By Aqueila M. Lewis

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Oakland Bay Area Chapter, held its first financial seminar at the 11th annual Madam C.J. Walker Business and Community Recognition Awards Luncheon Friday at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel.

The “Grow Your Money in Any Climate” seminar, panel and networking reception with private bankers was sponsored by Wells Fargo. Panelist gave brief explanations on understanding investments, provided investment strategies for today’s market and explained why women are good investors.

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Participants learned how to successfully travel the road to financial independence by building financial knowledge, skills and the confidence needed in gaining control of finances, increasing savings, reducing debt, managing retirement funds and making informed decisions.

Panelists included Joanne Schultz, senior vice president and director of affluent market strategy; Julia Sze, senior investment strategist; Michael Hobson, assistant vice president and financial consultant; Joy Gibson, Ellsworth branch manager; and Michelle Thornhill, senior vice president and African American Segment manager.

“The good news is that we have a flexible and fluid economy. The previous model will have to change and will shift in areas that are more optimized,” said Sze. “There is a lot of opportunity.”

A’Lelia Bundles, author and great-great-granddaughter of Madam C.J. Walker, provided a slide show and history lesson on Walker, the first African American female self-made millionaire and business leader, and encouraged participants to take the initiative to make steps toward financial freedom.

“It’s not too early to think about who you will be,” Bundles said. “Say no when someone is trying to get you to do what you don’t want to do. Always lead with compassion, use your confidence and courage to help someone else. (Madam C.J. Walker) was economically independent and used her money to make a difference in her community. Your first duty is to humanity … use it in a way that makes a difference in the community.”

The financial seminar was preceded by a luncheon during which more than 1,000 attendees gathered to celebrate the life of Walker and excellence of female African American leaders and entrepreneurs. The midday affair included a VIP reception, exhibits, raffles, silent action and inspirational music by Destiny and Nona Brown. There was also a book signing by Bundles, mistress of ceremonies Dr. Brenda Wade and Regina Jackson, executive director of the East Oakland Youth Development Center.

Keeping with the theme of empowerment, Wade encouraged participants several times to say “I expect the best” while giving the person next to them a “high five.” Keynote speaker Faye Wattleton, president of the Center for the Advancement of Women and former president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, spoke on looking beneath the surface of life’s meanings, and the lessons she learned that helped her become the women she is today.

“As women, we are not conditioned to think of ourselves as leaders,” said Wattleton. “The time is always right to do the right thing, and the burden of doing the right thing always falls on our shoulders … in this lowly position of leadership, we must make the changes for the advancement of women. Our struggles are universal. It’s a moment of great opportunity for women.”
Honors and awards were given to six women for their hard work, entrepreneurial achievements and contributions to their communities. Honorees included: C. Diane Howell, Entrepreneur Award (posthumous); Dr. Sharon Williams, Pioneer Award; Dr. Melanie Tervalon, Corporate Award; Regina Jackson, Advocacy Award; Tyler Jackson, 2009 Positive Steps essay winner; and Virgie Maney, Wells Fargo Corporate Recognition Award for Outstanding African-American Female Contributor.