How EmBe is Empowering Women in Their Financial Journey with Melissa Webb
In this episode of Tips for Change, we welcome Melissa Webb, Women’s Program Manager at EmBe, for a conversation about financial empowerment, confidence-building, and the ripple effect of community-focused education. Through personalized support and programs like Making Sense Financial Literacy, EmBe is helping women take control of their finances and their futures.
Meeting Women Where They Are
Every woman’s financial journey is different. Some are just entering the workforce and learning about retirement for the first time. Others are managing household budgets or working to pay down debt. What they have in common is a desire to better understand their finances and the courage to ask questions along the way.
At EmBe, Melissa and her team provide a space where women can gain not just information, but confidence. Whether it’s learning how to build a budget, understanding credit scores, or preparing for a major milestone like buying a home, the goal is always to help women feel capable and supported.
Making Sense of Money
One of EmBe’s most impactful resources is the Making Cent$ Financial Literacy course, a five-week, in-person program hosted at EmBe’s downtown Sioux Falls location. Each week, local financial professionals lead sessions on topics like budgeting styles, goal setting, cybersecurity, prioritizing bills, and planning for retirement.
At the end of the course, participants receive a certificate of completion and a $100 gift card to use however best supports their needs. Just as important, they leave with practical tools and a clearer understanding of managing their money.
Confidence Through Connection
Throughout the episode, Melissa highlights real-life stories from the women she works with, like one participant learning to navigate retirement benefits for the first time, and another who built a plan to pay off debt while living on a fixed income. These stories reflect a larger truth: financial empowerment starts with access, encouragement, and the belief that small steps can lead to big change.
What’s Next for EmBe
EmBe continues to evolve its women’s programs to reflect the community's needs. One initiative was the annual Closet Sale, which included a special preview event and discounted shopping opportunities for local educators. It’s just one more way EmBe is creating space for women to feel seen, supported, and ready for what’s ahead.
How to Get Involved
EmBe welcomes support from the community, whether it’s through volunteering, mentorship, donating gently used clothing, or making a monetary gift. Every contribution helps ensure that programs like Making Cent$ remain free and accessible to women across our communities.
Episode Mentions
About Melissa Webb
Melissa Webb is the Women’s Program Manager at EmBe. With a background in social work and nonprofit leadership, she brings a passion for strengthening families and uplifting women through education, connection, and confidence-building. She previously worked at the Good Samaritan Society and now leads EmBe’s evolving efforts to support women in their financial journeys.
