Free, virtual conference empowers women financially
Little Rock, Ark. – Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan is hosting the third annual Smart Women Smart Money Arkansas conference on Friday, Sept. 24. The free conference will be held virtually this year and is designed to empower women to improve their financial well-being.
“Arkansas ranks third worst in the nation for both women’s unemployment and earnings and poverty and opportunity,” Milligan said, citing the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. “Our message with this conference is that it’s never too early or too late to help oneself improve their financial well-being.”
This year’s conference will feature general sessions presented by content experts as well as smaller breakout sessions tailored for beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of understanding. Attendees can choose topics that best meet their needs and comfort level.
The keynote speaker this year is Rachel Marie Martin, author of the Brave Art of Motherhood and FindingJoy.net. Martin’s honest story of how she achieved financial independence starting from rock bottom with seven children will resonate with women of all ages, Milligan said.
“Rachel has a unique story of resilience amid dealing with bill collectors, being in quite a bit of debt, all while trying to juggle being a mother and cope with a failing marriage,” Milligan said. “Her story is so inspiring and I think attendees will walk away from the conference energized and encouraged.”
Smart Women Smart Money conferences began more than 20 years ago in Idaho. When Milligan brought the conference to Arkansas in 2019, it began the nationwide expansion of the program.
“Treasurer Milligan has been an instrumental leader in helping us expand the Smart Women Smart Money conference around the country,” said Derek Kreifels, President of the State Financial Officers Foundation (SFOF), the parent organization of Smart Women Smart Money. “His passion for Arkansans is evident in the work he has done as Treasurer, especially in serving as national chairman of SFOF for 2021.
“My wife, Melanie, and I are so excited to be working with our great sponsors in Arkansas – especially our title sponsor, KATV – to help bring financial awareness to Arkansans.”
To register for the Smart Women Smart Money conference, interested persons may visit https://smartwomensmartmoney.com/arkansas/.
About Smart Women Smart Money:
Smart Women Smart Money conferences empower women of diverse ages and circumstances with the necessary information and tools to take control of their financial lives. www.smartwomensmartmoney.com
About Treasurer of State Dennis Milligan:
Dennis Milligan was elected Treasurer of State in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. The State Treasury is responsible for overseeing the state’s $5 billion investment portfolio. As Treasurer, Milligan also serves as chair of the newly-created Arkansas Financial Education Commission. Since taking office in 2015, Milligan has receipted the state more than $420 million in investment returns and has grown the investment portfolio’s receipts to record highs. www.artreasury.gov.
