Three-city event draws praise for educational focus and support of local non-profits

CHERRY HILL, N.J. – “Stepping Out,” the recent three-city women’s conference series that debuted in the San Francisco, Philadelphia and San Francisco regions in April, has drawn critical praise for serving as an educational forum on subjects vital to women. 

Each full-day event included workshops with leading authorities in the areas of health and wealth. The Philadelphia program included seminars by Dr. Beth DuPree, a leading breast-care specialist; Barbara Stanny, financial expert and author of “Secrets of Six Figure Women;” and Dr. Pamela Peeke, fitness expert and author of Body for Life for Women.  

“Stepping Out met its critical objectives, which were to enhance women’s knowledge on matters of health and wealth, and inspire them to take steps toward securing their financial futures,” said Vivian Banta, vice chairman of Prudential Financial, presenting sponsor of the event. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of responding attendees rated the Stepping Out event as “excellent” or “very good.”  More than three-quarters of respondents claimed “Stepping Out” raised their levels of financial awareness, knowledge and confidence.

In addition to the educational aspect of the conference series, more than $3,000 was raised for local non-profit organizations that benefit women. The Philadelphia event offered financial support to WOMENS WAY, a non-profit organization that raises money and public awareness to fight for and achieve women’s equality, safety, self-sufficiency and reproductive freedom. "We were honored to be associated with the Stepping Out conference," said Melissa Weiler Gerber, executive director of WOMENS WAY. "We applaud programs like this one that help raise awareness around many important topics and issues that affect women.”

In addition to Prudential Financial, other national partners, sponsors and exhibitors for the Philadelphia/Cherry Hill event included: American Association of University Women, American Business Women’s Association, Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement, Financial Women’s Association, Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting, National Association of Black Accountants, Indus Women Leaders, P.A. Breast Cancer Coalition, American Laser Centers, Bally Total Fitness, Club Mom, Discovery Toys and others.

For more information on the event, visit www.steppingoutconference.com.