The Mississippi Council on Economic Education and State Farm Team Up to Get Kids and their Families to Talk about Money

Selena Swartzfager

A Collaboration to Provide Families with Family Financial Fun Nights

Tupelo, MS (July 2, 2024) – Seventy-two percent of parents experience at least some reluctance to talk to their kids about financial matters. To address this issue, the Mississippi Council for Economic Education (MCEE) and State Farm are proud to announce a collaboration to conduct Family Financial Fun Nights for families across Mississippi.


These engaging events are designed to bring students and their families together for an enjoyable evening focused on learning the importance of personal finance. The aim is to create an open dialogue about essential topics such as savings, spending, debt, and budgeting—subjects that are often not discussed at the dinner table.


Here in Tupelo, on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, a Family Financial Fun Night will be held at the Tupelo Police Athletic League from 6 pm – 8 pm. This event will provide a unique opportunity for families to come together and discuss financial matters in a supportive and educational environment. Dinner will be served. There is no cost to attend, but families must register no later than Friday, July 12.


The registration link is: https://form.jotform.com/MSEconEd/FFFNinTupelo


“We are thrilled to be working with State Farm. This program aligns with our mission to ensure children and families statewide are equipped with the vocabulary and knowledge needed to make smart financial decisions for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Selena Swartzfager, President of the Mississippi Council for Economic Education. “You are never too young to learn and talk about money, and the school setting is a perfect place to start the conversation.”


The Tupelo event is also supported by The CREATE Foundation. For more information about the Family Financial Fun Night in Tupelo, please contact the MS Council on Economic Education at 601-974-1325 or mscee@millsaps.edu.


About the Mississippi Council for Economic Education (MCEE)
The Mississippi Council for Economic Education is dedicated to improving economic and financial literacy in Mississippi. MCEE provides resources and training to educators and students to help them understand economic principles and develop essential life skills.


About State Farm
State Farm is a leading provider of insurance and financial services, committed to helping people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their dreams. Through its community engagement initiatives, State Farm aims to support educational programs that empower individuals and families to achieve financial security.

Woman with blonde bob and glasses wearing a green top, smiling. Leaning against a wall.
By Selena Swartzfager February 3, 2026
Jackson, MS — February 3, 2026 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is pleased to announce that Julie Ingram has joined the organization as Community Engagement Coordinator, strengthening MCEE’s capacity to scale high-impact financial literacy and economic education initiatives across the state. In her role, Ingram leads community-based programming including the Stock Market Game, Danny Dollar Academy, Family Financial Fun Nights, and the Invest in Girls initiative. Her work focuses on expanding access, strengthening partnerships, recruiting industry volunteers, delivering afterschool educator professional development, and ensuring data-driven program outcomes. Ingram brings more than 15 years of experience in education, leadership, and curriculum development, with deep expertise in economics, personal finance, entrepreneurship, and workforce-aligned instruction. She is a National Board Certified Teacher and has served as adjunct faculty with MCEE, co-teaching Master Teacher of Personal Finance coursework in partnership with the Atlanta and St. Louis Federal Reserve Banks. Her career includes statewide and national recognition, curriculum authorship, educator mentoring, and service on advisory councils shaping Mississippi education policy. As Community Engagement Coordinator, Ingram will travel statewide to support educators, students, and community partners—advancing MCEE’s mission to build financially capable communities in 24 of Mississippi's counties. “The addition of Julie to the MCEE team will allow us to serve more families with the Family Financial Fun Night and more students in afterschool programs with economic and financial literacy education,” said Selena Swartzfager, president of MCEE. “We have an unlimited demand for our services; we just need the resources to meet the demand. Having Julie on our staff increases our capacity to address financial illiteracy in Mississippi. We are so thankful to have her on the team.” The counties served by the MCEE Community Outreach Coordinator are below. Organizations or individuals wanting to partner with MCEE in the counties to be served are encouraged to reach out for more information by emailing MCEE at mscee@millsaps.edu . Please use Community Outreach in the subject line. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 mscee@millsaps.edu
Smiling man in suit, gold tie, against a blue gradient background.
By Selena Swartzfager August 13, 2025
Jackson, MS — August 13, 2025 — The Mississippi Council on Economic Education (MCEE) is delighted to announce that Jim Perry , Managing Director and Head of Structured Finance for the Municipal Products Group at Wells Fargo Securities, has been elected by the Board of Directors as Chair for the 2025–2026 term . Bringing a wealth of experience in both finance and public service, Jim Perry has overseen more than $25 billion in infrastructure financings for public and private entities nationwide. Prior to his tenure at Wells Fargo, he spearheaded the Southern Region and co-led the Public–Private Partnership team for public finance at Morgan Stanley. His previous public service includes roles as Deputy Chief of Staff and Policy Director for former Governor Haley Barbour and Legislative Director for U.S. Congressman Roger Wicker. Jim earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from the University of Virginia and resides in Jackson, Mississippi , with his wife, Jordan, and two children. Jim will also oversee MCEE’s premier event, the 2025 Forum on American Enterprise , taking place on Thursday, October 23, 2025 , at the Jackson Convention Complex . The annual forum is a key fundraising and engagement initiative that brings together educators, policymakers, and community leaders to expand economic and financial literacy across Mississippi. "Jim brings deep expertise, unwavering commitment, and strategic vision to our mission," said Selena Swartzfager, MCEE president. "Under his leadership, we will elevate access to economic education across our state." As Chair, Perry will guide MCEE’s efforts to enhance teacher training, develop new student programs, and secure partnerships that stretch the reach of economic literacy. His dual experience in high-stakes finance and public policy positions him to move MCEE’s mission forward effectively. About the Forum on American Enterprise The Forum on American Enterprise is MCEE’s signature annual event, designed to bring visibility and support to economic education’s crucial role. The organization held its most recent forum in October 2024, featuring a keynote address by Dr. Raphael Bostic, President and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. The upcoming 2025 event on October 23 will build upon this momentum as a platform for collaboration, fundraising, and celebration of economic and financial education. The topic of the event will be, "Economics in Real Time: A candid look at tariffs, markets and modern economic policy." About the Mississippi Council on Economic Education MCEE is a non-profit dedicated to enhancing economic and financial literacy among K–12 students in Mississippi by equipping educators with rigorous, engaging curriculum, training, and resources. Through partnerships with educators, other non-profit organizations, businesses, and local communities, MCEE empowers students to make informed decisions as entrepreneurs, citizens, and consumers. For more information on the Forum on American Enterprise, Jim Perry’s leadership, or MCEE’s programs, please visit www.mscee.org or contact Selena Swartzfager at 601-974-1091 or swartsc@millsaps.edu. ### Mississippi Council on Economic Education 1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39210 www.mscee.org 601-974-1325 mscee@millsaps.edu
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