Our volunteers are the heart of Women’s Money Matters’ unique programs. Our programs match participants with dedicated mentors who commit to months of connection, support, and encouragement. Volunteer presenters are experts in their field and join us for program sessions to lead discussions and bring real-world context to the topics.
We have profound gratitude for the thoughtful, consistent care demonstrated by our volunteer community. As part of a monthly series, we’re highlighting outstanding volunteers them an opportunity to share their experiences with our wider community.
Meet Sarah & her mom, Cindy
Describe your motivation to volunteer with WMM. Had you volunteered before? Why is financial literacy and empowerment important to you? Describe your ‘why.’I grew up watching my mom, Cindy, volunteer in different ways — especially helping women learn Excel — and late at night we’d sometimes watch a financial TV show together, which sparked my curiosity about money. As I got older, I continued volunteering and, after helping many friends with their finances, I wanted to share those skills more widely. Cindy, who taught herself many of these skills and passed them down to me, has always loved helping women feel confident and independent. Financial literacy can truly change lives, yet it’s something most of us aren’t taught enough — especially women. To me, it’s real empowerment because it gives you the freedom to make choices and shape your life.Provide a brief bio of your professional background, including any certifications or training relevant to the WMM programs.Cindy works in the actuarial department of an insurance company, and I’m a program manager in the clean energy sector. We’re both “math people” at heart, and while neither of us has formal training in personal finance, we bring strong analytical skills and a passion for numbers to everything we do. In another life, we both might have loved to work in finance.When did you start volunteering with us, and how many programs have you been a coach or presenter in?I started volunteering with WMM in spring 2025 and am excited to be a coach in my second cohort this month. Cindy is currently coaching her first cohort.Tell us about some highlights or bright moments in your coaching/presenting experiences so far.Cindy loves connecting with her participant and helping build a strong financial foundation. I enjoy problem-solving and finding solutions that fit each participant’s unique circumstances. Together, we love seeing how even small steps in financial learning can boost confidence and independence.Have there been any surprises, have you learned new things, gained new insights through these experiences? How has working with WMM participants broadened or deepened your knowledge or understandings?Volunteering with WMM has been full of learning. My mom and I have both realized that financial literacy isn’t just about numbers — it’s about understanding each participant’s challenges and finding solutions that work for them. We’ve learned that empowerment comes from both skills and support, and seeing that impact is incredibly rewarding.Finally, share anything else you’d like the reader to know about WMM programs and the volunteer experience.Just do it! Volunteering with WMM is a meaningful way to give back, and it’s amazing to see the direct impact on someone’s confidence and financial skills. The program is such a fantastic resource for people who need it, and every session reminds me why this work matters — for both participants and volunteers.
