More than 350 women gathered April 15 at the Hilton Short Pump for Virginia Credit Union’s Financial Success for Women Summit, a daylong event focused on personal finance, wealth-building and career development.

“Research has long shown women trailing men in terms of financial health, with the pandemic having made worse that divide,” said VACU Senior Vice President of Financial Education Cherry Dale.“Women are actively seeking the knowledge and money management skills that will put them on the path toward financial well-being and independence.”

Bestselling personal finance author and TV personality Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche headlined the summit, which featured a full day of programming. Breakout sessions covered topics including AI-based personal finance tools, over-coming financial challenges and building professional networks.

The summit, held in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University’s Financial Success Center, marked its second in-person event in Richmond. Admission was free. The credit union partnered with local community groups to provide financial assistance for childcare, transportation and missed work.

VACU also presented a $5,000 donation to the YWCA Richmond and offered attendees the chance to assemble Survivor Kits to support women escaping domestic violence and human trafficking.

The credit union plans to host a second Financial Success for Women Summit on Sept. 22, in Roanoke. Registration is expected to open in late August. More information is available at vacu.org/women.