Nakia Vargas
Nakia Vargas is a dedicated financial literacy educator and entrepreneur based in Rochester, New York. With over
15 years of experience in the financial services industry, she specializes in helping small businesses thrive through
tailored consulting, tax preparation, and bookkeeping training. As the owner of Vargas Financial Services, Nakia is
passionate about empowering individuals and families with the knowledge they need to achieve financial stability
and success.
In addition to her work in financial services, Nakia is a respected business professor at the Golisano Institute for
Business and Entrepreneurship, where she shares her expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs. Her commitment to
education extends beyond the classroom; she actively hosts financial literacy workshops in Monroe County, aiming
to equip participants with essential skills in budgeting, income management, and financial planning.
A proud wife, mother and community advocate, Nakia contributes to local initiatives that support low-income
families, emphasizing the importance of education and resources for financial empowerment. Her dedication to
uplifting her community is further exemplified by her founding the Above the Line Foundation, Inc., where she
participates in meaningful anti- poverty and generational wealth building programing and services.
Nakia’s efforts have not gone unnoticed; she is a recipient of the RBJ Women of Excellence award, honoring her
contributions to the community and her relentless pursuit of financial literacy and education.
