Financial Empowerment

Financial Literacy Programs

Women’s empowerment is a part of the YWCA’s core mission, and financial literacy is an essential element for life-long independence, autonomy, and freedom. It’s hard to believe, but for every dollar a man earns, a woman earns 82 cents. Closing that gap is one of the YWCA’s principal goals, which is why we help hundreds of women annually gain independence through economic empowerment programs.

Healthy Money Choices

YWCA Kaua'i offers financial literacy workshops throughout the year, from budget basics to investing 101, through our Healthy Money Choices program. Healthy Money Choices is facilitated by a dedicated volunteer, Marjorie Bennett, CFA, Partner at Chicago Partners, Hawai‘i, LLC. Marjorie has been involved in the asset management and general finance business since 1981.  Prior to Chicago Partners, Hawai‘i, Ms. Bennett had also been employed as a senior financial executive for Bay Area companies, including VP at Morgan Stanley Institutional. Ms. Bennett received her B.S. in Accounting, graduating Cum Laude from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and her M.B.A. Degree from the University of California at Berkeley.  She holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation.

To learn more about upcoming classes or to register for a class, visit the Healthy Money Choices website.  Current and former class participants also have the opportunity to schedule individual coaching sessions.

YWCA University

With the support of one of our partners, the Allstate Foundation, we also present a financial literacy curriculum: “Moving Ahead through Financial Management Curriculum” twice annually through our YWCA University (YU).

The curriculum includes tools and information designed to empower victims of domestic violence and people of all incomes to be self-sufficient with their finances.

Register now for the YU Fall Session!

Former Participants Share YU's Impact on Their Lives:

Ka Malama Ola - Women's Financial Empowerment Conference

Ka Malama Ola is a biennial financial empowerment conference. This one-day event offers financial strategies for women of all ages, economic backgrounds, and levels of financial literacy, with topics including managing debt and credit, investing, furthering your education, and career guidance for women in business. This conference is designed to increase financial health and wellness.