Women and Money banner
Women and Money banner
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm
Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS
(view in maps)
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 8:00am-4:00pm | Children’s Mercy Park, Kansas City, KS   (view in maps)
Photo of Loren Halifax
Photo of Children's Mercy Park
Photo of Loren Halifax
Photo of Children's Mercy Park

Register Here

Women & Money is hosted by the Kansas Financial Empowerment Foundation and the Kansas State Treasurer. This daylong conference is dedicated to empowering and educating women interested in unlocking their financial future. Whether you're looking to save more, get out of debt, or even start your own business, this event has something for everyone.

Admission is complimentary for all attendees. Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Register today to secure your spot.

Why Financial Empowerment?

Consumer debt is at an all time high of $17.3 trillion- $4.6 trillion higher than the $12.7 trillion peak reached in 2008 during the Global Financial Crisis.

Student loan debt reached a staggering $1.77 trillion in 2023 and is continuing to grow, impacting young American’s ability to purchase a home and start a family.

According to Experian, the average credit card debt in America grew to $6,501 in 2023, a 10% increase from 2022.
In fall 2022, around 75% of Americans reported to have some savings for retirement, but 28% reported having none. In 2023, a survey was completed finding that 31% of workers experienced moderate to significant financial instability and ended up taking money out of their retirement to pay for short- term expenses.

More than one-third of Americans have less than $5,000 saved up for emergencies, with 25% of those having no emergency savings at all.

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Why Women?

Why Women section image

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Our Speakers

Candy Valentino Candy Valentino, Keynote Speaker
Founder, Investor, and WSJ best selling author
https://www.candyvalentino.com

Closing Speaker Brandi Spurling, Closing Speaker
Founder of Sage Culture Co.
www.brandispurling.com

Steven Johnson
Steven Johnson
State Treasurer
Event Host
Adriana Bates
Adriana Bates
Founder and CEO
Clear Mortgage LLC
Lisa Blake
Lisa Blake
Wealth Mgmt Advisor
U.S. Bank
Sarah Jabbour
Sarah Jabbour
Owner & Buyer
SCOOBIE Boutique
Vicki Schmidt
Vicki Schmidt
State of Kansas
Insurance Commissioner
Kelly Uran
Kelly Uran, CFP
Private Wealth Advisor
U.S. Bank
Brianne Johnson
Brianne Johnson
National Accounts Manager
Security Benefit
Doug Wareham
Doug Wareham
President & CEO
Kansas Bankers Association
Jy Maze
Jy Maze
President & CEO
Maze Freight Solutions Inc.
Teresa Stewart
Teresa Stewart
529 Business Development Consultant
American Century Investments
Emily Cullinan
Emily Cullinan
National Accounts
American Century Investments
Lori Schock
Lori Schock
Director
Office of Investor Education and Advocacy
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Sally Brungardt
Sally Brungardt
Investment Advisor
Modern Woodmen of America
Lauren Childers
Lauren Childers
Director
Consumer Assistance Division
KS Department of Insurance
DeAnn Hill
DeAnn Hill
CPA/CGMA/PFS
Teresa Hamilton
Teresa Hamilton
Founder & CEO
Giving the Basics
Jamie Cosgrove
Jamie Cosgrove
VP-Manager
KBA Legal Department
Kansas Bankers Association
Vivian Tsai
Vivian Tsai
Head of Relationship Management
TIAA
Emily West
Emily West
FCI Advisors

