Invest in Women: A Night of Inspiration, Connection, and Impact

As we reflect on another remarkable Invest in Women event, I am reminded of the power of shared experiences, meaningful conversations, and the strength of a supportive community. Coldstream’s commitment to fostering these connections was on full display as we gathered for an evening filled with inspiration, learning, and collaboration.

The energy in the room was undeniable; from the moment guests arrived, there was an atmosphere of warmth, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm. It was a space in which women from diverse backgrounds came together, not just to network but to uplift and empower one another.

An Evening of Inspiration

The event opened with Fran Bigelow, founder of Fran’s Chocolates, sharing her journey as a chocolatier and entrepreneur. Her story highlighted the importance of craftsmanship, perseverance, and the value of meaningful connections. She spoke about how her chocolates became a favorite of President Obama, who often gifted them to visitors to the Oval Office, and how that helped introduce her brand to a broader audience. These relationships played a key role in elevating her business, demonstrating the power of authenticity and excellence in building lasting success.

Lessons in Resilience and Compassion

Following Fran’s engaging talk, our featured speaker, Allyson Schrier, captivated the audience with her deeply personal and insightful discussion on caregiving and her groundbreaking work creating Zinnia TV, a streaming service designed to improve the quality of life for those with cognitive impairments. She opened with an original song — a moment that immediately set the tone for an engaging and heartfelt conversation.

One of the most profound takeaways from Allyson’s talk was the importance of embracing help. So often, women feel the need to take everything on themselves whether in their personal lives, businesses, or caregiving roles. Allyson’s message reinforced that accepting support is not a weakness but a strength.

She also emphasized the need to check in on caregivers, especially those in our own workplaces. Many people are balancing the emotional and logistical challenges of caregiving while managing their careers, yet their struggles often go unnoticed. Taking a moment to ask how they’re doing, offering support, or simply acknowledging their efforts can make a world of difference. This reminder resonated deeply with many attendees, sparking conversations about how we can all be more intentional in supporting our colleagues.

The Strength of Community

Beyond the insights shared on stage, what made this event truly special was the sense of connection in the room. Time and again, attendees shared how this gathering stood apart from other networking experiences. Instead of surface-level exchanges, the evening fostered real conversations among women eager to support, collaborate, and celebrate one another’s journeys.

One attendee, a business owner and networking leader, described the event as one of the best she had attended, appreciating the authenticity of the conversations and the shared focus on financial empowerment. Others echoed her sentiments, highlighting how they met inspiring women across industries, from finance to the arts to entrepreneurship.

A particularly exciting moment arose from the discussion around structured networking. Some guests expressed interest in attending future guided conversations focused on key themes from the evening. Coldstream’s Women & Wealth Group intends to host these discussions, offering another opportunity to deepen connections and continue the dialogue beyond the event. Please reach out to us if you are interested in joining.

Carrying the Momentum Forward

As with any powerful gathering, the true impact of Invest in Women extends beyond one single evening. Many guests left feeling motivated, energized, and eager to stay engaged. The overwhelming response was clear: this event provided a space where women felt seen, heard, and empowered.

What’s Next?

With such enthusiasm for continued engagement, we’re excited to build on this momentum. Future Invest in Women events will explore new formats and topics, continue to feature thought-provoking speakers, and foster a strong community of women who advocate for and educate one another.

To all who attended: thank you for making this night unforgettable. Your presence, energy, and shared wisdom are what make Invest in Women a success. We can’t wait to see what’s next for this growing community.

About Coldstream’s Women & Wealth Initiative

At Coldstream, we empower women to take control of their financial future with confidence. Through our Invest in Women events and ongoing initiatives, we create opportunities for education, advocacy, and meaningful connections. Because when women support one another, we all rise.

*Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified Financial Planner™ in the U.S.