Diversity, equity and inclusion
We know that our relevance, and our ability to serve clients, depends on the dynamic evolution of a workplace that prizes diverse thought and experience.
Our DEI Council leads this work, guiding our
Six-Point Commitment:
1 | Converse through DEI programming, events and training for managers and employees
2 | Diversify through professionals of color, women, LGBTQ community members and individuals with disabilities at all levels of our firm
3 | Advocate for underserved communities through financial contributions, volunteering, mentoring and in-kind services
4 | Align with organizations advancing DEI in our industry
5 | Champion suppliers, vendors and organizations driving positive change
6 | Participate in DEI initiatives within our industry and across our businesses
“The DEI Council, and our Associate DEI Council of younger professionals, bring diverse mindsets to the work of driving best practices and new ideas. The result is an intentional, inclusive approach to advancing DEI in our workplace and industry.”
Felicia Rauls, Chair, DEI Council and Director of Operations, Retirement Advisory Services
Insights
Timely DEI expertise
Read the latest from leaders at Mesirow who work every day to sustain an inclusive workplace and support strategic DEI initiatives across our industry and communities.
Areas of focus
Through our culture of training, inclusion and education, we nurture a workforce that prizes DEI and strategic alignment with the bottom line.
Work Programs
- Cristo Rey Work Study Program: High school
- Summer Internship Program: College
- Rotational Analyst Program: Post-college
- Mesirow Opportunity & Inclusion Program: Full-time employment program for professionals with disabilities
- Job Training Program: 10-week program for professionals with disabilities
Mesirow Employee Resource Groups
- PeerConnect
- PrideConnect
- WomenConnect
- ParentsConnect
Training and Education
- Mandatory training on topics including unconscious bias, microaggressions and cross-cultural communication
Goal of optimizing return on investment for all clients and stakeholders:
- Diverse pool of clients and prospects
- Products and services tailored to the mindsets, priorities, cultural preferences and economic conditions of a vast diversity of people
Long-term partnerships with diverse suppliers:
- African, Latino and Asian-American (MBE)
- Women (WBE)
- Veteran and service-disabled veteran (SDV)
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ)
- Small business (SBE)
Comprehensive community support focused on elimination of social injustice and racial inequality:
- Strategic support: For organizations that align with our goals and objectives of strengthening underserved communities
- Economic Development: Giving to organizations and initiatives that target small MBEs with the intent of growing local economies to scale and increasing job opportunities. Mesirow also provides mentorship and pro-bono services to benefit MBEs.
- Education: Giving to organizations that support disadvantaged communities, with particular focus on Black, Indigenous and Latin/Latinx students across a spectrum of academic and community achievement
- Financial literacy: Outreach and education on basic investment terms and practices to 8th grade students through The Big Shoulders Fund
Long-term industry partnerships, some extending to 1998, with organizations leading the way on financial services DEI and ensuring a vibrant industry positioned for the future.
28
Years partnered with Chicago United
500+
Employees in 2022 Unconscious Bias training
50%
Diverse young professionals in 2022 Summer Intern class
ECONOMIC INCLUSION
CHICAGO UNITED
INDUSTRY INCLUSION
FINANCIAL SERVICES PIPELINE
LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY
BUSINESS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
GENDER EQUITY
WOMEN INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS
INDUSTRY DIVERSITY
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES PROFESSIONALS
CEO DIVERSITY
CEO ACTION FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION
LATINX INCLUSION
ALPFA
LGBTQ INCLUSION
OUT IN FINANCE
Meaningful disability inclusion
Mesirow’s longstanding partnership with Anixter Center provides full-time employment and a 10-week job training program, both enabling participants to gain important career, technical and soft skills.