Financial analyst Julia Nwanya believes that economic inclusion begins when women understand and control their money. In a recent phone conversation from Asaba, she described how cultural rules and a lack of training still prevent many women from making sound financial choices. Her goal is to change that, one workshop at a time.
From Boardrooms to Community Halls
Julia Nwanya spent more than ten years managing capital portfolios worth over ₦150 million for top Nigerian firms such as Cutix PLC and Ibeto Group. In those corporate roles she:
- Cut costs and raised profits: At Ibeto Group she led a project that cut operating expenses by 20 percent and lifted gross profit margins from 27 percent to 32 percent.
- Built advanced skills: She mastered tools like Tableau, SQL, and QuickBooks to turn raw data into business choices.
Three years ago, she left Nigeria’s oil‑and‑gas boardrooms for Dallas, Texas, earning a Master of Science in Finance at the University of Texas at Dallas. Today, she uses her technical skills to teach everyday people—especially women—how to budget, save, and invest wisely.
“Financial literacy is not just about numbers,” Julia says. “It’s about knowing your options and making decisions that transform your life.”
What Her Training Covers
- Budget Building: Simple steps to track income, cut waste, and set goals.
- Emergency Funds: Why every family should save three to six months of expenses.
- Credit Basics: Understanding interest, debt traps, and healthy borrowing.
- Micro‑Investing: Starting small with mutual funds, co‑ops, or government bonds.
- Business Planning: How to price products, manage cash flow, and seek fair loans.
These sessions often take place in community halls, churches, and online platforms. Many participants never guess that their instructor once handled multi‑million‑naira deals. That down‑to‑earth style helps them see finance as something within reach.
Mentoring the Next Generation
- Volunteer work: Julia mentors students through the National Institute of Management and guides young women in WAAW Foundation coding clubs.
- Women’s networks: With A Women Power Network for Entrepreneurs (AWPNE), she trains female business owners on bookkeeping and digital sales.
- Charity drives: She has raised funds for autism foundations and supported widows learning new skills.
For her 2021 impact on female entrepreneurs, AWPNE awarded Julia a Certificate of Acknowledgment. Yet she insists the job is far from done. Cultural norms still tell many women that money matters are “for men,” creating fear and hesitation. She calls these barriers the biggest threat to economic inclusion in Nigeria.
Vision for a Global Classroom
Looking ahead, Julia plans to launch an international financial‑literacy program that blends face‑to‑face workshops with cloud‑based tools. The curriculum will offer:
- Bite-sized videos in local languages
- Interactive budget templates downloadable to any phone
- Live Q&A sessions for instant feedback
Her dream is simple: “No one should feel powerless about money.” She envisions a world where economic inclusion is more than a slogan—where market traders, civil servants, and retirees alike can make confident financial choices.
Conclusion
Julia Nwanya’s journey proves that technical expertise, cultural empathy, and clear teaching can break down barriers. By focusing on women and other underserved groups, she is turning finance into a tool for everyday empowerment. Her work reminds us that economic inclusion is not just a policy goal; it is a life‑changing pathway for millions of Nigerians.
References
For practical guides on budgeting, small‑business funding, and women’s leadership, visit genderpedia.ng/shop
Related articles:
