Our Money Talks program is a virtual community made up of Black women of various backgrounds and life stages who meet regularly to engage, share with each other, and learn from experts about saving and investing. The program’s ultimate goal is to reduce barriers that women of color face in building generational wealth, by increasing their knowledge and confidence in money management and investing.

On November 19th, several of the participants of the first cohort met downtown at Emerald City to celebrate their growth and achievements since starting the series of workshops and virtual trainings. Program trainers include Jessica Perrone, founder of Her Financial IQ, Veronique Scullion, financial planner at Northwestern Mutual, Tamika Barrett, Director of Family Development at Open Hands Ministries, and Violet Graham, controller at Neighborhood Allies. The program was crafted by our very own Sarah Dieleman Perry, Director of Economic Opportunity.

Participant Karen Craig summed up the feelings of many of the participants when asked what she gained from the program.

“For me…it was just to know that I wasn’t alone. To know that there were other women that were struggling in the same areas that I was struggling with.”

Hear more about what Karen took from the Money Talks Program:

“Money Talks exceeded my expectations — from the number of local Black women interested in this opportunity, to the expertise and relatability of the trainers, and the openness of each participant to try something new and encourage each other in their journeys. Several people paid off their credit card debt and others raised their credit scores. Everyone learned the language of investing and tips they can use to invest with confidence. I’m hoping to launch an expansion of Money Talks in 2023 so stay tuned!”  

Sarah Dieleman Perry, Director of Economic Opportunity