Community Event Focuses on Banking, Credit Scores, and Debt Management
WHAT: Free Financial Literacy Workshop – “Banking, Credit Scores, and Debt Management”
WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 5:45 – 8 p.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom
WHO: Open to the public. Community members seeking to improve their financial knowledge and skills are encouraged to attend.
EVENT OVERVIEW
¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College invites the community to a free financial literacy workshop designed to empower participants with essential knowledge about banking, credit management, and debt strategies. The evening program features expert speakers who will address common financial challenges and provide practical guidance.
Featured Topics & Speakers:
• Why Banking Matters: Erin Garrison, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager at PNC Bank, will discuss the importance of establishing and maintaining bank accounts.
• Building Good Credit: Dr. Kris Demarais, Assistant Instructional Dean of Liberal Arts at ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College, will explain why credit scores matter and how to improve them.
• Managing Debt: Joseph Semprevivo, Owner of Joseph’s Real Estate, will share strategies for handling debt effectively.
The workshop will include a question-and-answer session, allowing attendees to engage directly with the presenters. Dr. Maria S. Davis, Professor at ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College, will introduce speakers and moderate the evening.
“Financial literacy is a critical life skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money,” said Dr. Davis. “This workshop provides an accessible opportunity for our community to learn from experts and take control of their financial futures.”
DETAILED PROGRAM
5:45 p.m. Registration & Opening Remarks
6:00 p.m. Welcome, ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College
6:05 p.m. Introduction of Speakers, Maria S. Davis, D.B.A., Professor, ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College
6:10 p.m. Why do I need to have a bank account? Erin Garrison, Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager, PNC Bank
6:25 p.m. Why is it important to have a Good Credit score? Kris Demarais, Ph.D., Assistant Instructional Dean, Liberal Arts, ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College
6:40 p.m. How can I handle my debts? Joseph Semprevivo, Owner, Joseph’s Real Estate
6:55 p.m. Question and Answer Session
8:00 p.m. Closing Remarks, Maria S. Davis, D.B.A.
REGISTRATION
The event is free and open to the public. Register online at
EVENT CONTACTS
Dr. Maria S. DavisÂ
¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College – Mueller Campus
6155 College Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32966
Phone: 772-226-2557
Email: medavis@irsc.edu
Dr. Samuel MikhailÂ
¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College – Pruitt Campus
500 NW California Blvd, Port St. Lucie, FL 34986
Phone: 772-336-6270
Email: smikhail@irsc.edu
Website: /admissions/financial-assistance/financial-literacy/
¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College: ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River State College serves Florida’s Martin, St. Lucie, ¶¶ÒõÆƽâ°æ River, and Okeechobee counties, offering high-quality, affordable education to over 24,000 students annually through traditional and online courses. The College provides more than 130 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, and technical certificates. Visit irsc.edu.
