Georgia Fintech Academy

🌿 Join Rainforest Pay for a Virtual Student Event! 🌿 We’re excited to invite students to an engaging conversation with Rainforest, a leading innovator in the payments industry. Learn about their journey, the technology shaping modern payments, and what it’s like to build a career in FinTech! 📅 Date: October 20, 2025 🕡 Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (EST) 💻 Location: Virtual The event will be moderated by Dr. Laveda Pullens, Program Director of the Georgia Fintech Academy, who will guide an insightful discussion on how students can prepare for opportunities in this rapidly growing field. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn, and explore the future of payments with industry professionals! Laura Gibson-Lamothe Dr. Laveda Davis-Pullens Alison Gregg Asha-Lee Smith Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business University of Georgia - Terry College of Business

Upcoming Virtual Events - Mark Your Calendars! Hey everyone! Two exciting opportunities coming up next week to connect with industry leaders and explore career paths in fintech and consulting: Georgia Fintech Academy × Rainforest Pay Virtual Student Event - Guest Speaker: TBD - Monday, Oct 20 - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM - Register: https://lnkd.in/ghz_6XbY Georgia Fintech Academy x Global Payments - Guest Speaker: Kunal Grover, Director of Product and Strategy : AI Center of Excellence (Fintech) - Wednesday, Oct 22 - 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - Register: https://lnkd.in/g98p6m6W Don't miss out-great chances to learn, ask questions, and make connections! Laura Gibson-Lamothe Dr. Laveda Davis-Pullens Alison Gregg Asha-Lee Smith Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business University of Georgia - Terry College of Business

🔥 Today was inspiring! A huge thank you to Velera Wilson, keynote speaker and author, for leading the “Communicate with Confidence” workshop at the Georgia FinTech Academy! The session was packed, students were fully engaged, and the questions were thoughtful and insightful. We’re especially grateful that Velera gifted every student a copy of her book and the Communicate with Confidence workbook, such generous tools to help them sharpen their skills and gain confidence in both academics and future careers. 🌟 Workshops like this are exactly why we love connecting students with voices that motivate and empower. 🌟 Laura Gibson-Lamothe Dr. Laveda Davis-Pullens Alison Gregg Asha-Lee Smith Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business University of Georgia - Terry College of Business

🚨 Don't forget! 🚨 The Communicate with Confidence Workshop with Velera Wilson is happening TODAY! If you want to strengthen your voice, speak with impact, and level up your communication skills, this is the place to be. 🎁 Free book giveaway + lunch provided! Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/exkQ_jZr

✨ Mark your calendars: March 7, 2026 ✨ The Georgia Fintech Academy turned 5, and we’re bringing together students, industry, and community to celebrate how far we’ve come and where we’re headed next. Expect an event full of connection, ideas, and recognition of the talent shaping fintech’s future right here in Georgia. 📅 Save the date and sign up for updates here: https://lnkd.in/e2Hc6wsm Let’s celebrate the people, the partnerships, and the progress that make fintech in Georgia thrive. #Fintech #GeorgiaFintechAcademy #TransactionAlley #FutureTalent Laura Gibson-Lamothe Dr. Laveda Davis-Pullens Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business University System of Georgia

🔥 Don’t Miss This Communicate with Confidence Workshop!🔥 Want to speak up, be heard, and make an impact in your career? Join us for an exclusive workshop with Velera Wilson, an acclaimed author, TED speaker, and communication expert! 📅 Date & Time: October 13 | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM 📍 Location: 55 Park Place, Room 120 Register here 👉 https://lnkd.in/exkQ_jZr        Velera will share practical techniques to express your ideas with clarity and confidence, whether in meetings, presentations, or tough conversations. Plus, she’s giving away free copies of her book! This interactive session includes hands-on exercises, real-world examples, and tips to help you advocate for yourself, boost your visibility, and communicate your value in any professional setting. 🍴 Lunch is provided! Spaces are limited, so be sure to register now to secure your spot. Level up your communication skills. This is one event you won’t want to miss! Laura Gibson-Lamothe Dr. Laveda Davis-Pullens Alison Gregg Asha-Lee Smith Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business University of Georgia - Terry College of Business

🌟 Thank You, Lily Wang! 🌟 We were thrilled to host Lily Wang, Data Scientist II at Cox Communications, at our recent Georgia Fintech Academy event! Her analysis of how Buy Now, Pay Later mechanisms can potentially influence consumer debt and spending behavior was both compelling and enlightening. Thank you for sharing your expertise and helping us grow as a community of curious, forward-thinking professionals. Your takeaways sparked meaningful conversations, and left our attendees energized about the future of payments. We’re grateful for your time! #GeorgiaFintechAcademy #Fintech #DataScience #CoxCommunications #ProfessionalDevelopment #ThankYou Laura Gibson-Lamothe Dr. Laveda Davis-Pullens Asha-Lee Smith Alison Gregg Georgia State University - J. Mack Robinson College of Business Kennesaw State University - Michael J. Coles College of Business University of Georgia - Terry College of Business 

So grateful to be invited by Amanda Strenta yesterday for the Georgia Fintech Academy and meet all the wonderful people at Georgia State University. Before joining FIS and while I was still in school, I had the opportunity to attend a Georgia Fintech Academy event at the FIS headquarters. It’s exciting to now be on the other side of the table, gaining a deeper perspective and learning so much more about all the amazing people attending.