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DKG Practice/Program

candy bar. Planners chose Holland’s book because it uses personal experiences and various case studies
to help the reader understand her own perspective toward money. Holland, a business graduate of the Yale
School of Management and an award-winning journalist and financial consultant, posits that women can
increase their knowledge, learn to plan better, and reduce their stress about money. Chapter by chapter, her
book is encouraging and presents information in ways accessible to the most financially illiterate reader.
Reviews of the book on its cover note that “it is like having an honest conversation with a money-savvy
friend who has the patience, stamina, and skill to tell you what you need to know…with compassion,
humor and insight” and that it “breaks down the stigma many women feel about talking about money.”

Results
A reflection-based approach of open-ended questions was used to gather feedback about the seminar.
When asked to reflect on the day’s experiences, all attendees wrote positive words such as enjoyable,
informative, helpful, nice experience, excellent, excellent organization, educational, relevant, a true gift,
friendly/welcoming folks, day flew by, terrific, and so forth. Some commented on the nice facilities and
great lunch.
Members noted that topics were pertinent and well presented. One wrote, “I feel so empowered! My
knowledge of many possibilities has been expanded. I feel more capable in approaching discussions and
sensitive topics related to finances, planning and legal preparations, financial well-being.” Others echoed
this, noting they would implement the information gleaned and would be sharing it with others. Some
stated they planned to share the information with their chapters.
Feedback indicated the day was a positive learning experience for all who attended. All indicated they
benefited in some way and that the seminar addressed important topics of interest. Many expressed regret
that more younger women did not attend, stating that becoming more confident about money earlier is
important. Some desired more information on trusts and investing. Several suggested that the topics be
covered again in a future seminar. Overall, the planners concluded the seminar was a success. They intend
to offer a follow-up session at the next state organization convention and another seminar in the future.

A Challenge
One NC DKG seminar attendee wrote an article about the day for the state organization newsletter.
Broughton (2024) concluded, “The key takeaway from the seminar was the empowerment of women to
control their finances, providing them with tools and strategies to design their financial future, regardless
of their life stage” (p. 10).
As one of the seminar planners, I challenge other chapters or state organizations to provide similar
workshops for their members. Based on the review of literature, discussions with our members, and
seminar feedback, such seminars are needed and are helpful.

Dr. Barbara Perry-Sheldon is retired from North Carolina Wesleyan University where she directed the teacher education
program. She holds degrees from Appalachian State University (NC) and the University of Georgia. She has served on numerous
DKG international and state organization committees. Currently, she is chair of the NC DKG Rules Committee and is active in
her Alpha Gamma Chapter. She served on the committee that planned the seminar described in the article.
blpsheldon@gmail.com
Note: Dr. Perry-Sheldon would be happy to share the agenda and more details with readers interested in
planning a financial literacy seminar. Copies of books for women wanting to know more about financial
topics can be found by searching Amazon Books, which is how the committee found the book
distributed in NC DKG’s seminar.

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