VABA Financial Empowerment Workshop: Unlocking Wealth Strategies for the Future Recap

Jun 24
3 min read

On February 28, 2025, VABA hosted its Financial Empowerment Workshop at the VABA Headquarters in Oakland, CA—bringing together entrepreneurs, business owners, investors, and professionals for an evening packed with expert insights and transformative financial strategies.

In a time of economic uncertainty, this high-impact workshop provided attendees with the knowledge and tools to build, preserve, and grow wealth through real estate, tax planning, and smart financial frameworks.

A Night of Insight, Strategy & Connection

The evening began with vibrant networking over refreshments, as guests connected with like-minded professionals eager to elevate their financial strategies. From first-time investors to seasoned entrepreneurs, the room buzzed with conversations around growth, risk management, and long-term financial goals.

Following the mixer, attendees were treated to a series of expert-led sessions that unpacked actionable tactics in wealth building, insurance planning, real estate, and tax efficiency.

Highlights included:

📈 Wealth-Building Frameworks – A practical guide to turning savings into sustainable growth with low-risk, high-reward strategies.

Insurance Financial Strategies – Led by Denise Do, Founder & CEO of Insuring Impact, this session explored how insurance can be leveraged as a financial planning tool to build wealth and protect assets. A former healthcare professional and pre-med student, Denise transitioned into financial services after witnessing firsthand how poor planning leaves families vulnerable. She now leads a national movement of “impact agents” with a mission to ensure good-hearted people have the resources to do more good in the world. Insuring Impact is more than a company—it’s a vision for generational empowerment.

💰 Tax Secrets for the Rich – Presented by Jerilyn Mallari, also known as Lady J Speaks, this powerful session pulled back the curtain on tax strategies used by the wealthy to maximize income and legally minimize tax burdens. As Founder of Mallari Tax and Lady J Speaks, Jerilyn is a visionary leader with deep expertise in tax strategy, advisory, and resolution. Recognizing the lack of CFO-level insight as a critical gap for small businesses, she is on a mission to equip entrepreneurs with the knowledge and financial tools needed to thrive. Her commitment to education and empowerment has created a legacy of impact and a vibrant culture of resilience in the communities she serves.

🏠 Real Estate Hacks – Tips and techniques to build equity and generate passive income through smart property investments.

An interactive Q&A followed the presentations, giving attendees the opportunity to receive direct, personalized insights from these leading experts.

Why This Workshop Mattered

Attendees left the event empowered with practical tools and new perspectives to take control of their financial futures. The workshop emphasized the synergy between insurance, tax planning, and real estate investment—and how, together, they form a powerful foundation for long-term wealth.

VABA continues to champion financial empowerment as a pillar of community advancement, equipping its members with resources that promote generational stability and success.

Gratitude & Acknowledgments

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, in person and virtually. Your energy, questions, and presence made this event a success. Special appreciation goes to our distinguished speakers—Denise Do and Jerilyn Mallari—for their passion, expertise, and commitment to uplifting the community through financial literacy and empowerment.