Skip Navigation
Edvisors Star Logo
Edvisors Logo
  • Compare Lenders
    • PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
    • REFINANCE STUDENT LOANS

    featured articles

    • Best Private Student Loans for June 2025
    • Student Loan Comparison: Federal Loans vs Private Loans
    • Parent PLUS Loans vs Private Student Loans
    • How Does Interest on Student Loans Work?
    • Private Student Loan Cosigner: Everything you Need to Know
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.24% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Compare Lenders
    • Best Student Loan Refinance Companies for June 2025
    • Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
    • Student Loan Forgiveness: How to Get Student Loans Forgiven
    • Repayment Plans for Private Student Loans
    • Parent PLUS Loan Forgiveness
    • View All Articles >
    Earnest Private Student Loan

    Variable rates as low as: 5.88% APR (with Autopay)*

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.99% APR (with Autopay)*

    Apply Now
  • Scholarships
    • COLLEGE GRANTS
    • COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
    • EMPLOYER
    • MILITARY

    featured articles

    • What's the difference between scholarships and grants?
    • Graduate Fellowships
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • How to Find Scholarships
    • Top Tips for Winning Scholarships for College
    • Apply for Free Scholarships for College
    • Most Popular Scholarships for College Students in 2025
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • What is Federal Work Study Program?
    • Employer Tuition Assistance Programs: How Do They Work?
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • GI Bill
    • Military Service Academies
    • ROTC Scholarships
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College
  • Plan for College
    • CAREERS
    • COLLEGE ADMISSIONS
    • FAFSA
    • SCHOLARSHIPS
    • PAYING FOR COLLEGE
    • STUDENT LIFE BLOG

    featured articles

    • Best Job Search Sites June 2025
    • Resumes That Get Noticed
    • High Paying Careers
    • STEM Careers
    • View All Articles >
    Are you ready for college? You are with GradGuard

    featured articles

    • Measuring Academic Fit: Reach, Match and Safety Schools
    • Need-Blind Admissions
    • How Long is a College Essay
    • When are College Applications Due
    • How to Write a Good College Essay
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students
    • FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-2026
    • FAFSA FAQ - Your FAFSA Questions Answered
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • Most Popular Scholarships for College Students in 2025
    • Apply for Free Scholarships for College
    • College Scholarships for Kids
    • Most Prestigious Undergraduate Scholarships
    • Las mejores becas para estudiantes hispanos y latinos
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • How to Pay for College
    • Tuition Payment Plans
    • Pros and Cons: Borrowing From My 401K to Pay for College
    • Paying College Tuition with a Credit Card
    • Best Ways to Pay for College Without Financial Aid
    • View All Articles >
    Enter to Win $2,500 to Help Pay for College

    featured articles

    • Financial Aid Disbursement: When and How You Will Get It
    • Should I Pay Off My Student Loans Right Now
    • How to Minimize Student Loan Debt
    • View All Articles >
    Are you ready for college? You are with GradGuard
  • Student Loans
    • FAFSA
    • PRIVATE STUDENT LOANS
    • FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS
    • REPAY STUDENT LOANS
    • LENDER REVIEWS

    featured articles

    • Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students
    • FAFSA FAQ - Your FAFSA Questions Answered
    • FAFSA Deadlines for 2025-2026
    • FAFSA School Codes
    • FAFSA 2023-2024 Guide & Resources
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.24% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Best Private Student Loans for June 2025
    • Student Loan Comparison: Federal Loans vs Private Loans
    • Parent PLUS Loans vs Private Student Loans
    • How Does Interest on Student Loans Work?
    • Private Student Loan Cosigner: Everything you Need to Know
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.24% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Filing the FAFSA 2025-2026: A Simple Guide for Students
    • FAFSA FAQ - Your FAFSA Questions Answered
    • The complete guide to federal undergraduate student loans
    • What are Federal Parent PLUS Loans and How to Apply
    • Financial Aid for Graduate School
    • Compare Subsidized and Unsubsidized Student Loans
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.24% APR1

    Apply Now

    featured articles

    • Best Student Loan Refinance Companies for June 2025
    • Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans
    • Student Loan Forgiveness: How to Get Student Loans Forgiven
    • Repayment Plans for Private Student Loans
    • Should You Refinance Federal Student Loans?
    • Parent PLUS Loan Forgiveness
    • View All Articles >
    Enter the Repayment Relief Sweepstakes

    featured articles

    • Sallie Mae Student Loan Review
    • College Ave Student Loan Review
    • SoFi Student Loan Review
    • Ascent Student Loan Review
    • View All Articles >
    College Ave Student Loans

