Richina Clay works to help others through financial literacy

HFC student Richina (pronounced "Ri-KEE-na") Clay has always been an advocate for financial literacy.

"My goal is to one day create mentorship programs for underrepresented communities, hence the business degree. To achieve this goal, you have to know how to run a business," said Clay. "I want to become an accountant with an interest in international business after my own struggles with financial literacy. I’m a non-traditional student, largely because I couldn’t afford tuition. That’s why I want to create mentorships to help young adults become more prepared financially to pursue their educational and career dreams."

Strong sense of community attracted her to HFC

Clay has resided in Detroit for most of her life. She is the third of five children. Her younger sisters, Richelle (pronounced "Rick-ELL") and Richyah (pronounced "Rick-EYE-ah"), also attend HFC.

Clay graduated from University High School Academy in Lathrup Village, which is part of the Southfield Public School District. She completed coursework at Oakwood University and speaks conversational French.

Clay earned her associate degree in business administration from HFC, graduating in late 2025. She is taking additional classes and plans to walk at the spring Commencement. This fall, she will transfer to the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where she will major in business administration and accounting. She would like to complete her master’s degree in accounting from U-M and earn her CPA credential.

"I chose to come to HFC because of the environment. There’s a real sense of community here," said Clay. "After taking a tour, I met some very friendly staff and students. I was interested in the clubs as well."

Mentors at HFC profoundly influenced her

Clay has been involved in the Dr. Henry J. Bowers Focus Group, Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) (Alpha Xi Mu), and One Step Ahead during her time at the College.

"The best part of being involved with these groups is the mentorships and connections that I’ve made," she said. "It’s teaching me how to become a mentor myself to achieve my dream of creating mentorships."

Clay cited the Bowers Focus Group advisors Dr. Kalvin DaRonne Harvell, Chardin Claybourne, and Dr. Courtney Matthews, as well as HFC mathematics instructor April Falardeau, as her mentors. Falardeau has been impressed by Clay’s initiative.

"The first time we met, Richina stopped by my office hours prior to the start of the semester. She asked what she would need to properly prepare her for her first calculus course," recalled Falardeau. "She explained at that meeting that she was a returning student who took several years off since her last math class. She just wanted to make sure that she was ready to jump into my Calculus class on the first day."

Falardeau continued: "Richina is devoted to personal, educational, and professional aspirations. She has modeled her dedication to her education throughout the semester by attending office hours regularly. In our meetings, she presents her understanding of the materials and then asks extremely detailed questions on the topics that challenge her. I look forward to seeing everything that Richina accomplishes on her personal, educational, and professional journey."