Federated Hermes is a global investment manager that offers a wide range of asset management products and services to institutional and individual investors. Known for its commitment to responsible investing and sustainability, Federated Hermes integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into its investment strategies. The firm aims to deliver long-term value to clients while promoting positive societal impact through its investment decisions and corporate practices.
Franklin Templeton is a global investment management organization known for its expertise in asset management and financial services. With a history dating back to 1947, Franklin Templeton offers a wide range of investment solutions to individual and institutional investors worldwide. The firm is recognized for its active management approach, extensive research capabilities, and commitment to delivering superior investment outcomes. Franklin Templeton operates with a global perspective, serving clients with diverse investment needs across various asset classes and regions.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) is the asset management division of Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., one of the world’s leading investment banks and financial services firms. GSAM provides a wide range of investment management services to institutional and individual investors globally. Known for its expertise in active management and alternative investments, GSAM offers solutions across equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative investment strategies. The firm focuses on delivering strong investment performance while emphasizing risk management and client service excellence.
Nationwide is a leading insurance and financial services organization, serving customers with a wide range of products including auto, home, life, and pet insurance, as well as retirement planning, investing, and banking services. Founded in 1926, Nationwide has grown to become one of the largest insurance and financial services companies in the United States. Known for its customer-centric approach, Nationwide is committed to providing innovative solutions and personalized service to help individuals and businesses protect what matters most. With a strong emphasis on community involvement and corporate responsibility, Nationwide strives to make a positive impact on the communities it serves.
NFP, now an Aon company, is a leading insurance broker and consultant that provides a wide range of insurance and wealth management solutions to individuals and businesses. With the acquisition by Aon, NFP enhances its capabilities in risk management, employee benefits, retirement planning, and more, offering comprehensive services tailored to client needs. Together, NFP and Aon aim to deliver innovative solutions and personalized service to help clients navigate complex insurance and financial challenges effectively.
OSAIC Wealth Management is a financial advisory firm based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They specialize in providing comprehensive wealth management services to individuals, families, and institutions. OSAIC focuses on personalized financial planning, investment management, retirement planning, estate planning, and other financial services tailored to meet the unique needs of their clients. They aim to build long-term relationships based on trust, integrity, and expertise, helping clients achieve their financial goals and navigate complex financial landscapes effectively.
RBC Wealth Management is a division of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) that provides comprehensive wealth management services to affluent individuals, families, and institutional clients worldwide. Known for its global reach and extensive resources, RBC Wealth Management offers a range of solutions including investment management, financial planning, estate planning, trust services, and personalized advice tailored to clients’ unique financial goals and needs. RBC Wealth Management aims to deliver exceptional service and investment expertise to help clients preserve and grow their wealth over the long term.
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is a prominent trade association that represents the life insurance industry in the United States. It advocates on behalf of its member companies, which provide life insurance, retirement products, and other financial services to over 90 million American families. ACLI’s mission is to promote public policies that ensure the viability and competitiveness of the life insurance industry, protect consumers, and contribute to the overall economic stability of the country. The organization engages in legislative and regulatory advocacy, research, and public education to advance its goals and support the interests of both its members and the consumers they serve.
The American College of Financial Services is a premier institution dedicated to education and professional development in the financial services industry. Known for its rigorous academic programs, industry-leading faculty, and commitment to ethical standards, the College offers a range of certifications, degrees, and continuing education opportunities tailored to financial professionals’ needs. With a focus on advancing knowledge and fostering leadership in financial planning, insurance, retirement, and wealth management, the American College prepares professionals to meet the complex challenges of today’s financial landscape effectively.
The American Retirement Association (ARA) is a leading organization dedicated to promoting retirement savings and planning through advocacy, education, and professional development. Representing the interests of retirement plan professionals and sponsors, the ARA provides resources, certifications, and networking opportunities to enhance industry knowledge and best practices. By advocating for policies that support retirement security and offering comprehensive educational programs, the ARA empowers individuals and organizations to navigate and optimize retirement planning strategies effectively.
The BLX Internship Program is dedicated to increasing diversity in the financial planning industry by providing opportunities for Black and Latinx individuals. Founded in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, the program aims to address the underrepresentation of these communities in financial planning. It matches aspiring financial planners with fee-only and fee-based firms for summer internships, offering comprehensive training and resources to ensure success for both interns and firms. Interns gain valuable hands-on experience, receive professional development, and become part of a supportive community, while firms benefit from a diverse talent pool. The program also offers scholarships and aims to raise awareness of financial planning as a career path.
