Mesirow today announced that it received a perfect score of 100 percent on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a national benchmark survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) workplace equality, administered by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation.

The firm features a wide-range of opportunities for employee engagement, including PrideConnect, a community of Mesirow employees who identify as LGBTQ and allies. PrideConnect is committed to aligning with the firm’s core values by promoting visibility, integrity, education and social responsibility while pursuing business development opportunities. PrideConnect’s grassroots efforts culminated in the firm’s launch of Pride Month, a signature event featuring volunteer opportunities, an ice cream social and a firm-wide ally pledge.

“Within the last year, Mesirow has taken an accelerated approach to our commitment to inclusion, resulting in a 100 percent score. While Mesirow has always been committed to diversity and inclusion, we’re proud to have hit this benchmark. In doing what’s right for our employees, we’re doing what’s right for our clients and the community,” shared David Egan, senior vice president and head of Human Resources.

The 2019 CEI rated 571 businesses in the report, which evaluates LGBTQ-related policies and practices including non-discrimination workplace protections, domestic partner benefits, transgender-inclusive health care benefits, competency programs and public engagements. Mesirow succeeded in meeting these criteria, receiving the designation as a Best Place to Work for LGBTQ Equality.

“Mesirow’s long-time culture of support has simply been formalized – a testament to our senior leadership, as well as our employees’ grassroots efforts. Our work to receive a perfect score truly exemplifies our corporate values,” said Dustin Rigsby, co-founder of PrideConnect and Investment Management marketing specialist.

For more information on the 2019 Corporate Equality Index, or to download a free copy of the report, visit www.hrc.org/CEI

About Mesirow

Mesirow is an independent, employee-owned financial services firm founded in 1937. Headquartered in Chicago, with offices in 21 cities, we serve clients through a personal, custom approach to reaching financial goals and acting as a force for social good. With capabilities spanning Global Investment Management,  Markets & Investment Banking, and Institutional Retirement Plans, we invest in what matters: our clients, our communities and our workplace culture.

Mesirow Financial has been recently named best places to work in Chicago by Crain’s Chicago Business and the Chicago Tribune.

2019 The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equity Index (Score received January 2022 reflective of previous 12 months – Licensing fees paid post award for use of the ranking) is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees. Rating criteria includes nondiscrimination policies across business entities; equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and their families; supporting an inclusive culture; and corporate social responsibility. Rankings and/or recognition by unaffiliated rating services and/or publications are not indicative of a firm’s future performance nor do they evaluate the quality of services provided to clients or guarantee that he/she will experience a certain level of results if Mesirow is engaged, or continues to be engaged, to provide investment advisory services, nor should they be construed as a current or past endorsement of Mesirow by any of its clients.