At Desert Financial, making a difference for our members and community is the name of the game – from Random Acts of Kindness to teacher appreciation and financial wellness events.
Helping equals winning. We’re teaming up with some outstanding student athletes who score big wins in their sports and their communities. Find out what positive change means to them and how they make it happen.
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When I was in high school, I found myself gaining notoriety on the court. It was then that I decided to use my platform as a basketball player to create a positive change in my neighborhood, my city and wherever else possible. My focus for making an impact on my community is to use my position as a student athlete at Arizona State University® to promote positivity among people by encouraging a healthy lifestyle with an emphasis on physical and mental wellness.
Although Frankie started his college basketball career at the University of Michigan, he has found his home as a fan favorite in his second season with the Sun Devils® program. Originally from Sacramento, CA, Frankie and his family eventually moved to Henderson, NV, attending three high schools in his search for the best competition possible. Frankie is very close to his younger brother Jonny, also a college basketball prospect, and maintains a special bond with his mom, who drives from Las Vegas to attend almost every game. Frankie’s infectious positivity and smile warms everyone he meets.
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Making a change in my community starts at home for me. Without my mom and my aunts, I wouldn’t be where I am today; I love giving that energy back to kids in the community. I want to be somebody that kids can spend time with, look up to and be a positive light in their lives. By spending time playing and talking with them, I hope to always be an example and a reminder that they can grow up and chase their dreams too — the same way my family did for me.
Jamiya Neal is 20 years old and a junior at Arizona State University. In his breakout 2023-2024 season, he has demonstrated his skills on the court, shining as one of the Sun Devils Men’s Basketball all-around top players. Pursuing a degree in Liberal Studies, Jamiya hopes to serve as a strong role model for kids in his community.
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Recently, I’ve been getting involved with a lot of volunteer work. I have been able to give back to those in need a lot this summer. I’ve volunteered at Feed My Starving Children and local food banks on the ASU® campus. I also have a mentorship with a young girls’ basketball team, and I like being able to give advice and just help them understand the importance of college and how our system works. I can’t wait to continue volunteering to help those in more need than myself.
Jaddan Simmons is the youngest sibling to a sister and brother. Born in Houston, Texas, Simmons also grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin, attending Lombardi Middle School and Green Bay Southwest High School. She’s currently a senior point guard at Arizona State University and plans to continue basketball after college and work in the sports industry, whether in marketing or coaching.
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The best way I can get involved in my athletic community while also pursuing what I am passionate about is by joining the Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC), specifically the mental health committee. I’m the Vice President of the committee and our goal is to break the stigma surrounding mental health and give student athletes a place where they feel welcomed and not alone. I am also on the executive board for the organization “If You’re Reading This,” which I incorporate into the committee as well. Overall, I try to be someone that my peers feel comfortable going to if they are struggling or just need someone to talk to.
Jada Mangahas is an athlete, daughter and sibling to two brothers. She was born and raised in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and went to Parkland High School. Jada started the sport of gymnastics at 2 years old and is now a senior in college competing on the Arizona State University gymnastics team. After college, she hopes to pursue a career in physical therapy.
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With my current schedule, the best way I can impact the community is at the university level. My position as Student Athletic Advisory Council (SAAC) President allows me to create and lead initiatives to better the student athletes and give them resources for all areas of their lives. SAAC also has a close connection with Phoenix Children’s which student athletes regularly visit, including myself. Overall, I always try to lead by example, inspire and be a resource for anything people need.
Kate Fitzgerald is an athlete, entrepreneur and a sister to two younger brothers. Kate was born in Denver but grew up in Arizona and loves calling The Valley home. She attended Cheyenne Traditional Middle School, Chaparral High School and is now a senior at Arizona State University. Kate completes on the ASU beach volleyball team and has her own business, a volleyball apparel company called VBAmerica.
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