Empify, a fintech company that helps underrepresented communities learn about finance and build wealth through investing, bestowed Nareit with its Innovation and Impact Award during Empify’s WealthBuilder Weekend Conference (WB Weekend). John Jones, senior vice president at Nareit, also participated in a fireside chat during the conference. In the session, Jones discussed the benefits of REITs, why it is critical to invest in commercial real estate, how REITs have evolved to house the modern economy, the important economic contributions that REITs provide at the state and national levels, and his role in helping everyday investors learn about REITs.
In addition to the fireside conversation, the event included panels on business ownership and entrepreneurship, technology and AI, personal development, generational wealth, and life insurance. The conference also included an Awards Gala, which honored outstanding contributions within the Wealth Builder community. Jones accepted the Innovation and Impact Award on behalf of Nareit from Ashley M. Fox, Empify’s CEO and Rob Boyd, Empify’s VP.
“This event is dedicated to honoring the hard work, consistency, and wealth-building efforts of our members, with a goal to strengthen their minds and their bank accounts,” said Fox. “These are individuals who are breaking generational curses and actively creating generational wealth. WB Weekend is a place to connect with them, provide additional resources, and create experiences that cultivate personal development, entrepreneurship, and financial education.”
Fox created Empify in 2016 to bring expert-led financial education to youth and adults. Since its inception, Empify has helped more than two million individuals, facilitating nearly ten million dollars in stock market investments through classes, bootcamps, events, and programs offered in the brand’s WealthBuilders Community app.
Commenting on Empify’s success, Jones said, “It is inspiring to see the impact Empify has had on so many lives and to connect with a community that wants to harness the power of investing, particularly in commercial real estate. By educating individuals about REITs and other investment opportunities, we can break down barriers and create lasting impact in our communities. On behalf of Nareit, I am honored to be recognized and to contribute to this important dialogue."
Other speakers at the event included Ryan Smith, Executive VP of Atlanta Life Insurance, and New York Times Best-Selling Author, Speaker and Coach, Brian Moran.