Operation HOPE has launched Juanita, its AI financial concierge, within its HOPE in Hand mobile application. This will make it easier for individuals to access personal financial advice, with users able to download the application onto their Apple and Android devices. Operation HOPE is a non-profit organisation helping low and moderate income Americans succeed in an evolving economy. Individuals will be supported with everyday financial decisions and long term financial goals through the use of Juanita.
Juanita was launched as part of Operation HOPE’s HOPE AI™ initiative in August 2026. This artificially intelligent financial coach provides 24/7 free financial education and advice on budgeting, saving, credit, reducing debt and setting financial goals. With Juanita now integrated into HOPE in Hand, you can chat to her using your smartphone to get advice.
“Financial guidance should be accessible to everyone, not just those who can afford it,” said John Hope Bryant, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE. Bryant is Co-Chair of HOPE AI™ alongside Van Jones. Jones is the Founder of Dream Machine, a media personality, an entrepreneur and a best-selling author.
Juanita Honors a Mother’s Legacy
Operation HOPE is named after Juanita Murray Smith, the mother of our Founder, Chairman and CEO John Hope Bryant. Juanita raised her children as a single mom in South Central Los Angeles and lost everything during her divorce. However, she built her financial knowledge and skills and gained ownership of several properties becoming a millionaire. Her story inspired us to create Juanita. The aim of the coach is to help individuals and families improve their access to financial education to build a better future.
“My mother taught me firsthand how financial knowledge can change the trajectory of a person’s life, and Juanita is a tribute to her legacy and the lessons she instilled in me. By bringing Juanita into the HOPE in Hand app, we’re putting the power of AI-driven financial education directly into people’s hands, giving them another tool to build financial confidence, make informed decisions and create a stronger financial future,” Bryant added.
HOPE AI™ Expands Financial Empowerment
Juanita works alongside Operation HOPE’s network of certified financial coaches. The AI coach gives immediate, on-demand help. In addition, it helps users build the knowledge and confidence to take their next step. Juanita is the first client-facing solution developed through HOPE AI™. Consequently, it marks a significant milestone for the initiative.
HOPE AI™ is a first-of-its-kind collaboration. It brings together Operation HOPE, Dream Machine, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, UNCF, 100 Black Men of America and Shopify. Together, these partners use AI to expand access to trusted coaching, financial education and economic opportunity. Moreover, the HOPE in Hand integration shows the initiative’s steady progress. It delivers AI-powered financial empowerment directly to individuals and families in underserved communities.
Users can access Juanita by downloading the free HOPE in Hand app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Meanwhile, Juanita remains available to everyone who signs up for Operation HOPE services at portal.operationhope.org.
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News Source: Businesswire.com
