Message from the CEO - Trying to Find the Words

Dear FinGym Community,

Like many people right now, I haven’t been sleeping well. In fact, I’m writing this from my bed at 1:30am and all I can think is that I need to say something but it’s been tough to find the words. Only a week has passed since George Floyd gasped for breath and yet it seems like ages. Probably because George Floyd represents what I hope is the final straw on hundreds of years of racial oppression in the United States. I have been at a loss for words; but there are words for what happened to George Floyd and the unnecessary police brutality against him and the growing number of persons of color and they are: wrong, horrifying, scary, abominable. 

I haven’t been posting on social media, because I haven’t found the other words. Nothing seems like enough. Nothing makes sense. This is more than George Floyd, this is more than protests, more than anything I’ve seen in my lifetime (and I’ve just lived through a global pandemic). I know there are people upset that I haven’t responded yet, but I needed to find the words. So on my quest for words, I found this quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

And all of the sudden, I’ve found the words. We are certainly living in dark times; and what’s becoming clear to all is that hate has been here for hundreds of years. I can’t change history and I don’t have control of a lot of the present, but I do know that I have a community to lead and I plan to lead it through this in light and love. 

From a leadership standpoint, we’re reaching out to all of our teammates of color to find out how as an organization we can support them. They’re experiencing trauma, and we want to provide them a safe and supportive space to work through it. We’re taking a multi-step approach to this and know that the solution resides with all teammates working collectively.

We’re reaching out to our members and greater community. We want them to know they are loved. They are loved and Black lives absolutely matter; and in addition, Black wealth matters. We can’t change a lot, but for seven years now we’ve been trying to change the financial health for the underserved and the Black community has certainly been underserved by the financial services industry. 

To show our love, and shine the light on the greatness of the community, we’re donating $10,000 to Black women owned businesses through IFundWomen. We’re also committing to $10,000 worth of scholarships to The Financial Gym for people of color. Money is power and more than ever this community needs more power. If you are a person of color, schedule a call with us and take advantage of the scholarships.

I’m hopeful for change in a meaningful way, but I promise to you that we will never stop shining the light and helping our Black community in any way we can. We’re planning an ongoing series via all of our platforms to help our Black entrepreneurs and members, we’re here to amplify your voice and continue to amplify your voice as long as we need to. 

It takes a community, though, and we want to hear from you. Let us know how we can support you and shine light and love through darkness and hate. Here is a link to our anonymous suggestions box for how The Financial Gym community can create ongoing supportive networks and conversations as we learn from recent events and ensure that we not only never forget them, but to make sure that they’re not in vain. 

I’ve been at a loss for words, but I’m open to hearing, receiving and learning from others. I’m taking this opportunity to educate myself and there are a number of great resources to help with this if you’re on this journey as well. If you’re able to support communities financially, here is a robust list of groups whose mission is so important now more than ever. 

If you’d like to have a conversation with me personally and share your thoughts on how we can continue to be a supportive community, email emily@fingyms.com and she’ll schedule time with me.

Please take care of yourselves and each other and I look forward to proceeding in light and love with you.

Warmest Regards,

Shannon McLay

Founder and CEO of The Financial Gym