Future Financial U Day

Gabrielle McAllaster

Director

Financial Wellness Center

https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-mcallaster/

Meet Dr. McAllaster, our speaker for the Heathcare & Retirement Benefits breakout session. 



Gabrielle McAllaster, Ph.D. (she, her), is a scholar-practitioner and an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) from Denver, Colorado. She completed her M.A. in Higher Education and Student Affairs in Colorado, and her Ph.D. in Education with a specialization in higher education at Rowan University. Her academic journey is complemented by a professional background spanning various facets of higher education.

As the Director for The Financial Wellness Center at the University of Utah, Dr. McAllaster brings a holistic approach to financial education and wellness. With her commitment to supporting students on their unique financial journeys, she combines her passion for financial well-being with her expertise in higher education. She strongly holds the belief that financial well-being is a fundamental component of overall well-being. As such, it is her commitment to support each of our students on their unique financial journeys, helping them navigate the path to financial wellness. In her spare time, she enjoys practicing yoga, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family and beloved dogs.

Elsa Osborne

Program Coordinator

University of Utah Financial Wellness Center

Meet Elsa, Accredited Financial Counselor® and facilitator for the financial skills & support group.

Elsa (she/her) holds a degree in Health, Society & Policy from the University of Utah. She is passionate about providing holistic financial counseling and education tailored to the needs of college students, focusing on empowering you to manage your finances in ways that enhance your overall well-being.

Expertise: intentional spending, creating a sustainable money plan, saving, debt payoff, housing budgets and connecting to basic needs resources, paying for school, student loans, post-graduation planning, and financial behavior change.

Rubi Coria

Associate Director

University of Utah Financial Wellness Center

Meet Rubi, our speaker for the Housing & Budgeting breakout session.

 

Rubi Coria (She/Her) originally from Ogden, Utah, earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Southern Utah University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership & Policy from the University of Utah. She now serves as the Associate Director for the Financial Wellness Center at the University of Utah, where she enjoys helping students feel more confident and supported in their financial lives.

In her role, Rubi hopes to help students build a strong financial foundation and feel confident throughout their college experience. As an underrepresented student herself, she understands the barriers many students face and is dedicated to creating accessible, student-centered resources that help them thrive academically, personally, and financially.

Rubi is passionate about advancing her career in Student Affairs and remains committed to advocating for underrepresented students as they navigate their higher education journeys.

Outside of work, Rubi enjoys reading, baking, crocheting, running, and relaxing with her favorite shows.

Anna Roelofs

Performer & Entrepreneur

Roe Dubs

linkedin.com/in/anna-roelofs

Praised for her arts business portfolio by NYU, Columbia, and Northeastern, Anna Roelofs is a force as both a performer and entrepreneur in her field. Her innate ability to put herself out there and her wide variety of abilities as a performer have led Anna to performing all across the Wasatch Front at such venues as Kingsbury Hall, Abravanel Hall, The Grand Theatre, The Huntsman Center, The Delta Center, La Caille, Tuscany, and at city-sanctioned events.



Anna is also the proud Director/CEO of Roe Dubs, an international voice-acting non-profit with a mission to create more community and opportunity in the voice-acting world. Recently, Miss Roelofs established an independent arts administration firm, aiding arts organizations, creators, artists, and other arts/entertainment businesses with their administrative, marketing, booking, outreach, writing, and other affairs.



In the moments between working, performing, and practicing, Anna enjoys reading, playing video games, cooking vegan food, traveling with her mother around the world, spending time with her friends, and cuddling her cat, Cleo. Anna holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah School of Music and will continue her studies at the University of Washington School of Music to pursue her Master of Music in Vocal Performance.

Jonathan Chan

Graduate Accounting Student | CPA Candidate | President BAP & VITA

linkedin.com/in/jonathan-chan26

Jonathan Chan is a graduate student in accounting at the University of Utah and an incoming public accounting professional. He has developed a strong interest in financial wellness and helping others navigate the transition from college to the workforce.

Through his involvement in VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance), where he has served in multiple leadership roles including President, Jonathan has worked directly with individuals and families to provide free tax preparation services and improve access to financial resources. These experiences have shaped his perspective on the importance of practical financial knowledge and early financial decision-making.

Jonathan is passionate about making financial concepts approachable and relevant, particularly for students and recent graduates managing their first full-time income, budgeting, and long-term financial planning. He is excited to share insights on building healthy financial habits and navigating financial independence after graduation.

Lauren Berensen

Financial Education Specialist

University of Utah Financial Wellness Center

linkedin.com/in/lauren-berensen-667442333

Lauren (She/Her) is a senior at the University of Utah. She is pursuing a double major in Mathematics and Financial Counseling & Planning. She is also an AFC® and is looking forward to tackling this new challenge. Lauren has been with the FWC for one year, and her favorite part of this journey has been participating in the VITA tax clinics during tax season. She decided to pursue a path in personal finance after seeing the dramatic impact that personal finance education has had in her own life. She hopes to continue to educate and impact students at the Utah through personal finance education. Lauren believes that taking charge of one's financial journey is one of the best and most empowering things a person can do, and she can't wait to share that with all of you!

Emma Koa

Student

University of Utah

Emma is a Senior studying strategic communication. As a low income student she has found the Financial Wellness Center extremely helpful. Emma looks forward to graduating soon and moving into working full time.