Women LEAD #1: Breaking Boundaries: Women Taking Control of Wealth and Impact

By: Anna Grace Hawkins

The first Women LEAD session for 2025, held at the generous Steak 48 in Southpark, was a dynamic discussion on women’s roles in money conversations, investment decisions, and the power to make an impact through these choices. Our panel included Marcia Dawood, an SEC Advisory Committee member, speaker, podcaster, investor, and author; Femi Lamikanra, a Fifth Third Private Bank advisor; and Robin Mermans, a family law attorney, foundation board member, and investor.

Angel Investor and WIF Board Member Amy Jacobs, moderated the discussion starting with myths about women and money. Femi Lamikanra debunked the idea that women are bad inventors or that women aren’t interested and instead shared the importance of financial literacy and education to build confidence in wealth conversations.

As an investor focused on impact, Marcia Dawood shared how women can generate meaningful investment returns while supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs and companies that align with their values through intentional angel investing. She mentioned Inspire Access and Impact Assets as resources. Marcia’s approach highlights the idea that philanthropic gifts aren’t the only way to support the causes we care about.

Lastly, Robin Mermans is a testament to the power of women coming together. She shared the story of creating the Empower HER Fund, a group of eleven women who invested in the Charlotte Ascent women’s soccer team. As first-time sports team investors, Robin shared how the group came together with the vision of making a difference in the Charlotte community. Her story demonstrated what is possible when women come together for something greater than themselves.

The panel closed by sharing books, podcasts, and resources that have contributed to their success including Marica Dawood’s book, Do Good while Doing Well, and podcast The Angel Next Door. In addition, the group mentioned books The Psychology of Money and The Soul of Money, as well as podcasts Freaknomics and All-In. It was a wonderful conversation that stirred many questions we look forward to exploring further at Women LEAD #2 on February 25 and Women LEAD #3 on March 26. We hope to see you there!