Why I choose to work with women

November 2019, She means Business Guatemala City

In 2019, I traveled to Guatemala to participate in an event called “She Means Business,” hosted by Meta (then Facebook) and my former company, Cisneros Interactive, where I served as CFO. The event was dedicated to women entrepreneurs—a vibrant day brimming with inspiring speakers, powerful stories, and practical workshops designed to help women grow their businesses. I was responsible for leading the Finance for Entrepreneurs workshop. Although it was my first time and nerves threatened to get the better of me, the room was packed with an estimated 200 women, all listening intently and taking notes. In that moment, I may not have relished the experience, but afterward, I felt a spark ignite. I realized how much I love empowering women with knowledge and confidence in finance. Ever since, the idea for Her Financial Goals lingered in my mind until, last year (2024), I finally took action—immersing myself not only in small business finance, but also in personal finance and coaching methodologies.

Working with women is not only something I enjoy, but it’s critically needed. The gap in financial literacy and wellbeing between women and men remains strikingly wide.

Shocking Statistics

•   In the US, only 48% of women feel confident about their finances, and just 28% feel confident enough to take action.

•    53% of women are comfortable managing investments, while less than half (44%) feel at ease creating a diversified portfolio.

• Female workers earn just 83 cents for every dollar earned by their male counterparts.

The Impact of the Gender Financial Literacy Gap

• Higher risk of excessive debt: Women hold 2.7% more student loan debt than men.

• Insufficient emergency savings: Many lack the recommended 3-6 months of living expenses.

• Not saving enough for retirement: 74% of women have no financial plan for retirement.

• Mental health struggles: 63% of women feel stressed about everyday expenses versus 55% of men, and 51% say money negatively impacts their mental health (Bankrate 2024 survey).

  
  

Women are not behind financially because of a lack of ability, but due to structural inequalities, cultural expectations, and delayed participation in wealth-building activities like investing. Several key factors contribute to this gap:

1. The Gender Pay Gap: Women continue to earn less for the same work, resulting in less savings, slower wealth accumulation, and smaller retirement accounts.

2. Career Interruptions: Pregnancy and childcare responsibilities can disrupt career trajectories.

3. Longer Life Expectancy: On average, women live five years longer than men yet retire with smaller accounts.

4. The Investing Gap: Women are less likely to invest or often start later. Only 33% consider themselves investors.

5. Family Events: Divorce or widowhood can have a greater financial toll on women, especially if they weren't the family's financial decision-maker.

There are many more reasons and a complex history to explore, but my passion lies in making a difference. I am committed to helping close the gap in financial literacy, confidence, wealth, and investing for women.

Thank you for reading!