In the late 1990’s, a group called Green Purse traveled the nation presenting Every Woman’s Money Conference. In 1999, State Treasurer Jack Markell brought the event
to Delaware. The Delaware women in attendance were so energized by the program that they urged the Treasurer to keep the financial dialogue alive, inspiring Markell
to organize 12 classes for "every woman", establishing "Delaware’s Money School."
In 2001, Markell raised funds to create the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, a
501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. DFLI, as the Institute is nicknamed, opened its doors in the Claymont Community Center in June 2002. Ronni Cohen, a former
Brandywine School District teacher, was hired as Executive Director of DFLI, to run financial literacy initiatives, including The Money School. Over the years, additional programs have been created, all to fulfill DFLI’s mission:
To help individuals, especially those of low to moderate income, become equipped with the tools to get their financial lives in order so that they can become self-sufficient and enjoy financial well-being over time.
Leveraging nonprofit, government, educational, and corporate partnerships has been the key to the growth and enhancement of programs, development of new initiatives, and capacity building of the Delaware Financial Literacy Institute. Over 150 representatives from these organizations comprise the all volunteer "faculty" of The Money School and help staff the many DFLI events.
Since 2001, DFLI has grown into a Community of Learners in a School Without Walls.
DFLI Staff
Ronni Cohen , Executive Director - ronni@dfli.org
Karen Graham, Senior Associate Director - karen@dfli.org
Tami Schoenfeld, Money School DIrector - tami@dfli.org
Christine Paski, Program Manager - christine@dfli.org
Shaquilla Holmes, Program Specialist - shaquilla@dfli.org
Nancy Dotsicas, Office Manager - nancy@dfli.org
