Janine Firpo Joins DelRae Messer for “EmpowerHER: Activate Your Money” On September 24, 2023

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Janine Firpo, co-founder of Invest for Better, will be joining DelRae Messer for “EmpowerHER: Activate Your Money. Invest in Your Future, Invest in the World!” event happening on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM CDT in Minneapolis, MN.

The event will start with a panel discussion moderated by DelRae Messer. Participants include:

 

It will be followed by small group discussions led by Janine Firpo. Discussions will focus on money stories, values discovery, and understanding risk. Closing out the event will be a Q&A with the panel and listing of actions attendees can take to transform their relationship with money.

Event highlights will include:

  • Inspiring keynotes and interactive workshops
  • Investment strategies for sustainable growth
  • Empowerment through financial literacy
  • Networking opportunities for lasting connections

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just starting out, our diverse lineup of expert speakers will meet you where you are on your financial journey.

  • Gain insights from industry trailblazers and learn proven strategies to navigate the world of investing. From stock markets to sustainable portfolios, we’ll equip you with the knowledge to confidently invest in your financial future.
  • Network with like-minded women who are passionate about creating a better world through conscious investing. Share experiences, forge new connections, and ignite the spark of collaboration.
  • Discover how your investments can drive positive change in the world. Learn from experts who have harnessed the power of finance to make a difference, while still achieving remarkable growth.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in yourself, your future, and a world of positive change.

Reserve your seat today and be a part of a movement that’s shaping the future, one investment at a time.

 

 

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:

 

Janine Firpo, Co-Founder, Invest for Better 

Janine Firpo is a seasoned values-aligned investor and social innovator, with a long history of working at the intersection of women and their money. From the early years of Apple Computer to senior positions with Hewlett-Packard, the World Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Janine has always found herself making an impact. In 2017 she left a successful 35- year career in technology and international development to focus on how women can create a more just and equitable society through their financial investments. Janine walks her talk. She is taking action to move all her own assets into investments she feels good about and is watching them grow with market-rate returns. In 2021, she joined forces with Ellen Remmer to co-found Invest for Better.

Brittany Howard, Owner, Victory Business Solutions

Brittany has been in the finance and accounting industry for over 8 years starting at TCF Bank as a teller then moving onto becoming an assistant branch manager. Once Brittany discovered she had strengths in the industry she decided to move forward and study accounting in college. After graduating from college Brittany opened Victory. Brittany noticed that small businesses (including BIPOC) were unable to access a good but affordable accountant to help them remain compliant with the IRS and head in the right direction. It is part of Britany’s mission to help educate small business owners on finances, taxes and the importance of having an accountant while operating. Within two years Victory has become the biggest black-owned accounting firm in the state.

Dr. Anna Thurmes, PhD, Impact Entrepreneur and Investor

Anna Thurmes Barigayomwe, PhD, MA, CCC-SLP, is a highly accomplished individual with a diverse background in academia, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. With a PhD in family social science, Dr. Anna has published research on the impact of social capital and collaborative healthcare on quality of life. Her work has shed light on the transformative potential of building strong networks and connections within communities. She is not only a researcher but has been in the trenches leading a team of over 40 healthcare professionals for nearly two decades. In addition to her academic achievements, Dr. Anna has made a remarkable transition from her previous career to become a successful entrepreneur and real estate investor, all while dedicating her time to helping families on their journey towards health and wealth freedom. Dr. Anna’s passion for empowering others to achieve their entrepreneurial dreams is evident in her role as a go-giver.

MORE ABOUT WELLSPOKEN:

 

Wellspoken Lifestyle mission is to inspire mindfulness and contribution by connecting well-rounded content with well-rounded humans. We believe that with a thoughtful curation of resources, everyone is equipped to guide one another towards fulfillment, synergy, and savoring simplicity. We strive to give readers the power to influence change, gratitude and service without toxic social media consumption or misinformation.

Dr. DelRae Messer is Founder of Wellspoken Lifestyle. She graduated magna cum laude from Northwestern Health Sciences University in 2007. Her passion for solving the health care crisis started as a young athlete in a rural farming community in North Dakota. After creating a sustainable lifestyle weight loss program in her chiropractic office, she moved her business online, to coach clients and healthcare professionals with the ability to design her work around her two girls, McKenna 16 and Gianna 6. As a single mom, she is passionate about helping women in social impact entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, volunteerism, environmental impact and has created a platform to fundraise for non-profits through experience-driven events.

Ellen Remmer Presents at the 2023 Innovations in International Philanthropy Symposium

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At the upcoming Innovations in International Symposium on September 7-8 in Cambridge, Ellen Remmer will be co-leading a session with Steering committee member Kathleen McQuiggan on “Investing with Your Values” and moderating a session on “Practicing Investing to reach the SDG’s” with Andy Behar of As You Sow, Lisa Hayles of Trillium Asset Management and Margot Brandenburg of the Ford Foundation.

