Women in STEM Podcast

by SpringFour | Jan, 26, 2018 | Default

SpringFour Co-Founder and CEO, Rochelle Gorey, recently dropped in on the new podcast, “The Broad Cast”. Host Becky Carroll brought together Rochelle, Jessica Williams, Co-Facilitator of 1871’s WiSTEM Program, and fellow WiSTEM grad Tiffany Mikell, CEO/CTO of AerialSpaces.

“The Broad Cast” in a new monthly podcast launched by C-Strategies, that features women making an impact on Chicago and their communities through business, civic engagement, and other means. On this episode the women discussed the WiSTEM program, women founders, and supporting women in tech. Topics covered include how women are still underrepresented in STEM, with women holding only 24% of STEM jobs, and how WiSTEM aided in helping SpringFour and AerialSpaces to grow.

Rochelle talked about how WiSTEM has been great in a variety of ways including ”giving exposure to women founders and CEOs” and building a strong group of women founders in STEM to support and collaborate. SpringFour definitely saw the benefits of participating in the program, having had a fantastic 2017, and continuing to build a great network. Rochelle also shared her unique path to STEM; seeing a problem and wanting to solve it and help people in financial distress led to SpringFour. “I see technology as a way to get where you want to go. If you have a vision you can create the right technology to get you to your goal.”

We were really excited to be a part of the podcast. Listen to the full episode here.

Photo: Tiffany Mikell, Becky Carroll, Rochelle Gorey, and Jessica Williams

Katie Gottschall Donohue, Vice President, Strategy and Operations

SpringFour, Inc.

Financial Health for Employees: SpringFour As Part of the Solution

by SpringFour | Jan, 10, 2018 | Default

At SpringFour we have long been advocates of employers taking part in employee financial health. When employees feel a greater sense of financial security, they are far more productive and loyal to their employer. It is no secret that over 40% of Americans don’t have enough saved to cover a $400 emergency expense, and most of those who don’t have enough savings are employed. Employers should take an active role in supporting the financial wellness of their employees and offering benefits and resources to assist their employees in saving and planning. Not only will they help their employees, but also their bottom line.

Sasha Orloff, CEO of LendUp, a SpringFour subscriber, recently wrote an op-ed for Forbes on Why Employers Need To Help Workers Deal With Income Volatility. He discusses the Finance Forward series of events that LendUp and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program are currently conducting to elevate this issue and define actionable solutions. Employers have a number of tools they can call upon to help their employees address this volatility, and solutions that can range from smoothing out workers’ paychecks, to enrolling employees in savings accounts.

Sasha also specifically mentions employers looking to financial services companies, such as SpringFour, to help their employees find valuable resources for creating financial stability. LendUp has seen the benefits of partnering with SpringFour to bring financial health resources to their customers, seeing increased repayment rates and brand loyalty. These financial wellness results garnered through SpringFour can help employees as well. As the gig economy continues to grow, income volatility will continue to grow as well. “It is in employers’ best interest to help workers cope effectively.”

We are so glad to see this issue being addressed at a national level, and are excited to be part of the solution. The Center for Financial Services Innovation has also done research on this topic, pointing to robust employee financial health programs that improve their bottom line, promote employee loyalty and satisfaction, and serve as a unique benefit when hiring. As these conversations continue, one thing is for certain; we must all care about the financial well being of employees and how to assist those who are the most vulnerable in getting on the path to financial security and savings.

Katie Gottschall Donohue, Vice President, Strategy and Operations

SpringFour, Inc.