The iOme (I OWE ME) Challenge is a national competition operated by The Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement (WISER) to raise awareness among college students about the impact of financial security in retirement on the social and economic well being of our society. Students from across the country respond to the annual iOme Challenge question in the form of a policy and research paper and a promotional video. A blue ribbon panel judges the submissions and selects the winning team.

This year, students were asked to imagine that they have been invited by Congress to join a Special Bipartisan Task Force to address the nation's growing retirement crisis. Their task was to develop ideas and solutions for increasing retirement savings opportunities for millennials.

Evan’s essay, Rethinking Millennial Retirement: Policy Recommendations for a Gig Economy, “demonstrated great policy depth, a keen understanding of the challenges millennials face, and creativity in devising solutions that are achievable for this age cohort” said David Wegge, Interim Dean of Schneider School of Business and Economics, St. Norbert College, one of the founders of the competition, and a member of the judging panel.

Cindy Hounsell, President of Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, sponsor of the competition said, “We are impressed by Mr. Avila’s response to the more complicated challenges and deterrents millennials face in preparing for their future retirement. We look forward to his presentation and policy discussion at our upcoming symposium.”

As the winner, Mr. Avila will present his paper at a symposium on Capitol Hill and have an opportunity to discuss it with public policymakers. The faculty advisor for the project, Professor Douglas J. Lamdin, department of Economics at UMBC, will also attend and participate in the panel. The symposium, "The Millennial Perspective: An Intergenerational Discussion on Retirement Solutions" will be held on June 20, 2018 and is sponsored by WISER. A keynote speaker, panels of experts and congressional staff leaders will also discuss current issues and legislative proposals. A reception will follow honoring the iOme Challenge winner. 

Congratulations, Evan!