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Schedule

8:00 – 8:30 Registration / Vendor Visits / Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 Welcome from Dan Lolli, COO Sporting KC and Master of Ceremonies Loren Halifax, Fox 4 Kansas City
8:45 – 9:30 From Surviving to Thriving: Building Your Financial Freedom
9:30 – 10:30 Keynote Speaker: Candy Valentino
10:45 – 11:30 Track 1: Saving Through the Decades:
Understanding that as women age, the steps we take should change as it relates to savings and spending. Best practices in saving for life and retirement are crucial at every stage, whether you are in your 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, or beyond. It's essential to understand your personal perception of savings. Even if you haven't prioritized this yet, it's never too late! Learn how to design your wealth creation journey, nurture it over time, and safeguard it from the unpredictable.
10:45 – 11:30 Track 2: Launch Your Dream:Practical Steps for Starting Your Own Business:
Join us for a panel discussion with a group of dynamic female business owners. Whether you're in the idea stage or ready to take the plunge, you'll leave with actionable strategies and inspiration from these successful entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your business vision into reality. It’s your chance to get pumped up, get practical advice, and start making your business dreams come true.
11:30 – 12:00 Lunch Buffett / Vendor Visits
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch Panel of Experts – Building Your Financial Legacy
1:00 – 1:45 Track 1: Preserving Your Future:
Protecting wealth requires a defensive approach. Commissioner Vicki Schmidt and the panelists will discuss different approaches to protecting your hard-earned money. Whether you’re in the process of building your own nest egg or taking vigilant steps against bad actors targeting the savings of a loved one, learning from the panel’s defensive strategies will help you better protect against financial setbacks.
1:00 – 1:45 Track 2: Smart Money Kids: Setting Your Family up for Financial Success
Nearly 74% of high school seniors would fail a basic test of personal financial literacy and the majority of young adults attribute their knowledge of money management basics to their parents.
If you have children or grandchildren between the ages of 3 and 18, you play a significant role in helping them become financially responsible adults.
Learn how to talk to your kids about money in a meaningful way and discover fun and interactive ways to help kids understand personal finance concepts such as:
  • Setting financial goals
  • Needs versus wants
  • Living within their means
  • Additionally, student loan debt has grown to an average of over $28,000 per borrower. Learn more about educational costs that face students today and saving for them from kindergarten all the way to graduation so that the children in your life can enter adulthood set up for financial success.
    2:00 – 2:45 Closing Speaker: Brandi Spurling
    2:45 – 3:00 Event Wrap Up / Survey / Giveaways
    3:00 – 4:00 Last Chance for Vendor Visits and Networking
    4:00 – 6:00 After event Hors d’Oeuvres at Granite City, Legends
    4:00 – 8:00 VIP Access to Legends Outlets Kansas City

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    Advisory Committee

    Kim Borchers

    Kim Borchers is a thought leader in the realm of talent acquisition and leadership development, serving as the President and owner of Bird Dog Recruitment and Consulting LLC. Her firm stands at the forefront of placing C-suite talent within the highest echelons of state and federal government, specializing in comprehensive management development initiatives.

    Beyond her professional endeavors, Kim is deeply involved in various civic and philanthropic endeavors. She proudly serves as the Kansas Republican National Committeewoman for the RNC and holds directorial positions at Kansas Delta Dental and the Eisenhower in Public Service Series. Additionally, she contributes her expertise as a board member for the Topeka Women's Fund, Cair Paravel Latin School, and the transformative Project 2 Restore, dedicated to supporting women rescued from sex trafficking.

    Kim's personal life is characterized by a steadfast partnership with her husband, Dr. Tim, spanning 29 years. Together, they reside in Topeka, KS, where they cherish their roles as parents to three accomplished children, a beloved son-in-law, and a cherished granddaughter. Kim's multifaceted commitment to professional excellence, civic engagement, and family values exemplifies her as a true leader in her community and beyond.



    Emily Cullinan

    Emily Cullinan is a Relationship Manager on the National Accounts team at American Century Investments. In this role, she is responsible for working with the State of Kansas to the assist in managing the Kansas 529 Educational Savings Plans. She is also a founding member and past board chair of the Accelerate Women’s Business Resource Group.

    Prior to joining American Century, she worked at Mariner Holdings, as a member of their National Accounts team and AllianceBernstein where she was a Product Manager for Global Business Development. She began her career as a Financial Analyst at Morgan Stanley.

    Emily has previously served on the board for GenKC and is a member of the Olathe Public Schools Foundation Women’s Giving Circle.

    She resides in Lenexa, KS with her husband and three children. In her free time, she enjoys reading and is a founding member of 3 Sisters Book Club KC, an organization that focuses on supporting local reading communities through public book clubs and other literary minded events.




    Peggy J. Dunn
    Peggy J. Dunn

    Peggy J. Dunn is a lifelong resident of the Greater Kansas City area and a graduate of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. She served as Mayor of Leawood, Kansas, from 1997 until her retirement in 2024.

    Peggy is currently involved with a number of civic and nonprofit organizations. Some of these include participating on the Governing Boards of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Union Station Kansas City, the Hall Family Foundation, and Rockhurst University.

    Peggy and her husband, Terry Dunn, have four grown children and 14 grandchildren.







    Payton Lacey
    Payton Lacey

    Payton Lacey is the Legislative Policy Director for Kansas Speaker of the House, Dan Hawkins. In this role, she is responsible for tracking, informing, and reporting to the Speaker and Caucus on vital legislation that is traveling throughout the House and Senate. The responsibility for handling important policy allows her to play this key role in the People’s House.