    Variable rates as low as: 4.24% APR1

    Fixed rates as low as: 3.24% APR1

    Apply Now
  • Credit Cards
    • CARD REVIEWS
    • BEST CREDIT CARDS
    • CREDIT CARD FAQS

    featured articles

    • Petal® 2 Visa® Credit Card Review
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.

    featured articles

    • Best Credit Cards for 2025
    • Best Cash Back Credit Cards
    • Best 0% Introductory APR Credit Cards
    • Best Secured Credit Cards for 2025
    • Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.

    featured articles

    • How to Build Credit?
    • What Age Can You Get a Credit Card?
    • What is a Secured Credit Card?
    • What is an Unsecured Credit Card?
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.
  • Money Management
    • BANKING
    • BUDGETING
    • SAVING
    • DEBT MANAGEMENT
    • CREDIT
    • INVESTING
    • RISK MANAGEMENT

    featured articles

    • What is Online Banking
    • Student Checking Accounts
    • Debit Cards with Rewards
    • View All Articles >
    Chase College Checking Visa Debit

    featured articles

    • Best Budgeting Apps June 2025
    • Budgeting Tips
    • Budgeting for Beginners
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • Financial Goals
    • How to Save Money as a College Student
    • What is an Emergency Fund
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • How to Pay Off Debt
    • Debt Relief
    • What is a Debt Management Plan
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • How to Check Your Credit Score
    • Best Credit Building Apps June 2025
    • What is Credit?
    • View All Articles >
    Self Credit Builder: Build Credit. Build Savings. Build Dreams.

    featured articles

    • Investing for Beginners
    • Best Investment Apps June 2025
    • Understanding the Stock Market
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money

    featured articles

    • What is Risk Management
    • How to Prevent Identity Theft
    • What is Insurance
    • View All Articles >
    Change Your Relationship With Money
  • Student LIFE Blog
  • Compare Lenders
    • Private Student Loans
    • Refinance Student Loans
  • Scholarships
  • Plan for College
  • Student Loans
  • Credit Cards
  • Money Management
  • Student LIFE Blog
Login
Register
  • Dashboard
  • My Profile
  • Logout
Search Box Form
Win a $2,500 Scholarship
Need money for college? Enter our monthly scholarship sweepstakes.
Enter Now
Advertiser Disclosure
×

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans. Loan offers from participating lenders that appear on our websites are not affiliated with any college and/or universities, and there are no colleges and/or universities which endorse Edvisors’ products or services. Lender search results do not constitute an official college preferred lender list. Edvisors receives compensation from lenders that appear on this site. This compensation may impact the placement of where lenders appear on this site, for example, the order in which the lenders appear when included in a list. Not all lenders participate in our sites and lenders that do participate may not offer loans to every school.

Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular loan or financial aid. Lenders are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates, terms and other costs of the loan offered and may vary based upon the lender you select. Please check with your school or lender directly for information related to your personal eligibility.

Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate information. However, the results provided by lenders are for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

Advertiser Disclosure
×

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported websites. The Edvisors websites’ goal is to provide relevant and helpful content and comparison tools to better assist consumers to search and compare financial products or services. The offers, products or services listed on our websites are from third-party advertisers or companies from which Edvisors receives compensation. This compensation may impact the placement of where products or advertisements appear on this site, for example, the order in which the products appear when included in a list. Not all providers participate in our sites and providers that do participate may not offer the entire suite of applicable credit cards or financial products provided by the provider or available in the marketplace.

Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular credit card, financial product, or service. The third-party providers are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates. Terms and other costs of the credit card or financial product may vary based upon the provider you select. Not all consumers will qualify for the advertised rates and terms.

Edvisors does not purport to offer financial advice related to the purchase or sale of financial products or services. We are not an investment, brokerage, or financial advisory service. Information provided with respect to financial products and services are solely intended for educational purposes. In addition, we recognize each person may have unique and individualized financial needs and we recommend and encourage you to seek the expert advice of qualified professionals regarding your specific financial needs.

Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate, up to date information. However, because credit card offers and financial products change frequently and do not originate with us, we recommend you check the offering provider for complete terms and conditions, rates, costs, and other fees. Providers do not commission, review or approve the information available on the site. Information provided on the site is for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on our websites are disclaimed.

