Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy in North Idaho

Two years ago, a simple gathering turned into a transformative event for women in North Idaho. Spearheaded by Teresa Irish, the North Idaho Women and Their Money (NIWATM) initiative emerged from an informal meeting around a dining room table, and has since made a significant impact on over 800 women’s lives through financial education.

Inception of the Conference

The inception of the conference was fueled by the vision of state treasurer Julie Ellsworth, who is dedicated to enhancing financial literacy among women. According to Irish, “I invited a few people to my house — the treasurer and three women I invited — and we just grew into a committee. And, gosh, I think it was only eight months later that we hosted our first event, our inaugural conference.”

A Platform for Financial Information

The NIWATM conference is designed to make financial knowledge accessible and practical for all women, regardless of their background. This free, one-day event offers a variety of workshops and booths focused on essential financial topics, including:

• Estate Planning
• Investing Basics
• Improving Credit Scores
• Home Purchasing in North Idaho
• Business Support Services

Irish noted, “41-to-42% of our attendees were from single-income households, and 56% reported that the female was the primary income earner for their household.” This highlights the importance of providing resources for women who are navigating financial responsibilities as heads of households.

A Unique Approach to Financial Literacy

The conference aims to fill a significant gap in financial education access. It serves as an answer hub for women seeking direction on various financial issues. The structure of the event emphasizes educational opportunities over commercial interests, operating as a “no sales zone” where nonprofit organizations and state departments can share valuable information without promoting their own services. Irish stated, “No one comes promoting their own companies or anything, it’s just purely about the day of providing women with great financial literacy opportunities and actionable takeaways that they can apply to their lives going forward, moving on to the next steps for themselves and their families.”

Accessibility and Inclusion

Making the conference accessible is a key priority for the organizers. Irish explained the decision to keep the event free, asserting the belief that financial education should be available to all women, irrespective of their economic situation. The previous conferences have welcomed women ranging from ages 15 to 85, reflecting a diverse audience committed to enhancing their financial knowledge.

Looking Ahead

The next iteration of the NIWATM conference is scheduled for June 9, 2027, at North Idaho College, with an anticipated attendance of 550 participants. At the time of this writing, details regarding the keynote speaker are yet to be announced.