Team | The Finance Compass

Meet Our Team

NEIL SEKHRI
Founder/CEO

Neil is a passionate advocate for financial literacy and career readiness among youth. As a seasoned educator with a proven track record of engaging young minds, he excels at making complex financial concepts accessible. Recognizing the critical need for early financial education and career readiness opportunities, Neil founded The Finance Compass. This youth-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit empowers young people with the knowledge to build strong financial foundations and develop essential career skills, with a special emphasis on underserved and underrepresented communities.

Neil's commitment extends beyond experience. He holds certifications from top institutions like the Wharton Global Youth Program and Wharton Online (University of Pennsylvania), the New York Institute of Finance (NYIF), Stanford Online, and Udemy. He is a junior at Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville, IL.

All current team members are students of Indian Prairie School District 204 and Naperville Community Unit School District 203.

Nidhi Nair - Director of Operations Nidhi's efficient administration skills help enable The Finance Compass to reach more people. Her business acumen, leadership, and dedication to inclusivity help drive the organization's growth. Nidhi has diverse administrative experience, including data management through a real estate institution and leadership roles at the Northern Illinois Joliet Food Bank. She has independently led multiple projects to expand the food bank's reach and provide meals to those in need.	Grace Zhuang- Program Coordinator Grace is passionate about accounting and personal financial literacy. She’s active in her bullet-journaling club, ice skating, DECA, and enjoys exploring local boba shops. With experience as a teacher’s assistant and a public accounting intern, Grace is committed to helping others develop the financial skills needed for success in the 21st century.	Boahemaa Danso - Media and Advertising Coordinator Boahemaa is a passionate dancer and musician dedicated to helping children. Her love for dance has fueled her drive and discipline, and she’s also pursuing music on the saxophone and piano. Outside of her artistic pursuits, Boahemaa is actively involved in tutoring and mentoring young people.
Leo Sekhri - Website Administrator Leo is a tech prodigy who isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty, both in the real world and the digital one. His impressive skill set ranges from training cutting-edge AI models to crafting stunning mobile apps and websites. Beyond his technical prowess, Leo is also a passionate soccer player and robotics enthusiast. Leo's infectious personality, positive energy, and ability to connect with others make him a beloved colleague and friend.	Kaitlyn Wei - Media and Advertising Coordinator Kaitlyn is a dedicated dancer and musician with a strong work ethic. She’s a member of Neuqua Valley's Orchesis Dance Company and plays the piano and the oboe. Her passion for her craft drives her commitment to her studies and extracurricular activities. Kaitlyn has experience assisting with children’s dance classes and is skilled at promoting The Finance Compass' cause through social media.	Ojas Sachan - Program Coordinator & Lead Mentor Ojas is passionate about finance, tennis, and entrepreneurship. He enjoys reading and is a member of DECA and his school’s finance club. With experience in portfolio management and market analysis, Ojas has a strong background in the finance sector, which he hopes to use to help fill the gap in financial literacy with The Finance Compass.
Aarushi Singh - Media and Advertising Coordinator Aarushi loves DECA and music, and always brings optimism and energy to what she does. She’s spent summers volunteering with young kids, helping them learn and grow. Eager to dive into social media marketing, Aarushi is excited to explore new ways to build community and engagement. She’s all about creating a positive impact and learning as she goes!	Craig de Fiesta - Program Coordinator Craig is a determined learner with a passion for STEM and teaching children. He's actively involved in Science Olympiad and math competitions, and enjoys exploring programming and game development, showcasing his team-building and problem-solving skills. Craig is also committed to helping young students succeed through tutoring and summer camp coaching.	Abby May - Fundraising Coordinator Abby is passionate about giving back to others and supporting her community. Her love for working with kids inspired her to co-found an organization that assists pediatric patients. Additionally, Abby is actively involved in volleyball, DECA, and Red Cross Club, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and making a positive impact.
Kunj Shah - Program Coordinator Kunj is passionate about finance, business, and education. He competes in BPA events and leads community financial literacy programs. Outside of academics, he has 5+ years of piano experience and enjoys competing in track events. With experience in business operations and a portfolio growth rate of 14.7%, Kunj aims to make an impact with The Finance Compass by fostering financial education and empowering children.	Defne Orucoglu - Fundraising Coordinator Defne is a dedicated high school student who loves organizing events and helping others, particularly through nonprofit initiatives and community-focused projects. She is actively involved in Youth and Government (YAG), Business Professionals of America (BPA), and UNICEF. She has a strong background in budgeting and financial management. Passionate about finance and giving back, Defne is committed to using her skills to make a meaningful impact in her community.	Alex Serra - Outreach Coordinator Alex is passionate about finance, soccer, and inspiring others. His involvement in clubs like DECA and Finance Club helps him see the world of business through a different lens. Outside of his academic career, playing soccer year-round demonstrates his passion for working together and communicating with others. Over the summer, he assisted his coach with a youth soccer camp, coaching players through drills and games. As the 2025 Business Fair Coordinator, he played a key role in its success.
Lukas Keane - Fundraising Coordinator Lukas's entrepreneurial drive and passion for community engagement shape his work with The Finance Compass. Currently building his own company, he is eager to share his experiences and support the organization’s growth. As the president of the Alive Center Teen Advisory Board, Lukas is dedicated to giving back to his community. With a strong background in fundraising, he’s led initiatives to raise funds for various causes, making him a valuable asset to The Finance Compass team.	Megan McGowan - Fundraising Coordinator Megan is a dedicated student with an enthusiasm for math and writing, and a strong interest in finance and accounting. Megan’s curiosity drives her to explore a wide range of activities including music, art, and cross country. She is also involved in her school community through many clubs. Megan strives to blend her creativity with analytical thinking to support financial education through The Finance Compass.	Anshuman Velankar - Program Coordinator Anshuman is a talented and versatile individual with a passion for music, technology, and community service. His commitment to education is shown through his powerful mentorship of students through a local tutoring organization. He's a skilled bassist and has been awarded by I.L.M.E.A. His role in varsity trivia and dedication to coding highlights his intellectual curiosity and competitive spirit, while his strong interpersonal skills make him a valuable team player.