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News impacting public employee union members

WAC focuses on women and finance;
First Lady of Ohio entertains union women

May 21, 2007
OCSEA members, both women and men, came from all over the state this past weekend to attend the annual Women’s Action Committee Conference. The event was held at Hueston Woods State Park in College Corner.

This year’s WAC Conference theme was “Smart Women Finish Rich” and focused on the female empowerment that comes with financial independence.

The highlight of the event, for many, was lunch guest speaker Francis Strickland, the First Lady of Ohio. In addition to dining with members, the First Lady answered questions during a lengthy Q&A session on subjects ranging from child care and education to economic development and state government appointments. To wrap up the session, she entertained conference goers by singing several witty songs while playing her guitar.

Other keynote speakers included the Ohio Treasurer of State and a legislative representative from AFSCME International.

Ohio Treasurer of State Richard Cordray talked about his commitment to State Treasurer's Women & Money Program, which works to improve financial literacy in Ohio. AFSCME’s Assistant Director of Legislation, Barbara Coufal talked about the Employee Free Choice Act and had members fill out postcards in support of the Act. The postcards will be presented to Senator Voinovich in June.

Additional guest speakers included Angela Shoemaker, an autism liaison, and humorist Dave Leedy.

OCSEA Speakers included WAC Chair and Secretary-treasurer Kathy Stewart, Vice president Eddie Parks, Director of Health Care and Policy, Carol Bowshier, and Executive Director Andy Douglas.

"Although budgeting seems like a lot of hard work, the rewards you will reap are priceless.  When you feel in control of your finances, you also feel on top of other areas of your life, including your work and relationships," Stewart said in her prepared remarks.

"Fighting over money is a million times worse than just having trouble with it.  Being solvent and having some money to fall back on is also empowering.  It means you are 100 percent independent and a woman who can afford to make her own decisions… because owing no one means answering to no one."

Conference goers also had the opportunity to attend three workshops, which included tips on financial planning, dressing for success, and cooking 30-minute meals. A pampering session was held at the start of the conference and gave members a chance to unwind.

See Related

OCSEA Secretary Treasurer Kathy Stewart - Prepared Remarks

Website of First Lady of Ohio, Frances Strickland

Website of Ohio Treasurer of State - Women and Finances Program

Womens Action Committee conference to focus on personal finances

Website of Hueston Woods Resort and Conference Center