As with the previous two events, the Symposium will bring together donors, foundations, companies, and investors who are actively engaged in international philanthropy and seeking to propel forward the capacity and impact of their globally minded work. The past Symposiums supported the growth of strategic and collaborative international philanthropy by offering participants the opportunity to explore trends in philanthropy, gain practical skills and knowledge to increase the levels and impact of their giving across borders, learn from peers, and network with funders actively engaged in supporting international development efforts.

2023 Innovations in International Philanthropy Symposium is co-hosted by the Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID Global) and The Philanthropic Initiative’s Center for Global Philanthropy.

“PRACTICING IMPACT INVESTING: ALIGNING YOUR VALUES AND YOUR INVESTING”

Date:  Friday, September 8, 2023 at 9:05 am ET

There are many ways to leverage capital. How can you deploy all of your financial resources for social good? Learn how to align your values with your investing.

“PRACTICING IMPACT INVESTING: HOW TO USE IMPACT INVESTING TO REACH SDGs”

Date:  Friday, September 8, 2023 at 2:30 pm ET  

 

 

ABOUT INTERNATIONAL PHILANTHROPY SYMPOSIUM

The 2023 Innovations in International Philanthropy Symposium is organized and co-hosted by Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID Global) and The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). Jointly NEID Global and TPI offer a long tradition of philanthropic advising and a vibrant funder network to support the creation and design of the Symposium.

ABOUT NETWORK OF ENGAGED INTERNATIONAL DONOR (NEID GLOBAL)

The Network of Engaged International Donors (NEID Global) is a unique peer-to-peer learning network based in Boston that serves a community of passionate & dedicated international philanthropists across the world. For over 10 years NEID Global has been creating community among internationally focused donors to help address the world’s big problems. At NEID Global we start with humility. Through strategic networking, educational opportunities, and information sharing we strive for transformational social change. NEID Global members foster equitable partnerships, learn from each other, connect deeply with one another, inspire each other, and act together to build a world where everyone can thrive.

ABOUT PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE’S CENTER FOR GLOBAL PHILANTHROPY

The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI) is a philanthropic consulting group whose mission is to promote effective giving and improve the practice of philanthropy around the globe by helping individuals, families, foundations, and companies increase the impact of their giving. For nearly 30 years, TPI has worked with hundreds of donors, foundations, and corporations, has directed more than $1 billion in giving, and has influenced billions more. In 2010, TPI established its Center for Global Philanthropy with a mission to promote and increase effective international philanthropy that strengthens local organizations and positively transforms lives and communities around the globe.

 

Invest for Better part of Host Committee for “Heading for Change” Launch Event

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Invest for Better will be part of the Host Committee for the virtual launch event of “Healing for Change“. The event will take place at 10-11 AM PST / 1-2 PM EST / 6-7 PM BST / 7-8 PM CET, and is open to all who wish to participate (register here).

“Heading for Change” is a new catalytic investment and philanthropic grants portfolio launched with a $1 million endowment by Suzanne Biegel and her husband, Daniel Maskit. The organization seeks to ignite and scale investment at the intersection of climate and gender, and catalyze transformational change for women, girls, nonbinary individuals, and the health of our planet.

 

Through its model portfolio and commitment to openly sharing its investment approach and criteria, “Heading for Change” aims to advance gender-inclusive solutions to the urgent climate crisis. The organization invites interested individuals to join as Donor-Partners and help support this important cause.

“We are excited to launch ‘Heading for Change’ and work towards creating a more sustainable and equitable world,” said Suzanne Biegel. “We believe that investing at the intersection of climate and gender is critical to achieving this goal, and we invite individuals to join us as Donor-Partners and help drive meaningful change.”

To learn more about “Heading for Change” and the virtual launch event, visit HeadingForChange.org.

IFB Regional Gathering
Seattle, May 31, 2023

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The newly rebuilt Industrious co-working space in downtown Seattle was the venue for Invest for Better’s (IFB) wonderful regional gathering in Seattle on May 31, 2023. With the excuse of Ellen Remmer, co-founder of IFB, coming to Seattle to visit family and friends, Steering Committee Melanie Audette and Education Advisor Jill Bamburg leapt into action to pull an event together – inviting those who have already participated in IFB Circles, those were just getting started , those who have served as IFB partners and Pathfinders, and many who were curious about how to get involved. It was a phenomenal group of women, ranging from investment advisors to social entrepreneurs to academics, investors, donors and field-builders with a shared commitment to empower women to use the power of their investments for positive good. Many in the group expressed a desire to continue to nurture this place-based community of colleagues and meet again, and IFB is happy to support them. A world of thanks to Melanie and Jill for their enthusiasm, support and leadership!.

 

 

ABOUT OUR REGIONAL GATHERINGS

Invest for Better is thrilled to announce that in 2023 (and late 2022!) we will start hosting local gatherings so we can meet our members and also collaborate with our partner organizations. We have events planned for Boston, Seattle, and New York City with more events to be announced.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invest for Better’s Ellen Remmer Presenting at “We Give Summit”

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Ellen Remmer, co-founder of Invest for Better, will be presenting at the We Give Summit. This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, May 2 and is designed for members and advocates of collective giving who want to celebrate their power to disrupt philanthropy.

