2015–2019
The Arkeo Camino Podcast and the financial-literacy initiative take root — telling stories instead of teaching spreadsheets.
Our story is a pilgrimage
From a kitchen-table podcast about money to grants that change students' paths — Arkeo has always been about one thing: helping people reach enough.
Where we began
Created by Catholics, for everyone
Arkeo was born in 2019 out of a simple observation: money is hard to talk about, because so often it feels like there just isn't enough to go around. Our founders believed the opposite — that financial life is not a spreadsheet, but a journey, walked one day at a time. Stories, not spreadsheets.
Our roots are Catholic and our reach is to anyone who seeks what we offer. The scallop shell in our logo is the pilgrim shell of the Camino de Santiago — a token gathered from the sea after a long journey. The sunbeams and the path represent the day-in, day-out walking of any worthwhile pilgrimage.
Money, handled well, becomes freedom — and free people free people.
How we've grown
From podcast to philanthropy
Our work has deepened over the years, but the compass has never moved.
May 2019
Arkeo Financial Wisdom, Inc. is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation in Texas.
May 2020
The IRS grants 501(c)(3) exempt status — donations become tax-deductible, and the work becomes official.
2023–today
The calling sharpens: grants for under-resourced scholars — tuition assistance, tutoring, coaching, counseling and caregiver resources.
Over the last three fiscal years we have awarded approximately $1.38 million through just seven grants — a deliberately lean, pass-through model: receive contributions, put them to work for students, hold almost nothing back. This evolution is documented in our public Form 990 filings.
What we believe
Three convictions guide every grant
Enough for everyone
Arkeō is the Greek word for "enough." We believe the fear that there isn't enough is precisely what keeps people from their God-given capacity for creativity and meaningful work.
Free people free people
Scholarship doesn't end with one student. Freedom passed forward — to family, to neighbors, to the next generation — is the whole point of what we fund.
A pilgrimage, not a sprint
Progress is day-in, day-out — sunbeams and a path. We walk alongside scholars for the long haul, not just for one award cycle.
Governance
Small board. Zero salaries. Full accountability.
Arkeo is governed by a volunteer board that serves without compensation — as reported on our Form 990 filings for FY2023, FY2024 and FY2025. There are no paid staff, no outside fundraisers and no debt.
Officers of the corporation
As listed on Form 990, all serving without compensation.
- Robert CammackPresident
- Traci D. NicholsTreasurer
- Aaron BlowersSecretary
Volunteer Board
Governance rests with a volunteer board that sets direction, approves every grant and reviews the annual budget. Members serve without compensation.
Active Committees
Our working committees keep the operation lean and transparent: grants review, finance and stewardship, and outreach — each accountable to the board.
Officer information is drawn from our publicly filed IRS Form 990s (FY2023–FY2025), available on our impact page.
Founders
The pilgrims who started the walk
Arkeo began around a kitchen table in East Texas. These are the founders who first carried the shell — their story remains the heart of ours.
Amanda Martinez Beck
Co-founder, Director and Chief Creative Officer; with her husband Zachary, co-host of the Arkeo Camino podcast. She wrote the vision that became the mission.
Zachary Beck
Presenter and Pilgrim Guide; co-host of the Arkeo Camino podcast, which carried the "stories, not spreadsheets" philosophy to listeners nationwide.
Rob Cammack
Co-founder and founding CEO; today he serves as President of the board, keeping the founding vision alive in every grant decision.
Our commitment
Non-discrimination policy
Created by Catholics for everyone — we mean everyone. Arkeo Financial Wisdom Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of:
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Race, color & national origin Including ethnicity and citizenship status.
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Religion & faith Students of every faith and of none are equally welcome.
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Sex, gender & sexual orientation Including gender identity and gender expression.
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Age, disability & marital status We fund scholars as they are, where they are.
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Military & veteran status Including family members of those who serve.
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Any other protected class As defined by federal, state or local law.
Reporting concerns — confidentially.
Anyone who believes they have experienced or witnessed discrimination in any Arkeo program or decision may report it confidentially to the board, either in writing to [email protected] (mark "Confidential — Board") or anonymously through our reporting form. Reports are reviewed by the full board; we respond within 5 business days.
This policy applies to all programs, grants, employment and volunteer activities, in accordance with our status as a tax-exempt public charity under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Where we walk
Serving East Texas, from Tyler outward
Registered officeTyler, TX — where the board meets and filings are kept
Service areaUnder-resourced scholars across East Texas
Beyond bordersRemote and partner-supported programs nationwide
Walk with us
There is room on the path for you
Support a scholar's journey — or start one of your own.