Maggie Lena Walker was born on July 15th, 1864, in Richmond, Virginia to enslaved parents. Before becoming known as a prominent leader for both women and Black people, she had intricate beginnings that molded her to the person she became. 

From a young age, Walker was instilled with the values of service and community. She learned from both her family values as well as educational background. From attending local schools, Walker was intrigued by math and business, and pursued opportunities in those realms. After her basic education at established public schools for African Americans in Richmond, she trained to be a teacher and taught at the Valley School for three years. Although she quit her job as a teacher after getting married, she was actively engaged in her community and interests. In 1881, she joined the Independent Order of St. Luke's as a teenager, which was an African American organization that centralized on aiding elderly in her community. 

As part of the organization, she published The St. Luke Herald in 1902 and discussed the economic power of establishing African-American voices. The following year, she founded St. Like Penny Savings Bank and was titled as the first Black woman to establish and become president of a bank in the United States. Not only was this a symbol of power and representation, but it encouraged both adults and children to become more involved in economics. 

Walker had a passion for not only encouraging African Americans but also women in her community to push for their voices and take upon more roles. Walker faced numerous issues in her life related to economics and society, and she fueled her actions by these experiences.