The We Give Summit is an interactive platform that brings together hundreds of individuals to connect and learn from each other. The summit features dozens of incredible speakers who have made a significant impact at the local, national, and global level. They have done so by joining forces with others who share their passion and vision for philanthropy.

 

 

The summit will cover a wide range of topics and feature sessions, lightning talks, and networking sessions. By registering for the event, you will gain access to all of these opportunities, including Ellen Remmer’s session on May 4 at 2 PM ET/ 11 AM PT, entitled “Unlocking the Power of Finance” (see agenda here).

Ellen is excited to share her insights on the power of finance in philanthropy. Her session will focus on the strategies and tactics that investors can use to create positive social and environmental impact through their investments.

 

 

 

 

Invest for Better presenting at Women’s Philanthropy Institute Symposium

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Ellen Remmer, co-founder of Invest for Better, was part of a panel discussion called “All in for Impact: How to use Philanthropy and Impact Investing for Change” at the “All In, All Rise Symposium”  hosted by Women’s Philanthropy Institute on March 28, 2023.

This panel session explored the opportunity for women to magnify their impact on the social and environmental issues they care about through deploying the tools of philanthropy and investing. In a conversation moderated by Maggi Alexander, Senior Partner and Director of The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI)’s Center for Global Philanthropy, panelists shared their journeys to understand and utilize philanthropy and impact investing, including how they seek to integrate both for catalytic change in thematic areas such as gender equity, racial equity, and environmental sustainability.

Speakers included:

Janell Johnson and Mary Hawkins are IFB members.

 

 

About the Symposium

“All In, All Rise” is the sixth symposium hosted by WPI since 2005. The two-day event included keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunities for attendees to network.

Women’s Philanthropy Institute’s Symposium is the only gathering of its kind that:

  • Focuses exclusively on the broad landscape of women and philanthropy
  • Convenes speakers with wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences
  • Fosters a community of big, bold thinkers, innovators, and doers who can and will accelerate social change
  • Promotes networking and relationship building by limiting registration to 500 attendees
  • Connects the dots between research and practice, leaving attendees with concrete lessons they can use in their work and their giving

 

 

 

 

Janine Firpo featured in “Money & Relationships” Event by Linqto

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Janine Firpo, co-founder of Invest for Better, along with Dr Ruth Shaber and Sheila Shroeder came together in dialogue to discuss the differences in how men and women traditionally think about investing, spending, saving, and money in general and how this might affect our lives and our relationships. This Linqto webinar took place on February 2, 2023.

View webinar here.

From the Linqto website: 

“Given that 45% of marriages end in divorce in the US, and money issues are the No. 1 thing couples argue about, this is a worthy conversation. Numerous studies have identified disagreements over finances as one of the top reasons couples seek marital counseling and one of the top reasons for divorce. And we know that families are often reluctant to talk about money with their children, but experts say that can create confusion and insecurity. So thankfully, they’re going to share how to successfully engage in financial conversations and collaboration with partners, parents, children, and others. However, it’s not a secret that people involved in committed relationships tend to perform financially well, maybe even better. Can a stable relationship help you achieve your financial goals? Ultimately, money can either build or break relationships so how can we make sure we avoid the later? After this conversation, we expect to come out with a better understanding and a clear mindset of what’s actually important and what we should pay attention to keep building relationships instead of breaking them, after all relationships and money tend to come hand-in-hand.”

ABOUT JANINE FIRPO

You can learn more about Janine Firpo here.

OTHER PRESENTERS:

Dr. Ruth Shaber, President & Founder, Tara Health Foundation

Dr. Ruth Shaber co-wrote “The XX Edge: Unlocking Higher Returns and Lower Risk” with Patience Marime-Ball. The book explores a new paradigm of gender-focused investing where more women are placed in decision-making roles and able to optimize their skills across all capital markets—leading to higher returns for individual investors and greater economic growth.  Dr. Shaber created the Tara Health Foundation in 2014 after more than two decades working on the frontlines of women’s health care at Kaiser Permanente. The California-based OB/GYN has since invested more than $70M in companies that help improve women’s health and in 2020 she made the Forbes’ Impact 50 list.

Sheila Schroeder, Regional Head of Business Development, Wealthspire Advisors

Sheila’s book “Let’s Talk About Money” will be published later this year. Sheila brings deep experience in the financial industry, on Wall Street, and in wealth management. Sheila has built and led divisions for top financial firms, directed investor relations for a hedge fund, led client development at Private Ocean Wealth Management, and is currently Regional Head of Business Development at Wealthspire Advisors. She is committed to several non-profits and volunteers her time focused on education, financial literacy, equal rights, and empowering women financially.

ABOUT LINQTO:

Linqto is a provider of liquidity in the private sector, providing accredited investors access to affordable investment opportunities in technology startups with a focus on unicorns.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thanks San Francisco!

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Last week, we had a great time at our first Regional Gathering in San Francisco. We teamed up with Women Investing for a Sustainable Economy (WISE) and welcomed both IFB members and WISE members as well as some new friends.