Financial Advisor Magazine Highlights RTSWS and Gender Diversity Progress

Financial Advisor Magazine Highlights RTSWS and Gender Diversity Progress

Financial Advisor Magazine recently published an insightful article by Karen Demasters titled, “Advocate For Women Advisors Says Gender Diversity Is Improving.”

The article features Megan Slatter of Crewe Advisors, who specializes in helping women join the financial field while serving female clients. Megan is also a dedicated Rock The Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) volunteer.

“Women frequently are better at finding the human connection that makes financial advice personal, which, in turn, makes prospects want to become clients and makes clients want to stay with a firm,” Megan explained.

“I have experienced firsthand what it is like to be a woman in a male-dominated field,” Megan shared, adding that her experiences inspire her to help other women enter the financial industry.

The piece notes that the number of female certified financial planners (CFPs) has grown by 13.9% over the last three years. Almost 2,900 women became CFP professionals during this period, according to the CFP Board.

Building on this momentum, the article also highlights that RTSWS reaches diverse high school girls by bringing the M in STEM to them with a focus on Financial & Investment fundamentals. RTSWS operates in more than 25 cities across the US, UK, and Canada.

Together with our incredible volunteers, including Megan’s dedicated service, we have impacted more than 6,000 girls since 2012 who have graduated from our academic year-long program.

The feature underscores that inclusion and access take time. We are proud of our sponsors, supporters, and volunteers as more young women start to see the financial industry as a potential career. The article closes with Megan noting that advisors also need to bring the next generation of clients into the planning process early.

https://www.fa-mag.com/news/women-are-starting-to-make-their-presence-felt-in-finance–an-advisor-says-78060.html

Shatter the Glass Ceiling: Empowering Young Women in Finance at Sacred Heart Academy

Shatter the Glass Ceiling: Empowering Young Women in Finance at Sacred Heart Academy

In January 2024, data showed that only 26.4% of registered economists worldwide are women. To address this gap, Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead, New York, introduced the Rock the Street, Wall Street (RTSWS) program last fall. This financial and investment literacy initiative empowers high school girls to explore careers in finance.

Through engaging activities, students learned practical financial skills like budgeting for different lifestyles. After six enriching weeks of the program, students visited Molloy College, where they participated in a fun business quiz game and learned about Molloy’s summer business programs.

Sophomore Gabriella L. noted, “The program was run by women who were alumnae from Sacred Heart, creating a positive and comfortable learning environment that encouraged me to consider pursuing my interest in finance and economics.

RTSWS fosters a sense of inclusivity for girls, providing them with role models and helping them build the confidence needed to thrive in a field often dominated by men. By participating in this program, Sacred Heart students are breaking the glass ceiling, gaining financial knowledge, and leading the way to a more equitable future in finance and economics.

Read the full article:
https://nypost.com/2024/05/07/lifestyle/shatter-the-glass-ceiling-school-program-empowers-young-women-in-economics/

How Companies are Rebranding Diversity Initiatives Amid Changing Landscape

How Companies are Rebranding Diversity Initiatives Amid Changing Landscape

As American businesses navigate evolving social, legal, and political dynamics, many are rebranding their diversity and inclusion efforts. Companies like Starbucks, Eli Lilly, and Molson Coors are replacing explicit terms like “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)” with broader concepts such as “talent” and “inclusive culture.”

Key Changes:

  • Eli Lilly: Removed “DEI” from its annual proxy statement while emphasizing workforce diversity.
  • Starbucks: Shifted representation goals to “talent” metrics for executive bonuses, while maintaining diversity targets.
  • Molson Coors: Rebranded its “People & Planet” metrics to focus on fostering an “inclusive culture.”

Legal considerations, like the Supreme Court’s ruling on affirmative action, have led many companies to revise their diversity strategies. Despite the changes, a majority of surveyed executives remain committed to enhancing inclusion programs.

Consultant Perspectives:

  • Johnny C. Taylor Jr. (SHRM): Advocates prioritizing inclusion by rebranding DEI to “IED” (Inclusion, Equity, and Diversity).
  • Eric Ellis (Integrity Development): Notes that rebranding diversity programs has occurred periodically since the civil rights movement.
  • Rhonda Moret (Elevated Diversity): Highlights a shift towards “Leadership and Inclusion” while balancing terminology changes with core values.

While the terminology is evolving, the goal remains consistent: fostering diverse, inclusive workplaces that reflect company values and comply with the changing legal landscape.

Read the full article:
https://css.washingtonpost.com./business/2024/05/05/dei-affirmative-action-rebrand-evolution/

FinLit Month: Conversation with Maura Cunningham & Sallie Krawcheck

FinLit Month: Conversation with Maura Cunningham & Sallie Krawcheck