×
Get Your Free Guide to Filing the FAFSA Today!

Thank you for your interest in Edvisors' 2020-2021 Guide to Filing the FAFSA.

Please complete the form below to access your free copy.

Thank you! Click here to download your free FAFSA Guide.

I am a:

×
College knowledge starts here!

Enter your email below to receive your Student Loan Handbook from Edvisors.

Please check your email for the Student Loan Handbook.

After Navigation
Home » Blog » Finding Your Path to Success: Tips from Tess Michaels, Founder and CEO of Stride Funding
  • Contents
  • 1. You serve as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Stride Funding. For those unfamiliar with your company, can you tell us a little more about it?
  • 2. How did you get your start in Finance? What was your educational and training experience that ultimately led you to becoming a CEO?
  • 3. Stride Funding is an ISA. Can you explain what is an ISA and how is it different from a traditional student loan?
  • 4. What is financial literacy and why is it so important?
  • 5. In your opinion, what is the best financial management skill someone should have?
  • 6. As you know, March is Women’s History Month. In your opinion, why is it important to set aside time to honor and celebrate women?
  • 7. Is there a particular woman in history that you resonate with the most, or that had a big impact on your career? Who is/was that person? And what were the lessons you gleaned?
  • 8. Do you think women have broken the proverbial glass ceiling in the corporate world, or do you think there is still more progress to be made? And why?
  • 9. In your own words, how do you think college prepares young women for either a traditional career, or entrepreneurial endeavors?
  • 10. As you reflect on your own journey, is there advice you would give to your younger self? Big lessons you’ve learned that you could help her with?
  • 11. When do you think is a good time to start educating students about personal finance?
  • 12. Are there any financial habits you practice like saving or sticking to a budget?

Finding Your Path to Success: Tips from Tess Michaels, Founder and CEO of Stride Funding

Photo of Elaine Rubin
By Elaine Rubin
April 4, 2020
Email This Article
Fill out the form below to send a copy of this article to your email.
By clicking "Submit" I have read and agree to the Edvisors' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We strongly encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to understand how we use and share your information.
A copy of this article has been sent to your email.

 

We had the opportunity to interview Tess Michaels, Founder and CEO of Stride Funding. Michaels lets us on some keys for managing finances and opportunities for women in STEM and entrepreneurship. Moreover, she informs us of the value of financial literacy, the available options for managing our finances with today’s technology, and Stride Funding’s role in helping students pay for college in a flexible and affordable way.

1. You serve as the Founder and Chief Executive Officer for Stride Funding. For those unfamiliar with your company, can you tell us a little more about it?


Stride Funding is a mission-driven education funding company that offers a more flexible, affordable way to pay for graduate school via Income Share Agreements (ISAs). With an ISA, students agree to pay a share of their future income instead of fixed payments and penal interest.

Stride is a student-centric company that not only offers funding but also career support resources and a community of like-minded professionals. Stride ISAs serve as a smart supplement to student loans.

2. How did you get your start in Finance? What was your educational and training experience that ultimately led you to becoming a CEO?


I began my career in finance to strengthen my technical skills, think strategically about businesses, and learn from some of the brightest finance minds.

I attended UPenn for undergrad and pursued a dual-degree in business and biology - I’ve always had a penchant for STEM. I majored in impact investing and graduated with the Dean’s Award for Innovation. Learning such diverse subjects prepared me to wear multiple hats as a CEO - juggling decisions on strategy, finance, hiring, partnerships, marketing, sales, and company culture.

3. Stride Funding is an ISA. Can you explain what is an ISA and how is it different from a traditional student loan?


An Income Share Agreement (ISA) is a more flexible, affordable alternative to traditional loans.

Key Stride ISA benefits include:

  1. Downside protection - students owe $0 during any periods where they earn less than $40k - unlike traditional loans that penalize students with additional interest, we support them during the difficult times in their life.
  2. Career resources (i.e., helpful content / guides, recruiters, resume services, mentorship) to help students hit their stride!
  3. Flexible payments based on earnings - ensure students never pay more than they can afford (+ easy budgeting!)
  4. Shorter duration (5 yrs vs 10+) - students should not be burdened with loan payments well into their adult lives when they're trying to start a family, etc.

4. What is financial literacy and why is it so important?


Financial literacy is so critical because this essential knowledge changes attitudes and behaviors. I want to help people use the knowledge we provide them to make better financial decisions for themselves but also for their families. One of my favorite thought leaders in this space is John Hope Bryant who talks about how financial illiteracy leads to devastating ripple effects throughout our society, especially on women.

