The first-ever LGBT Economic Empowerment Day is coming!

The San Francisco Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Center
(The Center),
------- Bank and the
Golden Gate Business Association (GGBA) are sponsoring the first-ever
LGBT Economic Empowerment Day.
Attendance is FREE ! Space is limited!

Register today!

Lunch, a trade show, and raffle prizes are included.
FREE child care will be provided.

This day-long conference will be held on Saturday, January 26th at The Center, 1800 Market Street @ Octavia.   Doors open at 9:15 A.M. Conference lasts from 10:00 A.M, to 4:00 P.M.

Detailed LGBT Economic Empowerment Day Schedule
LGBT Economic Empowerment Day Press Release

Our Inspiring Keynote speakers:  

Morning Keynote speaker: Gary Gates, Ph.D.

Dr. Gates is a senior research fellow from the Williams Institute at UCLA. Dr. Gates is co-author of The Gay and Lesbian Atlas and is widely acknowledged as the nation's leading expert on the demography and geography of the gay and lesbian population.    His doctoral dissertation included the first significant research exploring characteristics of same sex couples using U.S. Census data. His work has been featured in many national and international media outlets, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, the Financial Times, and National Public Radio.

Noon Keynote Speaker: Saundra Davis

Ms. Davis is a management consultant and financial planner.   She has managed the Ryan White Title I Planning Council and served on the Board of Directors of California Community Dispute Services and Housing Rights, Inc. She also conducts workshops for local government agencies to increase their responsiveness to the non-profit community. Since 2005, Ms. Davis has expanded her mission to include providing comprehensive financial planning services for individuals and businesses. She also volunteers for community based organizations that focus on asset building for the working poor.

Afternoon Keynote Speaker: Theresa Sparks, CEO Good Vibrations

Ms. Sparks is a transgender woman, Vietnam veteran, political activist and CEO of Good Vibrations. She was recently elevated to the presidency of the San Francisco Police Commission . Despite an extensive and impressive resume as a man, Ms. Sparks came close to homelessness when she could find no one in San Francisco willing to hire her as a woman. She worked as a cab driver, census taker and bank teller until finally hired by Good Vibrations as financial manager of Good Vibrations. Ms. Sparks continues to be a transgender activist and inspiring example to anyone who has ever experienced discrimination and discouragement.

•  SF Chronicle Profile


And what about the rest of the day?

Our Breakout Sessions will inspire and motivate you no matter what financial stage of life you are in. Be financially literate, grow and increase your self-sufficiency with these great sessions:

  • The "First Act" series of breakout sessions will provide information about financial fundamentals for people just getting started.
  • The "Second Act" series of breakout sessions will provide valuable information for people who are saving for the future including important tax-related information for domestic partners and families.  
  • "Encore" will provide information for soon-to-be retirees, seniors, or younger community members who want to know how to take care of their own aging parents.

Topics to be covered include:

  • Financial planning and investing.
  • Handling debt - it's not the end of the world.
  • Starting savings - easier than you think.
  • How to use credit and why.
  • Dealing with banks and bankers - they are human, too!
  • Estate planning and domestic partnership issues.
  • Homeownership.
  • Senior housing.
  • Supportive and long-term care.
  • And much, much more!

At this time, we have a number of wonderful speakers including:

  • José Cisneros, Treasurer, City and County of San Francisco
  • Jacqui Cosgrove, San Francisco Consumer Credit Counseling Service
  • Katharine Holland, Realtor, Coldwell Banker
  • Veronica Martinez, -------
  • Greg Michail, -------
  • Leigh Phillips, Program Manager, Bank on San Francisco, Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector
  • Gustavo Serina, President of San Francisco Commission on Aging and Adult Services, and Retired, Vice President, Bank of America
  • Rafael Scroggins, -------
  • Stephen Seewer, -------
  • Moli Steinert, Executive Director, Open House

If you want to sponsor this great day and exhibit at the trade show please call 415.865.5515 or email econdev@sfcenter.org we would love to talk to you.