Unlocked Foundation’s Inspiring Hamptons Women's Wealth Summit: Why Women Need to Talk More About Money
The sun was shining, the energy was electric, and the conversation was powerful. That's the perfect encapsulation of the recent Hamptons Women's Wealth Summit hosted by the Unlocked Foundation and sponsored by UBS. As the founder of WERULE, a community dedicated to empowering female entrepreneurs, I couldn't have been more thrilled to be a part of this incredible event.
One of the highlights for me was seeing our dear friend (and the amazing human who invited us), Ebony Young, the Deputy Borough President of Brooklyn, moderate a panel featuring a former WNBA player Niesha Butler. The passion and expertise Ebony brought to the table were truly inspiring. Another powerhouse moderator was Cathleen Trigg – her energy is absolutely contagious! Congratulations to Savaria Harris, the executive director of the Unlocked Foundation, on an amazing line up of speakers — I have never taken so many notes in my life.
Savaria Harris, Executive Director @ Unlocked
But what truly resonated with me, and undoubtedly with all the phenomenal women in attendance, was the focus on women and wealth. It's a topic that, for far too long, has been shrouded in secrecy or deemed "unladylike." It's time for that to change.
Why Women Need to Talk About Money More
Let's face it, ladies: we need to be talking more openly and honestly about money. We need to discuss investments,understand fundraising strategies, and feel empowered to negotiate our worth. As one of the panelists so aptly pointed out,"Men talk about money advice, women talk about beauty tips." This needs to be a conversation we own.
Ebony Young moderating a panel with Niesha Butler
Cathleen Trigg moderating a panel
LESSON 1: Starting the Conversation with Your Friends
Maybe the idea of initiating a money chat with your girlfriends feels intimidating. Here are some tips to get you started:
Frame it as an empowering experience: Let your friends know you're on a journey to financial literacy and want to learn together.
Start small: Suggest discussions on budgeting apps, saving strategies, or even sharing salary ranges (anonymously if necessary) to gauge compensation fairness.
Make it fun!: Turn it into a girls' night in! Grab some wine, snacks, and financial literacy resources to create a supportive and informative environment.
LESSON 2: We're All Part of the Ecosystem, Not the Competition
At WERULE, we believe in the power of collaboration. Witnessing the diverse group of women at the Wealth Summit, all working towards financial empowerment, solidified this belief. We're not competitors; we're an ecosystem. Here's why this collaborative approach is crucial:
Shared knowledge is multiplied knowledge: Learning from each other's experiences expands our financial toolkit.
Strength in numbers: When women support one another, we amplify each other's voices and impact.
Building a network of trust: Having a supportive network of women can be invaluable when navigating the complexities of wealth creation.
The Unlocked Foundation’s Hamptons Women's Wealth Summit was a shining example of what can be achieved when women come together, share openly, and support each other's growth. Let's continue this momentum, break the taboo surrounding women and wealth, and empower ourselves and each other to achieve financial independence. Remember, ladies, WE RULE!
