Jackie Wiley-Sistrunk, 49
On a crusade since: 1994
Day job: Education and outreach coordinator, Seniors Against Investment Fraud
Achievement: Putting retirees on guard against con artists
Why she's a hero: Working at a state financial-protection agency, Wiley-Sistrunk often heard from seniors hit by fraud. After SAIF launched with a Department of Justice grant in 2001 -- enabling volunteers to teach peers how to avoid rip-offs -- she worked hard to spread its message; last year she spoke to 3,000 seniors herself.
SAIF is a model for agencies in nine other states.
"Some seniors are savvy. Some are sweet and trusting. That's why education is important," she says.
Helping retirees and technology professionals get back to work is a labor of love for these MONEY heroes.
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