WOMENS WEALTH
ADVISORY COUNCIL
It’s Time to Close the Wealth Gap
When women have the capital, networks, and knowledge to build wealth, they strengthen their families, their communities, and California’s economy.
52¢
For every dollar of wealth held by a typical man-headed household in California, a typical woman-headed household holds about 52 cents.
1%
California attracts roughly 60% of U.S. venture capital, yet companies founded solely by women received just 1% of venture dollars nationally in 2025.
75%
Women retire with 75% of the 401(k) savings accumulated by men.
The California Women’s Wealth Advisory Council brings together leaders in finance, venture capital, philanthropy, business, and government to close the gender wealth gap and expand access to capital, ownership, and financial opportunity for women across the state. First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom launched the Council in October 2025 with Co-Chair Katherine Rice, Partner at GingerBread Capital. It builds on the First Partner’s work on pay equity, caregiving, and women’s leadership.
The Council focuses on three areas:
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Unlocking capital for women fund managers and founders
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Activating the networks that turn visibility into investment
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Building pathways for women and families to save, invest, and build wealth across generations
In March 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-3-26. Building on the Council’s work, it directs state agencies to advance financial literacy and early savings, expand access to capital, and strengthen pathways to wealth-building.
The Council’s Roadmap documents what it has built and learned. It also lays out recommendations for partners to carry the work forward.
“When women can build and direct their own wealth, they have the power to shape their own lives and the futures of their families, communities, and our economy. With the largest wealth transfer in American history underway, this is California’s moment to close the gender wealth gap. Our Council has laid the foundation. Now we need investors, business leaders, and policymakers to help build what comes next.""
California First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Co-Chair, California Women’s Wealth Advisory Council
