NAIFA’s Leadership Signs Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledges

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is an important component of the NAIFA 2025 strategic plan, which establishes a roadmap for NAIFA’s continued success over the next five years. As a commitment to DEI, CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE, and SVP of Government Relations Diane Boyle have both acted by joining other leaders and organizations in diversity pledges.

Mayeux joined nearly 2,000 CEOs as a member of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion Coalition by signing a pledge to collaborate and act on supporting a more inclusive environment. NAIFA staff participated in the 2021 CEO Day of Understanding along with 1.5 million others across the country. The Day of Understanding facilitated candid conversations that emphasized the value of breaking down barriers, increasing understanding and working toward meaningful change.

Boyle has signed the Diversity in Government Relations (DRG) Pledge with other professionals in the government relations field as they strive for diversity, equity and inclusion in advocacy at the federal, state and local levels. “NAIFA members serve diverse communities across the United States and our association is committed to advocating for policies that ensure everyone has access to the products, services and advice that contribute to financial security,” Boyle said. This pledge is the first of its kind in the government relations field. The DRG Coalition “exists to foster and strengthen diversity, equity and inclusion among entities that influence local, state and federal policy through data collection, strategic communications and stakeholder engagement — leading to a more diverse government relations workforce, which yields inclusive and transformative policymaking that reflects the diversity of America.”

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION EBOOK NOW AVAILABLE

NAIFA’s new DEI ebook is now available for download in the Talent Development Center. The ebook features NAIFA members working to ensure financial security for all through recruiting and retaining diverse talent in the industry as well as educating our members to serve under-served populations.

• Four inspiring African American female financial advisors who have been trailblazers in the world of finance share their career experiences and reaction to the market calling for more Black female advisors. About 63% of African American households have females serving as the head of the household, and they want advice on financial planning. Now is the time to bring more advisors to serve this community.

• The COVID-19 pandemic affected all Americans. Overrun hospitals, overworked frontline workers, an international travel ban, social distancing and mask mandates affected communities across the country regardless of race. The pandemic, however, disproportionally affected brown and Black people due to wealth inequality in the United States. Christopher Gandy offers expertise on civil unrest and the impact of the pandemic in our country and how to find opportunities within underserved markets.

• In a conversation between Angela LappJohnson, Aprilyn Chavez-Geissler and Win Havir, the three women discuss the unconscious and conscious biases that affect the industry. By bringing these to the table and raising awareness, these women provide clarity on how we can create a more inclusive environment in the field of finance. While biases are ingrained, we can be aware and prevent them. The article highlights behaviors to implement to build more meaningful relationships and a culture of equality.