Aging & Financial Wellbeing

Ron Ojeda is the manager of the Consumer Financial Protection. Ron joined the city with 30 years of experience in the financial services industry where he served in the roles of Senior Vice President, Regional Manager and Vice President of Trust and Investment Management bank divisions. During his career as a series 7, 65 and 24 licensed investment and financial service professional, he developed new clients raising assets of more than $250 million, as well as created alternative investments and a wealth management division within a trust and investment management division of a bank holding company. His transition to his current role was derived from his passionate work with victims of Elder Financial Abuse in financial services.

Ron has successfully created a coalition of government agencies and nonprofit organizations including the Colorado Attorney General’s office, Denver District Attorney, Department of Regulatory Agencies, Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, Denver Police Department, Denver Auditor’s Office, Toward’s Justice, unions and other advocacy organizations to coordinate resources and best practices to assist victims of consumer financial fraud especially in our at-risk populations.

Susana Ramirez is a Program Manager for the HRCP Aging Division, where she oversees the Aging Well Initiative. With a strong background in community engagement, Susana is deeply committed to supporting marginalized communities, particularly those living in poverty. Fluent in Spanish, she has dedicated her career to organizations that empower and assist those in need. Her work is driven by a profound passion for making a positive, lasting impact on the lives of others, and she continues to advocate for the well-being of underserved populations.

Athena Vigil is a proud first-generation Mexican American and third-generation Indigenous woman, born and raised in Colorado. With over 20 years of experience in customer service in the for-profit sector, she serves as a financial navigator for the Consumer Financial Protection program, where she applies her extensive knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact.

Fluent in both English and Spanish, Athena has effectively connected with individuals who face language barriers, ensuring they receive the support they need. Athena is thrilled to be part of HRCP, an organization committed to empowering all City and County of Denver community members. She believes that, together, they are driving change and making a difference in their community.

Yannek Smith is an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) who joined the City and County of Denver in early 2021. He provides one-on-one financial coaching as well as financial education classes to Denver residents and he is passionate about advancing economic mobility and financial equity across Colorado. His areas of expertise include cash flow and budgeting, saving, credit building, debt reduction, housing, and financial planning.

He has worked in Colorado’s financial empowerment field since 2017, developing a deep understanding of Denver and the state’s economic landscape, as well as the financial realities facing its diverse communities. Since 2022, he has led the Division’s youth financial empowerment initiatives, developing curriculum, facilitating classes, and partnering with agencies and nonprofits to serve teens and young adults through programs focused on employment, mentorship, entrepreneurship, violence prevention, and financial equity.

Yannek brings prior experience in microfinance, immigrant advocacy, and human rights. He holds a Master's in Public Administration and is fluent in English, French, and Spanish. 

Mariette Candelon's career has been defined by education and service around the globe. Mariette first grew up and lived in France. Then after building a 7-year career as an educator in Vietnam, she brought her experience to Denver Public Schools, before transitioning into the finance industry with Fidelity Investments. Today, she leverages those skills at the HRCP Aging & Financial Wellbeing Division. Helping people unlock their full potential through financial coaching in collaboration with our strategic community partners is her life's mission.

With 9 years of experience as an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), Mariette's combine a passion for behavioral finance with practical and compassionate guidance to empower participants on their financial journey. Individuals learn how to develop and master adaptive skills and critical thinking and are then able to better navigate changing environments and rethink their financial possibilities. She has witnessed firsthand how this journey leads to self-sufficiency, healing, and sustainable growth for individuals and families.

In addition, Mariette is actively involved in community advocacy serving on the nonprofit Sunshine Home Share Board and support the Statewide Office of Financial Empowerment, contributing to the work of the Financial Empowerment Committee and the Community Voices Committee.

Edith is The Program Administrator & a Personal Finance Coach with HRCP’s Aging & Financial Wellbeing Division. She has 15 years of financial coaching & leadership experience. Edith is passionate about helping individuals realize their strengths, gain knowledge, and build confidence to reach their personal and financial goals. She enjoys working with diverse populations and specializes in working with underserved communities, communities of color and military families.

In addition to being an Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®), Edith is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC®). She follows a proven coaching approach that strengthens clients’ self-efficacy and builds on their personal strengths. She guides them in identifying their personal values & intrinsic motivations that lead to lasting change.

Edith values serving the Denver community through collaborative relationships & integrated partnerships for greater impact. When she’s not working, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors & taking on various home decor projects.