From Participant to Board Member: My Journey with Women’s Money Matters
Valerie Galvao on her journey with Women’s Money Matters.
Friends and Supporters,
I am writing to you today with deep gratitude and a call to action. Once a participant in the Women’s Money Matters (WMM) program, I am now proud to serve on its Board of Directors. My journey with WMM has been nothing short of transformative, and I invite you to join me in supporting this incredible organization during our annual appeal.
When I first joined WMM, I was facing financial instability, unsure of where to begin. WMM provided me with more than just financial wellness tools —it offered me a supportive community that lifted me up when I needed it most. I’ll always remember the day I sat down with my coach, Anita, to create my budget. What once felt daunting became an empowering experience through her guidance, helping me realize that financial stability was within my reach.
Achieving my financial goals didn’t just change my life—it inspired me to give back. As a first-generation Portuguese-American woman of color with a background in social work, I knew my experiences could help bridge the gap between the participants’ journeys and the board’s decision-making. Joining the WMM board has empowered me to amplify the voices of women like me and advocate for lasting change.
Since completing the program, I have earned my Bachelor of Social Work from Salem State University and remain deeply committed to using my education to make a positive impact. My dedication to civic engagement, advocacy, and social justice is rooted in the very opportunities WMM provides.
Today, hundreds of women and girls are waiting to access the same life-changing support I received. Your support will ensure they, too, can achieve financial independence. Please consider donating to Women’s Money Matters to help us continue transforming lives.
Thank you for believing in the power of financial empowerment. Together, we can create a world where all women are equipped with the tools and support they need to succeed.
With gratitude,
Valerie Galvao
Board Member, Women’s Money Matters
