Event Recap:

The event was held on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at the IW Club at the Indian Wells Golf Resort in Indian Wells.

Dr. Pamela Clute, assistant vice provost of the University of California, Riverside, opened the day with her brilliant presentation, entitled "The Power of Mathematics for ALL Women."  Dr. Clute wowed the students with how mathematics affects all areas of life, from the geometric shape of the AIDS virus to the satellite that brings reception to cell phones. 

The second session was a "Career Panel" consisting of four successful Coachella Valley women. Chief Deputy Colleen Walker of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department stressed the importance of education and urged the girls to get it NOW.  She shared her career path from Dispatcher at the Indio Police Station to her current position as one of seven (and the only woman) Chief Deputies for the entire Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Indio Councilwoman Lupe Ramos Watson described her career path from temporary clerk to management of her own company to public service and managing a city.  She emphasized the importance of good communication, and attributed her success to a strong family, commitment, dedication, and teamwork.

Dominique Shwe, advertising director of The Desert Sun, shared how extracurricular interests in high school and college – reading, dancing and sports – not only provided a creative outlet for her but also taught her discipline and how to set priorities. She, too, stressed the importance of mentors and mentoring others.  The last point that Shwe shared with the young women was to surround themselves with positive, supportive people and to avoid negativity.

Kate Spates, founder and president of Image Marketing Concepts, captured the girls' attention when she told them she had absolutely no idea what she wanted to do when she graduated from high school. Spates eventually found her calling and became a computer expert by being willing to TRY to solve computer problems for her employers.  Spates views her most important job as a company leader as being able to motivate the people with whom she works and ‘communicating’ is an important part of that process.
 
Following a delightful buffet lunch served on the IW Club's beautiful terrace, COD Career Center Coordinator Eve-Marie Andrews taught the girls "All About Scholarships."  Andrews is author of The Search for Scholarships; The Andrews System: A Step-by-Step Guide to Finding Money for College.  She described the many sources of scholarship funds that are available in the Coachella Valley and encouraged the students to apply early.  She illustrated how to present a compelling application (personal vs. factual) and offered helpful tips to make sure presentations are seriously considered.

During the Financial Independence session, "Wall Street Teens 2009" Chair Rebecca Kenary drew upon her 20-year career as an investment banker to teach the students how to be more comfortable managing their personal finances.  She shared the importance of developing a "Saving Mindset" versus the "Buy It/Spend It Mindset" so prevalent in today's world.  

Kenary also exposed the Credit Card Trap, showing how fees and interest can more than double the cost of credit card charges.  Kenary’s presentation concluded with a "Declaration of Financial Independence," reiterating the credo of living within our means and committing to becoming "Savvy Savers!"

An added inspiration to everyone at Wall Street Teens 2009 was the attendance of four young women from the Palm Desert High School Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) Program.  Two dedicated teachers in the program, Francine Garza and Sylvia Verazas, attended and took turns signing the presentations for their students.

Please view our full photo gallery for this event!

Check out a peek video from this event!