30 Under 30: Maggie Kong
Age: 20
High School: Steveston-London
If it hadn’t been for a lecture by the two founders of the Financial Literacy for Youth organization, Maggie Kong wouldn’t be where she is today.
Kong, who is working on her bachelor’s degree in commerce at the University of B.C., sits on the board of directors for the organization that promotes financial literacy in high schools and universities. And she also co-chairs a committee that oversees the expansion of financial literacy clubs in Vancouver, Surrey and Burnaby.
“I didn’t know anything about finance and business,” Kong recalled about that first presentation in Grade 10.
She was inspired by the passion shown by the presenters, and the information they brought.
While studying at university, she also works at Coast Capital Savings Credit Union, and serves on the credit union’s young leaders council. She was an Ethel Tibbits Award winner last year.
A decade from now, Kong sees herself waking up every morning with passion and excitement about what the day will bring.
But she’ll never forget those who made such an impact on her life, and hopes to serve the Richmond community as a volunteer in the future in much the same way it has served her over the past two decades.
Who is your inspiration?
“I am inspired by everyone around me, everyone I meet and their passions in life. It is so exciting to get to know someone and discover what makes their heart beat. Passion is infectious and gets me excited for life!”
What are you most proud of?
“I believe when people have a passion, it shows in all aspects of life. I’m humbled to be able to live out my passion to inspire a more financially literate generation of youths through Financial Literacy for Youth, an organization I’ve been involved with for 5 years, and at Coast Capital Savings, where I’ve been a happy employee for almost 4 years. It’s a joy to see my passions connect my education, work, community involvements and faith together to fit like a puzzle.
What is your advice for others? Take every opportunity to “find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen for you, to you and because of you.”
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