Mr. Burnett has worked in the financial services industry for over 30 years, beginning his career with Fidelity Bank 1988. In 1999, Mr. Burnett pivoted to community economic development (“CED”) as Executive Director of the West Philadelphia Financial Services Institution (WPFSI). Because of his CED work, Mr. Burnett became an adjunct professor position at Thomas Jefferson University in the School of Sustainable Design. In addition to his professional focus, Mr. Burnett has served diligently on various community and professional boards and is committed to the promotion of financial education and access to capital. While building ParkWest Town Center Mr. Burnett oversaw the development of the WesGold Fellows program to provide high school students with exposure to opportunities that are typically beyond their reach. Mr. Burnett has frequently spoken about how having these students around every summer brings new ideas and focus to why VestedIn is committed to investing in Philadelphia’s youth and their impact on the future of the City.

Prior to joining VestedIn as WesGold Fellows’ first full time director, Samantha spent eight years as a business attorney, providing strategic legal and business development on behalf of her clients. After graduating law school, she worked as the Diversity Recruiter for Villanova University School of Law. After Villanova, Samantha joined Tiagha & Associates as the Manager of Corporate & International Business, with a particular focus on business development, corporate transactions, real estate, and small business. After Tiagha & Associates, Samantha founded Grace & River Strategies, a project development firm, where she served as the head of Strategic Legal & Business Development. Samantha received her Juris Doctorate from Villanova School of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Ursinus College, where she minored in Spanish and English. She is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program and a graduate, with honors, of Temple's Real Estate Institute. A Philadelphia native, Samantha is a proud alumna of the Philadelphia High School for Girls.

Crystal has over 20 years of office administrative experience working with several non-profit organizations in the Philadelphia area. At VestedIn, she is responsible for carrying out day-to-day general administrative duties for the entire organization, including accounts payable and receivable, office management and human resources. In addition, she assists with the management and distribution of grants and loan processing. Crystal studied public relations at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA.

Precious Samuel, the inaugural Director of Programs for VestedIn, brings a potent combination of compassionate advocacy, entrepreneurial flair, and a profound commitment to community welfare. With over 15 years in coalition-building and community organizing, she deeply understands the challenges underrepresented communities face, particularly in obtaining access to capital and essential services. As Senior Partnerships Manager at Made to Save, she led nationwide initiatives alongside health organizations and businesses to boost workplace safety standards and promote fair COVID-19 vaccine protocols in small businesses. Her entrepreneurial path started as a participant in VestedIn’s B-Smart Entrepreneur program, where she founded a consulting firm that turns innovative ideas into practical solutions and systems. Now leading VestedIn's programmatic initiatives, Precious is committed to cultivating a nurturing environment to foster the growth and resilience of small businesses. Precious is a West Philly native pursuing a BA in Operations Management and Analysis at the University of Arizona's Forbes School of Business & Technology, complementing her extensive practical experience.

Jasmine has been working in the financial industry for over 20 years. She started off at Merrick Bank in collections, and then moved on to customer service. From Merrick Bank she went to PNC Bank in Pittsburgh, PA and then back home in Philadelphia (where she previously trained their team on building wire deals) in the wire transfer department. After 10 years with PNC, she accepted a position Wells Fargo Bank as a Wire Investigations Analyst, and then Wire Escalations Representative. As the new Compliance and Portfolio Administrator for VestedIn, Jasmine also works part- time at her area Wawa. She enjoys many different genres of music, travelling, reading, writing, trying new wines, and attending festivals with her wife of six years in the summer. To relax she enjoys serial killer documentaries, CSI, Law and Order: SVU, Disney movies, and coloring in her coloring books. She is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh (main).

Richette Walton is a West Philadelphia native and alumnus of Peirce College where she received her bachelor's in Paralegal Studies. Driven by a strong passion for equity, inclusion, and community impact, Richette is committed to supporting our Fellows throughout their personal and professional journeys. Labeled as a champion for youth by friends and colleagues alike, Richette has spent the last 5 years working where youth and workforce development meet. As WesGold Fellows’ first program manager, she is responsible for the advancement of the program, by handling the daily management, operations, and relationship building. She is excited to bring both her passion and expertise to the WesGold Fellows Family!

I chose WesGold Fellows because I wanted to mentor and support high school students in achieving their fullest potential through guidance and encouragement.

I decided to join Wes Gold Fellows because I have a passion for community and youth development.

I chose to become a WesGold Coordinator because I’m passionate about empowering youth with the skills they need to thrive, while also challenging myself to grow as a confident communicator and facilitator.

I chose to be a WesGold Fellows Coordinator because I am excited to learn from the Fellows, as well as facilitate and help the Fellows grow themselves.

I chose WesGold Fellows because I’m a former fellow, and the mission to uplift young people closely aligns with my values and personal career goals.

I chose the WesGold Fellows because it offers the perfect balance of professional growth and community impact. It enables me to support high school students in gaining early access to the knowledge and skills I wish I had at their age. As a college student and program coordinator now, I’m passionate about helping them build confidence, explore opportunities, and take meaningful steps toward their future.

Global Diversity, Equality, Inclusion & Belonging Executive and Advisor, Speaker and Bestselling Author.