Through their own success and inheritance, women control an increasing amount of wealth. Yet many lack the knowledge or confidence to manage finances effectively or assess the capabilities of a financial planner. Smith believes that everyone should understand money management and financial markets well enough to make good use of personal resources.

Realizing that financial savvy is seldom taught in college, Ann F. Kaplan '67, the first woman partner at Goldman Sachs, joined her firm in providing $2.5 million to establish Women & Financial Independence: The Smith College Program in Financial Education. The series of noncredit courses, speakers, and activities addresses managing risk, personal investments, retirement plans, estate planning, insurance, assessment of a company, negotiating benefits, and a host of other financial issues that affect our personal and professional lives.

The program has received national media attention, and campus sessions continue to draw large audiences.

Visit the Women and Financial Independence website

Women at the Top: Leading Business, Leading Change, a C200 Pilot College Outreach Seminar at Smith College