Meet the Panelists for the Love in the Age of Scammers: Inside the Romance Scam Playbook Panel Discussion
- Headmistress Jill Miller
- 9 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Thanks to these brave women for agreeing to share their hard-won knowledge at our Love in the Age of Scammers panel discussion on September 2, 2026, at Flying Pig Improv's new location, 2320 E. Douglas at Grove, in Wichita, Kansas. (Parking and entrance in back.)
About the event:
Love in the Age of Scammers: Inside the Romance Scam Playbook Panel Discussion
This program takes you inside the romance scam playbook—exploring how these scams work, why they are so effective, and the warning signs everyone should know. You'll learn how scammers use dating sites, social media, text messages, and even seemingly innocent online conversations to gain trust. Most importantly, you'll leave with practical strategies to recognize red flags, protect yourself, and stay one step ahead of scammers.
We are meeting at Flying Pig Improv's new location at 2320 E. Douglas Ave. and Grove, 6 to 8 PM.
Panelists:
Mary Winter and Sharene Oldham
Mary Winter is an entrepreneur, author, and educator who is fascinated by the ways technology shapes our lives—and the stories that emerge from it. She is the co-author of The Scammer Who Loved Me, a book that explores the deeply personal impact of romance scams.
Through her writing and educational work, Mary is passionate about helping people better understand the ways technology can connect, influence, and sometimes deceive us. She lives in Wichita, Kansas, with her husband, Gary.
Sharene Oldham knows the devastating impact of a scam firsthand—because she has been a victim herself. Her experience inspired her to become an advocate for financial literacy and scam awareness and led her to co-author The Scammer Who Loved Me.
With 45 years of experience as a financial accountant and auditor, Sharene brings a unique perspective to the conversation about financial fraud and exploitation. Today, she works as a Financial Coach and Independent Insurance Agent with World Financial Group/Transamerica, helping people better understand their finances and protect their financial future.
A mother of three adult children and grandmother of two grandsons, Sharene is passionate about helping others recognize the warning signs, trust their instincts, and avoid becoming the next victim.
Samantha Hendrix
Samantha Hendrix is a fraud prevention professional and financial educator with a passion for fighting financial crime and helping people recognize and avoid scams. She joined the financial sector in 2019 and currently serves as Fraud & BSA Manager at Meritrust Credit Union, where she leads a team dedicated to protecting members and combating financial fraud.
Samantha is also a member of Sedgwick County’s Financial Abuse Specialist Team (F.A.S.T.), which works to prevent financial abuse of older adults and vulnerable individuals. She serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for ICT SOS, a nonprofit dedicated to ending human trafficking, and volunteers with the Child Advocacy Center of Sedgwick County.
A passionate community educator, Samantha regularly shares information about scams and financial crime to help others protect themselves. She was featured in the Wichita Business Journal’s Women Who Lead program in May 2026.
Samantha holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Service and Public Policy, with a focus on Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Moderator:
Jill D. Miller is an entrepreneur, educator, author, and community leader who has spent her career helping people navigate change and make informed decisions. Through her consulting company, Creative Solutions, she has worked with entrepreneurs and organizations since 1998, and she currently serves as Program Director of the Empowered Senior Seminar Series.
Jill is also an adjunct professor at Wichita State University, Headmistress of the Finishing School for Modern Women, and founder of the Badass Women of Wichita Alliance. A frequent speaker, facilitator, and event host, she is passionate about fostering meaningful conversations that educate, empower, and connect the community.
This event is sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021, and Flying Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889
This event is open to the public, and everyone is welcome.
The registration fee is $10, payable at the door or in advance.
About the organization:
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization, open to both women and men, encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy.
This panel is sponsored by Optometric Billings Solutions, optometricbilling.com, (316) 722-2021, and Flying Pig Improv, flyingpigimprov.com, (316) 833-1889
Thank you to our sponsor, Optometric Billing Solutions!
Because of their sponsorship, we're able to keep the prices for our Badass Women of Wichita Alliance events at only $10, including panel discussions.
At 10501 W. Hampton Lakes in Maize, OBS is a woman-owned, nationally recognized insurance billing company for optometrist clinics in 43 states. It was named by the Wichita Business Journal as one of the best places to work in Wichita, based on confidential employee job satisfaction surveys.
If you’re ready for a career in an employee-centered company with flexible hours and options to work at home after training, OBS wants to talk to you! Go to https://bit.ly/OBSBadass for more information.
Sending a resume to BWWA@obsteam.com and letting OBS know the applicant is referred by the Badass network automatically guarantees them an interview. Make sure they drop your name when they apply! OBS rewards your referral with $150 cash each time the person you sent gets hired!
Because We’re Never Finished
The Finishing School for Modern Women, located in Wichita, Kansas, offers classes to help women find their authentic selves, not because we need finishing, but because we’re never finished. We bring together women of all ages to learn from experts and each other how to claim our power in business, finance, communication, and life.
To learn more about what we do:
https://www.finishingschoolformodernwomen.com for our classes and free social membership.
Contact Us
Phone: 316-841-8927 Email: jill@finishingschoolformodernwomen.com
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