San Francisco FCU Creates Women's Wealth Initiative
January 11, 2014
In 2013, San Francisco Federal Credit Union created the Women��s Wealth Initiative, a financial education group for women in the Bay Area.
The initial meeting on May 16, 2013, drew 12 participants. The Credit Union invited members and non-members of diverse backgrounds to attend. The first session focused on unique financial challenges women face and strategies for meeting money-related goals.
��We wanted to provide women with a platform for discussing financial issues that matter to them,�� said Lara Brecher, business development officer at San Francisco Federal Credit Union. ��We also hoped to learn how we can help women succeed as they face these issues.��
Attendees first took part in an activity that gauged confidence levels for various financial milestones, such as making large purchases, paying off debt and funding a child��s education. Participants then contributed to a roundtable discussion with guiding questions about financial attitudes and behaviors. The meeting ended with a raffle in which one attendee won a gift basket filled with financial education books, tools and more.
Participants commented on how useful they found the event for determining their own financial goals. ��It was great to get perspective from other people and have [Credit Union] staff available to chat with,�� said one attendee. ��I loved the warmth from everyone.��
The second WWI event featured a small-business panel discussion.
��The Triumphs and Tribulations of Women-Owned Small Businesses�� featured a panel discussion moderated by Jane Gong, project manager for the San Francisco Office of Small Business. The panelists included:
Ģ Dawn Ackerman, president and chief financial officer of OutSmart Office Solutions, Inc.;
Ģ Adele Berry, freelance marketing and business consultant;
Ģ Gabi Moskowitz, editor-in-chief of Broke-Ass Gourmet and author of The Broke-Ass Gourmet Cookbook; and
Ģ Marissa Toriggino, managing partner of Yoga Garden SF.
��We are thrilled with the overwhelming success of our second event,�� said Brecher. ��With so many women now at the helm of small businesses or working toward starting one, we wanted to provide an opportunity for financial and professional business guidance.��
The event��s twenty attendees also enjoyed a networking mixer with refreshments and a raffle featuring prizes donated by the panelists. ��I am so glad that I attended the panel discussion this morning,�� said one attendee. ��Every one of the panelists was very inspirational, and I am honored to have been present to [hear] their wisdom and encouragement.��