Built by young people, for young people.
Prosperity Paradox was founded by Egyptian-Canadian student Omar Zaky in a high-school classroom in 2022. Frustrated that students were not being taught real-life financial skills, Omar created the first workshop to make financial education simple, practical, and accessible. Today, Prosperity Paradox has grown into a global community of 2,000+ learners across 14 countries.
Mission
To equip underprivileged students and aspiring entrepreneurs with the financial knowledge, confidence, and resources they need to build prosperous futures.
Vision
A world where every young person, regardless of background, has access to the tools, opportunities, and support needed to turn potential into prosperity.
Values
We believe financial education should be accessible to everyone. Through integrity, peer-to-peer learning, and inclusive design, we aim to support young people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, impairments, learning differences, mental health challenges, and diverse sexualities and identities.
Milestones
The journey so far
- 012022
Founded through offline classes
Prosperity Paradox began in 2022 when one high school student launched free financial literacy classes with 30 peers, teaching practical money skills students were not learning in school.
- 022023
Expanded through South Africa
While in South Africa, Prosperity Paradox connected with South African students and youth communities, helping the initiative grow beyond its first classroom and start gaining learners from different countries.
- 032024
Opportunities Hub launches
Prosperity Paradox expanded beyond financial literacy by curating scholarships, fellowships, competitions, and youth opportunities, making access easier for students from underserved backgrounds.
- 042025–2026
Reached 2,000+ learners and relaunched online
Prosperity Paradox empowered more than 2,000 marginalized learners across 14 countries and relaunched its website with a stronger Learn Hub, Opportunities Hub, interactive quizzes, weekly challenges, and short-form learning tools.
Our team
The humans behind it
Mostly students and recent grads, scattered across the continent.
Omar Zaky
Founder & Executive Director
Omar Zaky is a young Egyptian changemaker passionate about education, storytelling, and making complex ideas easier for people to understand. His work is driven by a belief that knowledge should not feel intimidating, but accessible, practical, and empowering.
Fatima Baimkhanova
Head of Programs
Designs the learning experience. Yale-bound on full scholarship.
Adham Zaky
Entrepreneurship Lead
Founder of two student-led businesses. Mentors aspiring founders.
Kwame Owusu
Content Director
Translates economics into stories anyone can understand.
Zainab Ibrahim
Community Manager
Builds the volunteer network across 14 countries.
Daniel Mensah
Partnerships
Connects students with funders, mentors, and opportunities.
Organizations and opportunities we highlight