October 2025 Speaker
Shamim Okolloh
Shamim Okolloh is an award-winning author, Arkansas-based banker, and passionate advocate
for financial literacy in children. Born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, she holds degrees from
Spelman College and the Clinton School of Public Service. Her career blends a commitment to
service, community development, and economic empowerment.
Shamim’s personal journey as a working mother and WIC program participant sparked a deep
understanding of the barriers families face on the path to economic mobility. Seeing a lack of
financial education materials for children - especially those from underrepresented
backgrounds, led her to co-author “Ella The Banker” with her son, Liam. The book introduces
kids to banking in an inspiring, colorful and accessible way, and has been distributed to every
elementary school in Arkansas. The City of Little Rock proclaimed January 9th 2024 Ella The
Banker Day.
Together with her children and business partners Liam and Ella, Shamim is a national keynote
speaker and has engaged nearly 2,000 children through interactive readings and outreach
events. Their work has been featured on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates in Little Rock. The
sequel, “Ella The Banker: Let Us Save” focuses on saving and developing healthy financial
habits early in life. Shamim is on a mission to increase children’s awareness on careers in
banking, financial education and ensure the next generation is better equipped to thrive.