As a company, we are fully committed to providing free tools, information, and resources, including on-campus presentations, to ensure that students learn the basic money management and budgeting skills that will position them for long-term financial success. Unfortunately, too many Americans are spending more than they make, not saving for emergencies, and utilizing high-cost borrowing mechanisms like pay-day loans. I want Stride Funding to help prepare young people for the periodic economic dislocations so they can make smart decisions when the going is good, and weather the storm when the economy turns south.

Studies have shown that students who borrow more are more likely to underestimate their total repayments over time, so financial literacy is key to developing realistic estimates of future liabilities and financial health.

5. In your opinion, what is the best financial management skill someone should have?


This might sound like an oversimplification but the most important financial management skill is the easy to explain--don’t spend more than you make! Individuals don’t have the financial strength of the national economy behind them, so consistently spending more than you make inevitably results in maxed out credit cards, higher monthly bills than one can afford, missed payments, lower credit score, and the vicious spiral that too often leads to foreclosures and bankruptcy.

The key financial skill every American needs is the ability to differentiate between needs and wants coupled with the willpower to make the smart financial choices now to improve their financial strength later. The specific financial skills include the ability to use a spreadsheet to estimate interest payments, and understand the basics of the time value of money. These skills are important to manage student loans, auto loans, mortgages, insurance policies and taxes.

6. As you know, March is Women’s History Month. In your opinion, why is it important to set aside time to honor and celebrate women?


It’s a time to reflect and appreciate how far we’ve come and the women who made big leaps (e.g., Harriet Tubman, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Angela Merkel), as well as the everyday women who make the world go round.

7. Is there a particular woman in history that you resonate with the most, or that had a big impact on your career? Who is/was that person? And what were the lessons you gleaned?


Many of my closest mentors are inspiring, strong women who champion change. Deborah Quazzo sits on the board of Stride Funding, and is an inspiring leader and a pioneering investor in the EdTech space. She’s built a career in male-dominated realms such as investment banking and venture capital - she outperformed her peers and came out stronger!

Also, on a personal note, both my grandmother and mother are physicians who have dedicated their lives to helping others. They’ve always put others first and shown me leadership comes from caring about your people and leading by example. They instilled in me the passion to support those serving in the healthcare space.

8. Do you think women have broken the proverbial glass ceiling in the corporate world, or do you think there is still more progress to be made? And why?


We have definitely chipped at the glass ceiling, standing on each others’ shoulders and seeking support and sponsorship from successful women and peers.

There’s still much progress to be made - we see this across STEM and entrepreneurship. We have to remove implicit biases and take a proactive approach in ensuring we increase the top of the funnel across industries to ensure more diversity and inclusion.

Diverse backgrounds lead to diverse ideas, which yield good results for businesses and generate social good.

9. In your own words, how do you think college prepares young women for either a traditional career, or entrepreneurial endeavors?


College offers an environment to be bold and take risks with a soft landing. Embrace entrepreneurship opportunities early in life. There are genuinely very few environments where you can pursue your passion, learn as many skills, build relationships, and grow as much as during college. It’s exhilarating to interact with like-minded team members and investors – and to create something new from scratch.

10. As you reflect on your own journey, is there advice you would give to your younger self? Big lessons you’ve learned that you could help her with?


Always seek opportunities with sharp learning curves - push yourself and embrace challenges. You have a higher risk tolerance than you realize, pursue the big ideas you’re passionate about, early. Surround yourself with strong mentors and don’t wait for opportunity to come knocking, go out and seek it!

11. When do you think is a good time to start educating students about personal finance?


As early as possible in Middle School. We actually have team members who volunteer with organizations like Junior Achievement to help teach money management skills to elementary school students! If you think about it, that makes sense because most of those students will earn an allowance or get money from family members for birthdays or holidays, so it’s important that we teach them the importance of saving and even more advanced concepts like compound interest. Too often we talk to college students who aren’t aware of simple ways they could stay afloat when their income streams are strained.

12. Are there any financial habits you practice like saving or sticking to a budget?


I always remind people of the saying, “There’s an app for that!” There are so many ways that young people can stay on top of their finances simply by pulling out their phone. I monitor my bank account, my credit cards, and even my monthly budget and credit score right on my phone. Almost every financial institution provides an app with great tools to help you keep tabs on how much you’re spending and what you’re spending your money on. Knowing is not always doing; but timely recommendations and reminders would make us act in our own best interest.

