Diversity & Inclusion Week 2021: IWI's Initiative for Inclusive Leadership in Investment

Denver, CO — June 8, 2021 — Over the past few years, campaigns like the #choosetochallenge, #metoo and #blacklivesmatter movements have brought greater awareness of our society's disparities and the role professional financial advisors can play in times of change.
 
Hosted by the Investments & Wealth Institute, the leading professional association for advisor and firm talent development, Diversity & Inclusion Week will be held June 14-20, 2021, in conjunction with Pride month and Juneteenth. Throughout the week curated content from industry and subject matter experts will be shared, including podcasts, blogs, courses, events, and forums to engage the financial advice and planning community. It’s also designed to showcase and celebrate successful DEI programs and resources available throughout the industry.
 
"It's rewarding to see the impact we are already having just through our programs here at the Institute," said Cindy Chaifetz, chief marketing officer, Investments & Wealth Institute. Adding, "Last year alone, we awarded over $225,000 in scholarships to 191 professionals. Research continues to show that those who earn advanced certifications experience a tangible impact on client outcomes, like client loyalty, satisfaction, willingness to refer business, and retention. But they also clearly generate practice outcomes like increased AUM, assets per client, career satisfaction and advisor compensation. It’s nice to see our scholarship program make a real difference in leveling the playing-field for women and minorities."
 
Throughout Diversity & Inclusion Week the Investments & Wealth Institute will reveal additional scholarship opportunities available through its Certification Scholarship Fund. In 2020, the program generated significant increases in candidate intake over existing advisor industry benchmarks and Institute historical averages:  A 28% increase in women candidates, 115% increase in Latino, and a 350% increase in Black/African American candidates. (See 2020 Annual Report)
 
Diversity & Inclusion Week will feature content and discussions within the THRIVE Center for Diversity & Inclusion, an online community and resource center, and programs featured as part of the Diversity Elevates webinar series. Both are aimed at providing a forum for discussion and new strategies related to serving, hiring and team-building practices relevant to women, LGBTQ, and BIPOC communities.
 
The Investments and Wealth Institute believes that meaningful change within the industry cannot be achieved by acting alone. This belief has led to the creation of the THRIVE Coalition, which aims to create educational resources and foster change through collective efforts.