Wildcat Connect Webinar Series | The Empowerment Talks: Securing Your Financial Future

Established in 2020, the Chico State Women’s Philanthropy Council aims to foster community, provide valuable resources for Chico State, and inspire women to transform their lives and the world around them. We are thrilled to present: "The Empowerment Talks," a webinar series designed to bring students, alumni, and friends together to share experiences, knowledge, and insights in the realms of financial wealth and leadership. The first Empowerment Talk with Melissa Northway ’92 will delve into financial empowerment, equipping women with the tools and strategies needed to take control of their financial well-being. From investment opportunities to building passive income streams, Melissa will help us explore the path to financial success and independence. 

Recognizing the significance of leadership in today's complex world, future Empowerment Talks will provide a platform to discuss and dissect the essence of effective leadership, empowering women to hone their skills, break through barriers, and make a lasting impact in their respective fields. By sharing experiences and insights, we will inspire one another to reach new heights and embrace our full leadership potential. 

Whether you are a Chico State student, a recent alum, a budding entrepreneur, a seasoned professional, or someone simply seeking inspiration and empowerment, you will find value in The Empowerment Talks. WPC members firmly believe that together we can shatter glass ceilings, redefine what's possible, and create a future where women thrive. 

Please join us for the inaugural Empowerment Talk with Melissa Northway. Stay tuned for further details on dates, speakers, and registration information. Visit the Chico State Women’s Philanthropy Council website for more information. Together, we are unstoppable.

Webinar Recording

Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Time: 2 p.m.

Presenter: Melissa Northway (Health Science, '92)

Moderator: LaVada English, CEO and Founder of Bright Places, Inc.

Melissa Northway is a true Renaissance woman—she taught English as a second language in Japan; started a campaign to bicycle across Vietnam to fight poverty; served as a champion for women in business; portrayed the first woman to become a dentist in the United States; worked in international cosmetics; sold medicinal mushrooms; written a series of acclaimed children’s books; wrote a blog called Dandelion Women; and makes her living as a financial services professional and insurance agent.  She is also mom to Kate, an aspiring musician, and wife to Lou for over 25 years. While learning about the negative impacts of divorce on women, Melissa Northway became interested in the issue of financial security for women. She studied to get her health, life, and disability insurance licenses (at home during the COVID-19 pandemic) and was hired by True Path Financial in 2020 as a financial services professional. Today, on top of her successful practice, Melissa is active in her local community, especially when it comes to empowering women in business. She is currently president of the Orange County Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners. In addition, she is looking into another venture with her business partner–supporting affordable housing for veterans in partnership with the Veterans Affairs system.

LaVada English is the CEO and Founder of Bright Places, Inc.  She holds an MBA in Human Resource Management and is a certified Intercultural Development Coach.  The vision for better psychologically healthy work environments has driven LaVada to educate leaders and teams for over two decades.