The CFP Board is a nonprofit organization that sets and enforces standards for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification in the United States. It aims to benefit the public by fostering competent and ethical financial planning professionals through rigorous education, examination, experience, and ethics requirements. The CFP Board’s mission is to uphold and promote the CFP certification as the recognized standard of excellence for personal financial planning.
The Defined Contribution Institutional Investment Association (DCIIA) is an organization dedicated to enhancing retirement security in the United States through advocacy, research, and education. DCIIA brings together plan sponsors, investment managers, consultants, and policymakers to promote best practices and innovation in defined contribution retirement plans. Their mission includes improving plan design, participant outcomes, and overall retirement readiness through collaboration and thought leadership within the retirement industry.
The Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) is a nonprofit organization committed to conducting research and providing education on employee benefits and retirement issues in the United States. EBRI’s research informs policymakers, plan sponsors, and the public about trends and challenges in retirement security, health benefits, and financial wellbeing. By analyzing data and conducting surveys, EBRI aims to improve understanding and decision-making related to employee benefits, contributing to informed policy and practice in the field.
The Insured Retirement Institute (IRI) is a leading advocacy and education organization in the United States focused on retirement income solutions provided through annuities. IRI works to promote consumer understanding and confidence in retirement products and advocates for policies that support retirement security. Through research, education, and industry collaboration, IRI strives to enhance retirement readiness and protect the financial futures of individuals and families.
Hampton University stands as a distinguished institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. Located in Hampton, Virginia, this historically black university has a rich legacy of producing influential leaders across various fields, fostering a culture of innovation and community service among its students and alumni.
Virginia State University (VSU), established in 1882, is a historically black university located in Ettrick, Virginia. Known for its strong emphasis on academic excellence, community engagement, and student success, VSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. The university prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, preparing students to become leaders in their fields and contributing positively to society. With a rich history and a supportive campus community, Virginia State University continues to uphold its mission of empowering students to achieve their full potential.
Virginia Union University (VUU), founded in 1865, is a historically black university located in Richmond, Virginia. VUU offers a diverse range of academic programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels, emphasizing excellence in education, social justice, and community service. Known for its nurturing environment and strong sense of community, Virginia Union University prepares students to become leaders who are equipped to make meaningful contributions to their professions and society. The university’s legacy of empowering students through education continues to inspire future generations to excel academically and strive for positive change in their communities.
Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), founded in 1892, is a historically black university located in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Known for its strong academic programs, particularly in healthcare, education, business, and the arts, WSSU provides a supportive environment that fosters student success and community engagement. The university is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, preparing graduates to become leaders in their fields and advocates for social change. With a rich history and a dedication to excellence, Winston-Salem State University continues to uphold its mission of educating and empowering students to contribute meaningfully to a global society.
Delaware State University enjoys a long history as one of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Founded in 1891 as the State College for Colored Students, DSU is proud of our heritage as one of the country’s first land-grant educational institutions. Today, we’re a welcome center of learning for students from many backgrounds. Our current population includes a 61% African-American enrollment and an increasing number of Caucasian, Hispanic, Asian and other international students.
Testimonials
Testimonials from our clients highlight their satisfaction and success with our comprehensive wealth management services.
Creating an authentically inclusive and equitable business community requires tackling the root causes of systemic racism and a team effort. Talk alone is not enough. We need corporations to put their money where their mouths are and invest resources into student scholarships, faculty training and research at HBCUs, which have been the guiding light for the advancement of African Americans for centuries. No corporation or university can go it alone. That’s why Hampton University is encouraged to be partnering with the financial industry and fellow HBCUs to launch the Financial Alliance for Racial Equity. The opportunity for our students will be immediate, while our partner firms take another meaningful step towards a truly inclusive corporate America.
IRI is embedding DEI principles in all that we are doing and engaging in deep, active partnerships with key organizations, like FARE, to move our industry forward. Shani Armon, IRI’s Chief Membership & Marketing Officer, had willingness to step up and accept a leadership role on FARE’s board of directors is a testament to her passion and IRI’s commitment to this critical mission.
Financial services and financial understanding is key. [We’re in a] fast-moving economy and financial services are becoming more and more enhanced with technology. So for me it’s about having that knowledge now and understanding how I can use that for my own needs, how to grow and protect my wealth, how to grow and protect clients’ wealth.
We have made progress in making our industry a more attractive place for women to grow and thrive as financial advisors, but we still have a lot of work to do to make it more inclusive for Black, Indigenous and People of Color.