    Prior to joining the Kansas Speaker of the House’s office, she worked at the State of Kansas Treasurer’s Office, as a member of the executive staff as the Manager of Executive Affairs. There, she oversaw executive operations and affairs, was a member of the Treasurer’s Advisory Committee, and played a key role in launching the Women and Money project in 2023.


    Payton Lacey is the Legislative Policy Director for Kansas Speaker of the House, Dan Hawkins. In this role, she is responsible for tracking, informing, and reporting to the Speaker and Caucus on vital legislation that is traveling throughout the House and Senate. The responsibility for handling important policy allows her to play this key role in the People’s House.

    Prior to joining the Kansas Speaker of the House’s office, she worked at the State of Kansas Treasurer’s Office, as a member of the executive staff as the Manager of Executive Affairs. There, she oversaw executive operations and affairs, was a member of the Treasurer’s Advisory Committee, and played a key role in launching the Women and Money project in 2023.

    She began her state office career on senior staff as the Constituent Relations Liaison for former Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt. While in this role, she also served as Chair of the Education and Outreach Subcommittee on the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Council.

    Payton resides outside of her hometown of Waverly, KS with her husband, daughter, two dogs, and farm animals. In her free time, she enjoys taking care of the farm, coaching and playing volleyball, and spending time with her family and friends.




    Anna Milbach
    Anna Milbach

    Anna Milbach is a Government Banking Relationship Manager and Senior Vice President at U.S. Bank and has been with the bank since 2013. Prior to joining U.S. Bank, Anna was with another large Bank for seven years with roles in Business Banking and leadership positions. Anna serves exclusively government clients throughout a few states in the Midwest. Anna has a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Management all from the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

    Anna currently serves on the Women Lead Change Board of Directors and is on the Steering Committee for Women United. Anna previously served on the Rochester Art Center Board and Waypoint Services Board. She is Leadership Greater Rochester Alumni and Leadership for Five Seasons Alumni. She also is a Waypoint Tribute to Women Honoree, Iowa Women’s Foundation Ovation Honoree and has co-chaired U.S. Bank’s local United Way campaign.




    Kathy Taylor
    Kathy Taylor

    Kathy Taylor grew up in Mahaska, Kansas, and graduated from North Central High School. She received her undergraduate degree from Kansas State University, and her law degree from the University of Kansas, School of Law.

    After working as in-house counsel in a community bank for 2 years, she was hired by the Kansas Bankers Association to serve as Associate General Counsel and then as General Counsel for a combined 35 years.

    Kathy spends most of her time in government relations for the KBA as she assists those efforts at the State and Federal levels. She also manages the legal affairs of the KBA.

    When not on duty for the KBA, you will find Kathy and her husband, Tony, enjoying the outdoors.




    Sara Hart Weir
    Sara Hart Weir

    Sara Hart Weir is the Executive Director of the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council and a Senior Advisor of ABLE today, an initiative of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). Weir has been working in the disability community for over two decades as a nonprofit executive, disability activist and ABLE expert. She served as the President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure, led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress. Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led four successful federal improvements to the original ABLE Act.


    Sara Hart Weir is the Executive Director of the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council and a Senior Advisor of ABLE today, an initiative of the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST). Weir has been working in the disability community for over two decades as a nonprofit executive, disability activist and ABLE expert. She served as the President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure, led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress. Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led four successful federal improvements to the original ABLE Act.

    Her passion, ignited by her late friend Kasey with Down syndrome, continues to drive Weir to ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table, equity in the workplace and actively engaged in our economy. Weir co-founded the U.S. Future of Work for People with Disabilities Commission along side CEOs from Voya and SHRM, established NDSS’ first-ever employment program and remains a leading voice to end the discriminatory practice of sub-minimum wage.

    Weir was also the primary runner up in for U.S. Congress in Kansas' Third Congressional district in 2020. Weir serves on the Board of Directors for 2-Gether International, Creative Spirit and Golden Scoop in her hometown of Overland Park, Kansas.

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    Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!

    Title Sponsor
    American Century Logo

    Platinum Sponsors

    Security Benefit Logo     Kansas Bankers Association Logo

    Gold Sponsors

    Delta Dental Logo Office of the State Bank Commissioner Logo The Policy Circle

    Walmart Logo US Bank Logo

    Silver Sponsors
    Bicknell Legacy Foundation Logo Kansas Insurance Department Logo Blue Cross Blue Shield of KC Logo Smart Women Smart Money Logo Midwest Trust FCI Advisors Logo TIAA Logo Bird Dog Logo

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