PALM DESERT, Calif. — The Richard Myles Johnson Foundation celebrated a year in which its Bite of Reality program reached 80,000 students at 900 reality fairs nationwide this year, and more than 400,000 since inception, as credit union leaders and industry partners gathered for a donor appreciation gala kicking off REACH 2026, according to the California and Nevada Credit Unions.
Presented by Velera, the gala at IMAGO Galleries, Inc. featured cocktails and networking amid contemporary art, with supporters recognizing donors and milestones in expanding financial capability across California and Nevada, the leagues said.
The leagues described REACH as a cornerstone of credit union advocacy in the two states, bringing leaders together to celebrate legislative victories and advance long-term financial wellness. The conference aims to strengthen the industry’s collective voice heading into 2027 and help ensure students develop the financial education skills they need to thrive.
Financial Education and Technology
Foundation Executive Director Tena Lozano outlined the 2026 milestones during the reception, saying the year’s results brought Bite of Reality’s total reach to more than 450,000 students since its inception, according to the leagues. The results also reflected the foundation’s growing national footprint.
“If I could make my class like this every day, I’d win teacher of the year for the universe,” Lozano said, quoting an educator from Arcadia, California, to illustrate the program’s impact.
“Thank you to everyone in this room,” Lozano said. “In a small way, we are changing the world. This could not be done without generous donors like you.”
Lozano is marking 20 years of helping lead the foundation’s mission and vision, the leagues said.
The foundation also highlighted the 2026 launch of the third generation of the Bite of Reality app, supported by donors and a major contribution from Visa. The update is the foundation’s most extensive user-interface redesign to date, with modern visuals, updated navigation and an improved experience for students, educators and credit unions hosting the program, according to the leagues.
Lozano cited feedback from a Michigan credit union about the app’s balance between interaction and personal mentorship.
“The app just kind of strikes that perfect goldilocks,” she said, quoting the feedback. “It’s helpful enough that it does everything, but it also gets out of the way and allows for those more important conversations to happen.”
Leadership and Service
Foundation board Chair Heri Garcia and board member Tiffany Doty also delivered remarks during the evening, the leagues said.
Lozano recognized Jenn Lucas, the foundation’s director of development, who will mark her 10th anniversary with the organization in January.
“Every number that I quoted tonight, every student in the last 10 years, every update to the app, every dollar we’ve raised — it could not have happened without Jenn,” Lozano said.
The gala recognized the following foundation directors in attendance for their governance, commitment and dedication to its vision and mission:
- Heri Garcia, chair.
- Tiffany Doty.
- Robert Einstein.
- Chris Gunnare.
- Mike Jones.
- Marlene Juarez.
- Diane Kotlewski.
- Latrice McGlothin.
- Jason Mertz-Prickett.
- Ray Mesler.
- Lisa Quaranta.
- Terri Slosser.
- Josh Smith.
- Elizabeth Stuart.
The evening also reflected on the vision of credit union pioneer Richard Myles Johnson, who championed financial education before his death. His vision continues through the foundation’s initiatives, the leagues said.
