – not just in the traditional educational system, but sometimes, unfortunately, even at home. Essential life skills – from managing money effectively to navigating uncertainty, dealing with bullies, and preparing for the common challenges of adulthood – are often overlooked.

This realization ignited a powerful mission within me. I recognized that many people, particularly young individuals, face a profound “fear of the unknown” when it comes to these critical areas. It became my personal drive to address this directly. I wanted to create avenues, tools, and support systems that could help overcome that fear, allowing people to confidently plan for success rather than being paralyzed by what they don’t know. My core belief, fueled by both my expertise as a financial advisor and my passion as a community advocate, is that by bringing awareness to these vital areas, we can truly empower the next generation to build a more equitable and interconnected world, ensuring every young person has the chance to reach their full potential.

Any advice for managing a team?

Drawing from my experience as a Financial Advisor and Community Advocate, my advice for team management and morale is to empower with clarity. Just as I help individuals overcome the “fear of the unknown” by providing clear financial guidance, leaders must offer transparent expectations, defined roles, and accessible resources. Secondly, invest in individual growth and provide tailored support. Recognizing that each team member, like every young person I mentor, has unique talents and challenges means offering personalized development opportunities and acting as a guide, not just a manager. Finally, cultivate a culture of connection, empathy, and shared purpose. By fostering a supportive and inclusive environment, encouraging open communication, and consistently reminding the team of their collective mission, you build a resilient and motivated unit. Ultimately, equipping your team with knowledge, addressing their concerns, and connecting them to a meaningful goal will naturally lead to sustained high morale.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

My reputation is built on a blend of proven expertise as a Financial Advisor and authentic passion as a Community Advocate. My professional knowledge enables me to provide credible and practical guidance, while my personal drive, sparked by recognizing educational gaps as a mother, fuels my commitment to solving real-world problems.

I believe my consistent focus on providing clarity and practical tools — helping people overcome the “fear of the unknown” — has fostered deep trust. Ultimately, it’s the tangible impact of empowering individuals and building stronger communities that truly defines my standing in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tracythompsonspeaks.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracythompsonspeaks
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracyThompsonSpeaks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@tracythompsonspeaks1418