About Us

Raquel Knighten is the founder of KJ Finance Forward, a youth financial literacy education company dedicated to empowering middle school students, high school students, and young adults with the knowledge, confidence, and life skills needed to make informed financial decisions and build successful futures.

With more than 14 years of experience in Human Resources for the City and County of San Francisco, Raquel has helped individuals navigate career pathways, workforce development opportunities, and professional growth. Her work has given her a unique understanding of the skills, preparation, and decision-making required to achieve long-term success in both education and the workplace.

In addition to her public sector career, Raquel has spent more than a decade in the financial services industry as a life insurance agent with Primerica Financial Services. Through this experience, she has educated individuals and families on financial protection, long-term planning, and the importance of building a strong financial foundation. These combined experiences allow her to bring practical, real-world financial knowledge into every lesson she teaches.

Raquel holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and is a Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI) through the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC). She is passionate about making financial literacy engaging, relatable, and accessible for young people from all backgrounds.

Her passion for youth financial education began more than ten years ago while supporting schools and students through financial literacy outreach efforts. During that time, she partnered with educational programs, including San Francisco Unified School District's Kindergarten to College initiative, helping connect students and families with financial education resources. Through those experiences, she recognized a significant gap in financial literacy education and became committed to helping young people develop money management skills before entering adulthood.

As a mother of two sons, Raquel understands firsthand the importance of teaching young people how to make wise financial choices, develop discipline, think critically, and build habits that can positively impact their future. What began as a personal passion has grown into a mission to help equip the next generation with practical financial knowledge and life skills.

Through KJ Finance Forward, Raquel has developed financial literacy curriculum, student workbooks, workshops, mentorship programs, and educational resources designed to meet students where they are and guide them toward financial confidence. Her approach combines real-world financial education with interactive learning experiences that help students understand not only how money works, but how to use it wisely.

Raquel believes that financial literacy is about more than money—it is about opportunity, responsibility, confidence, and creating a foundation for lifelong success.

To empower youth with the financial literacy, life skills, and confidence needed to make informed decisions, achieve their goals, and build successful futures.