Bridging the AI Divide: dfree® Movement Convenes FinFe$T 2026 at Kean University
UNION, NJ — As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes industries, hiring pipelines, and small business operations, a central economic question confronts working families across New Jersey: who gets access to these emerging tools, and how can that access translate into lasting financial freedom?
On Friday, November 13, and Saturday, November 14, 2026, the dfree® Movement addresses that question directly with the seventh annual FinFe$T at Kean University’s North Avenue Academic Building. Marking the 20th anniversary of the dfree® Financial Freedom Movement, the free, two-day festival convenes more than 30 speakers under the theme “AI 4 U$: Access = Success.”
Led by dfree® founder Dr. DeForest B. Soaries Jr. alongside business leader and event co-host Dee C. Marshall, the gathering pairs practical technology instruction with career placement, wealth-building strategy, and preventative healthcare screenings for Newark and North Jersey residents.
Two Days of Practical Action: The FinFe$T Schedule
Designed to serve youth, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and families simultaneously, the festival divides its programming across specialized tracks:
| Date & Time | Session / Track | Key Programming & Featured Voices |
|---|---|---|
| Fri, Nov. 13 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. |
Youth FinFe$T | Immersive financial literacy, entrepreneurship, online safety, and cyberbullying prevention with Kredit Verse (Quincy Luzunaris & Jeffrey Broome), RWJBarnabas Health, and The Hip Hop Museum (Dr. Christopher Michael Jones). |
| Fri, Nov. 13 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. |
dfree® Leaders Conference | Financial advising, community engagement strategies, and leadership development. |
| Fri, Nov. 13 3:00 p.m. – 6:25 p.m. |
AI & Faith Symposium | Keynote by Rev. Dr. Justin R. Lester (“That Tech Pastor”) on Leading Change Without Losing the Human Connection, followed by a fireside chat with Dr. Soaries and Dee C. Marshall. |
| Sat, Nov. 14 9:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. |
Mainstage & Resource Fair | Breakfast, job and resource fair; morning motivation with Ash Cash Exantus; remarks from Shané Harris (Prudential) and Mark E. Manigan (RWJBarnabas Health); panels on AI in health and wealth featuring George Helmy, Roshan Hussain, Jeffrey Oakman, Dr. J.D. Jayaraman, and Marie Pryor. |
| Sat, Nov. 14 12:15 p.m. – 3:50 p.m. |
AI Breakout Labs & Scholarships | Hands-on instruction in using AI to build businesses, launch brands, and make real estate decisions; Kean University scholarship announcement at 2:50 p.m. |
Integrating Economic Mobility and Community Health
Beyond keynote speeches, FinFe$T emphasizes tangible, hands-on utility. Inside the AI Access Lab, attendees can test real-world applications for smartphone-based design, business transformation, and personal financial planning, alongside sessions like Stefan Youngblood’s Black AI Think Tank: Responsible Use of AI.
Recognizing the direct link between financial stability and physical wellness, RWJBarnabas Health is hosting comprehensive on-site clinical services and digital literacy training, including MyChart 101: Your Health at Your Fingertips. Attendees have access to dozens of free preventative screenings—including blood pressure and glucose checks, foot health exams, balance assessments, stroke risk education, and optional HIV testing—alongside direct enrollment support for nutrition, mental health, and SNAP assistance.
Event & Attendance Information
- Dates: Friday, November 13 – Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Location: Kean University, North Avenue Academic Building (NAAB), 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ 07083
- Admission: Free and open to the public (Registration available via dfreefoundation.org).
