Parker MacIntyre attorneys were pleased to attend and support the She Leads seminars held in Atlanta on May 3, 2019 and in Columbus on November 20, 2019. She Leads is a financial education and outreach program administered by the Georgia Securities and Charities Division (Securities Division) that provides free seminars and educational resources to women in Georgia.
Launched in 2019 by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, She Leads aims to improve financial literacy and investor knowledge among women through engagement, collaboration, and discussion with other women. The Securities Division determined the need for this type of program through a 2018 survey conducted in collaboration with the Investor Protection Trust (IPT) and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE).
The 2018 survey found that of the 1,200 survey participants, less than half of the women respondents were not currently planning for retirement, due to a lack of confidence and information. 33% of respondents, of which 53% were women, said they did not know enough about saving and investing to feel comfortable doing it. At the same time, the survey also confirmed that more and more women were becoming responsible for family investments and finances, which highlighted the importance for this type of program.
At the inaugural She Leads seminar held in Atlanta on May 3, 2019, Secretary Raffensperger acknowledged that “women account for more than half of our state’s population and are becoming increasingly active stakeholders in our state’s economy, especially as new entrepreneurs and job-creators.” She Leads seeks to encourage this economic development by bringing together women from various financial sectors, including the government, private businesses, and other institutions, to discuss the unique challenges they face in securing, protecting and growing their wealth.
By educating women and increasing access to financial resources and other tools, She Leads hopes to empower women with the confidence to improve their financial wellbeing and succeed in business and entrepreneurship. Originally designed as an in-person seminar featuring expert speakers, interactive exercises, and facilitated group discussions, She Leads has since transitioned to an online webinar format. This was due in large part to the COVID-19 pandemic of 2019 which continues to have an impact on in-person gatherings.
Parker MacIntyre was pleased to be a supporting sponsor during 2019 and to co-sponsor these important events held in Atlanta and Columbus. Information about She Leads and future She Leads events can be found here: https://sos.ga.gov/page/she-leads-about-us.