April 2025 Newsletter:

Wisdom & Wealth

Empowerment starts with opportunity, and that’s exactly what we found at the Empower Women’s Conference. At Hess Financial, we’re reflecting on the insights, inspiration, and connections we gained at this incredible event. As we follow Women’s History Month, read on to discover how this experience is shaping our perspective.

Olivia Cooper

Attending Commonwealth’s Women’s Summit in Charleston, SC, was an incredible experience—one that left me feeling inspired, motivated, and deeply connected to a community of strong, driven women. Surrounded by over 275 attendees, we engaged in meaningful conversations about leadership, business growth, and the evolving needs of our clients.

From the thought-provoking insights shared by keynote speakers like Jade Simmons and Heidi Hanna to the interactive discussions on strengthening businesses and elevating client service, every moment of the summit reinforced the power of collaboration and continuous learning. A highlight for me was the conversation on financial confidence—how we, as industry professionals, can help create an environment where women feel empowered to take ownership of their wealth and future.

This summit was a reminder that true empowerment starts with showing up, supporting one another, and embracing opportunities to learn and evolve.

With Women’s History Month coming to an end, I’m carrying forward lessons and inspiration from this event, eager to apply them in meaningful ways. I look forward to sharing more insights and continuing the conversation on how we can uplift and inspire each other every day.

Sara Kate Garman

The 2025 Commonwealth Women’s Summit truly embodied its theme: “The Power of You.” From the inspiring keynote speakers to the deep connections formed, the event served as a powerful reminder that our greatest strength isn’t something we have to seek—it’s already within us.

I left the summit feeling energized, motivated, and ready to share some of the most impactful takeaways in the hope that they’ll empower and uplift you, too. Redefining Purpose with Jade Simmons, a world-class pianist and dynamic speaker, challenged us to rethink what purpose really means. She reminded us: “Purpose isn’t who you are—it’s what you incite in others.”

It’s not about trying to do everything or be all-purpose; it’s about embracing what we are uniquely called to do and share. And as women, we can be the support system we wish we had. Because when we lift each other up, we all rise.

Riding Life’s Waves with Heidi Hanna: Life is unpredictable, and stress is inevitable. But Heidi Hanna’s keynote gave us a powerful way to reframe it: “You can’t beat the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Stress isn’t always the enemy—it’s a signal that something matters to us. Instead of resisting it, we can shift our perspective. The way we see the world is shaped by how we feel, and curiosity can be a powerful tool to anchor us in tough times. Being curious doesn’t mean ignoring challenges; it means choosing to also see what’s right.

This summit was a beautiful reminder that we are the power we’ve been searching for. By embracing our purpose, supporting each other, and learning to navigate life’s challenges with resilience, we can create real change—not just for ourselves, but for those around us.