Peoples Bank recently welcomed community leaders, local partners and attendees to its Women’s Wealth and Ownership Symposium in Richmond, Virginia, an event designed to inspire financial empowerment, education and ownership while honoring the lasting legacy of Maggie Lena Walker.
Walker was a groundbreaking leader in American banking history, recognized as the first African American woman to charter a bank and serve as a bank president.
Held in partnership with the National Park Service and Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, the symposium marked the launch of the Maggie Lena Walker Pathway to Economic Empowerment Initiative. This new effort focuses on expanding access to financial knowledge and wealth-building opportunities throughout the community.
The event took place at Peoples Bank’s Richmond branch. Walker served as chairman of the board for Consolidated Bank and Trust Company, which is now part of Peoples Bank.
Hosting the symposium in this location created a meaningful connection between the past and present, reinforcing the importance of continuing the work she began to build pathways to financial independence and economic opportunity for future generations.
Presented by Dwight Hollins, Peoples Bank Vice President for Community Development and CRA Lending, the symposium featured engaging discussions and educational sessions exploring strategies for financial growth, personal ownership, and long-term wealth building.
“I developed the Maggie Lena Walker Pathway to Economic Empowerment Initiative to create a structured model that connects history, financial education, and community partnership,” said Hollins. “This work was made possible through strong local leadership and partnership, particularly in Richmond, where the initiative was brought to life through collaboration with the community and institutional partners.”
The Women’s Wealth & Ownership Symposium in Richmond represents the launch of that initiative and its application in the community.”
The event was hosted and coordinated by Lisa Rodriguez, Peoples Bank’s Richmond Branch Manager, whose leadership helped bring the initiative to life. Peoples Bank also partnered closely with National Park Service rangers from the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site, including Supervisory Ranger Ajena Rogers, whose collaboration helped deepen the event’s connection to Walker’s enduring legacy.
Additional speakers and presenters included Tiana Smith-Cluff, Keesha Ezell, Morgan McCoy Harris, Dr. Melissa Hinson, Cynthia Taylor and Ciara Thombs, each contributing valuable perspectives and meaningful conversations around financial empowerment and opportunity.
The success of the event was also made possible by the support of Peoples Bank volunteers Terrell Braden, Ayia Cernica, George Cernica, Valerie Harris, Saundra Kesterson and Richard Nickerson
Through partnerships, education, and shared commitment, Peoples Bank remains focused on individuals and communities to create stronger financial futures, walking forward in the footsteps of a true pioneer.
Interested in learning more about Peoples Bank’s community development initiatives and financial empowerment programs?
Click here to find your local Peoples Bank team to discover resources, educational opportunities and banking solutions designed to help you build confidence, ownership and achieve your financial goals. Together, we can continue creating pathways to economic empowerment for generations to come.
