In recognition of Financial Literacy Month, ProFocus Technology sponsored the Women’s Wealth & Wellness Panel on April 17, 2025, as part of our Women in Focus initiative. The event convened women leaders from tech, finance, and wellness to discuss the relationship between money, confidence, and personal well-being, and how to take actionable steps toward financial empowerment.
Setting the Stage
The evening began with opening remarks from event sponsors ProFocus Technology and Trimble, both of whom shared insights about their internal women’s resource groups and their commitment to equity and inclusion. As well as an introduction to SIM Women, a network inside the Society for Information Management to promote communication, mentorship, leadership and career development amongst the female members of SIM.
Moderator Jennifer Waldrip introduced the conversation with a powerful series of data points:
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47% of U.S. adults say money negatively affects their mental health
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Only 20% of women work with a financial professional
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Single women are the least likely group to seek financial guidance
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39% of women feel confident in reaching their financial goals, compared to 46% of men
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43% of women worry about money daily, compared to 36% of men
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Women working full-time earn just 83.6% of what men earn
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Women are responsible for or influence 85% of consumer spending decisions
These statistics provided vital context for the event’s theme: helping women feel more in control of their money, careers, and futures.
How We Got Here: A Brief History
The panel also acknowledged how recent and hard-won many financial rights are for women:
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1963: Equal Pay Act – Made it illegal to pay men and women differently for the same work
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1974: Equal Credit Opportunity Act – Allowed women to apply for credit without a male co-signer, advancing financial independence
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1981: Supreme Court ruling – Struck down “Head and Master” laws, giving married women equal legal authority over household finances
These milestones set the stage for today’s challenges and underscored the importance of continued progress.
Key Takeaways from the Panel
Throughout the evening, attendees gained practical advice and real-life insights from women at the forefront of their fields:
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Financial literacy is essential to building personal and professional freedom
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Financial independence influences career confidence and decision-making
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Salary negotiations are a learned skill—and a necessary one
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Financial transitions (like job changes, caregiving, or divorce) require planning
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Financial choices have lasting impacts on mental, emotional, and physical well-being
Meet the Moderator and Panelists
Jennifer Waldrip – VP, Partner, ProFocus Technology
An experienced industry leader, Jennifer brought warmth and clarity to the discussion, keeping the panel focused on actionable insights.
Lori Gilyard – Vice President of IT, Ardon Health
Lori shared her perspective as a tech executive leading large-scale operations, highlighting the importance of advocating for yourself and mentoring others.
Aimee Keeney – Wealth Advisor, Firenze Wealth Management
Aimee offered practical strategies to simplify financial planning, break down emotional money blocks, and set long-term goals.
Michelle Harrell – Founder, Tree of Life Facilitation Services & Purple City Retreats
Michelle spoke about the connection between financial stress and mental wellness, encouraging attendees to prioritize self-awareness and healing.
Vidhya Chandrasekaran – Technology Leader, Former VP of Engineering & CISO
Vidhya discussed how a structured mindset and ongoing mentorship can create opportunities for growth and financial stability in tech.
Featured Resources
Resources shared on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or career advice. ProFocus Technology does not endorse or guarantee the accuracy of third-party content. Please consult a professional for personalized guidance.
PDFs and Tools
Books and Podcasts
About Women in Focus
Women in Focus is a ProFocus-led initiative dedicated to supporting women in technology through leadership development, networking, and access to meaningful resources. Originally started as an internal employee group, it now connects professionals across Portland and beyond. In the past, the group hosted events such as a panel on Strategies for Hiring, Retaining & Elevating Women in IT Leadership.
We extend our sincere thanks to our panelists, attendees, and community partners like SIM Women for helping make this event possible. During Financial Literacy Month and beyond, we’re proud to help shape a future where women have the tools, support, and confidence to thrive.