Share

Elaine Rubin

Elaine Rubin is the Director of Corporate Communications at Edvisors. She has worked in higher education finance for more than 10 years, and provides information and advice from both personal and professional experiences. Elaine holds a degree in Political Science with a concentration in Public Policy and Administration from Northeastern University.

Find Elaine Rubin on LinkedIn.

If you would like to schedule an interview with Elaine, please reach out to us at [email protected]

About Edvisors

For 20 years we have been known as one of the largest and most trusted resources to help you find your path to success. Everyone needs to find their own path, and we know that first-hand. Helping you reach your educational and financial goals without stress, is our mission. Let's face it, it may be unavoidable to borrow money, but there are ways to do it wisely, including making the right choices up front, as well as during repayment. If we can help you make an informed and careful decision, we consider that a good day in the office.

Find information on this site to help you plan and pay for college as well as manage your money with confidence.

What Students and Student Loan Borrowers Need to Know About COVID-19 Relief Previous Article Blog Home Finding Your Path to Success: Tips from Georgene Huang, CEO and Co-founder of Fairygodboss Next Article
Could You Be Saving More?
Subscribe to Edvisors' Student LIFE Newsletter to receive up-to-date financial aid information and advice, explore scholarship opportunities, loan repayment options, and learn expert strategies on how to plan and pay for college.
Newsletter Form
By clicking "Subscribe" I have read and agree to the Edvisors' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We strongly encourage you to read our Privacy Policy to understand how we use and share your information.
Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
We care about your privacy

This website uses cookies to offer you the most relevant marketing and targeted advertisements which in some states may be considered a sale of your personal information. You may exercise your right to opt out by clicking on deny cookies. Please accept cookies for the optimal experience. You can withdraw or modify your consent for non-essential cookies at any time by visiting Cookie Settings page

This website uses cookies for targeted advertising which in some states may be considered a sale of your personal information. You may opt out by clicking on deny cookies. Please accept cookies for the optimal experience. You can change your consent for such cookies via the Cookie Settings page

Edvisors
  • About Us
  • Official Rules
  • Careers
  • Team
  • Testimonials
Resources
  • Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Tools and Calculators
  • Video Resources
  • Financial Terms Glossary
  • Site Map
Media
  • Edvisors In the News
  • Press
Contact Us
  • Help
  • Ask the Edvisor
  • Student Aid FAQ
  • Directions
Partners
  • Advertise
  • Become an Affiliate
  • Link to Us
Legal
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy
  • Consumer Health Privacy Notice
  • General Website Disclaimer
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Notice at Collection
  • Cookie Settings
  • Your Privacy Choices Your Privacy Choices Icon

Better Business Bureau logo

Edvisors provides expert advice on planning and paying for college. On Edvisors.com easily compare student loan lenders, learn how to apply for financial aid, and discover scholarships. Learn about federal and private student loans for students and parents, how and when to apply to college, and more!

Edvisors (“Edvisors Network, Inc.”) provides independent advertising-supported platforms for consumers to search compare and apply for private student loans. Loan offers from participating lenders that appear on our websites are not affiliated with any college and/or universities, and there are no colleges and/or universities which endorse Edvisors’ products or services. Lender search results do not constitute an official college preferred lender list. Edvisors receives compensation from lenders that appear on this site. This compensation may impact the placement of where lenders appear on this site, for example, the order in which the lenders appear when included in a list. Not all lenders participate in our sites and lenders that do participate may not offer loans to every school.

Edvisors is not a lender and makes no representations or warranties about your eligibility for a particular loan or financial aid. Lenders are solely responsible for any and all credit decisions, loan approval and rates, terms and other costs of the loan offered and may vary based upon the lender you select. Please check with your school or lender directly for information related to your personal eligibility.

Edvisors has endeavored to provide accurate information. However, the results provided by lenders are for illustrative purposes only and accuracy is not guaranteed, as such, Edvisors assumes no responsibility for errors or omission in the information provided.

Copyright © 1998-2025 by Edvisors Network, Inc. All rights reserved.

All other trademarks and service marks displayed on Edvisors Network, Inc. websites are the property of their respective owners.

Edvisors Network, Inc. 350 S. Rampart Blvd, Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89145

Copyright © 2025 by Edvisors.com. All rights reserved.