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

Leo Harmon recognized as one of Crain’s 2023 Notable Leaders in DEI

Recognizing senior leaders who make significant and recent contributions to advancing equality in the workplace

Read more
Leo Harmon recognized as one of Crain’s 2023 Notable Leaders in DEI

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

    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

    Industry partnerships

    ECONOMIC INCLUSION

    Placeholder

    CHICAGO UNITED

    Drives economic parity for MBEs in the Chicagoland area

    Our role: Active member and sponsor since 1998

    INDUSTRY INCLUSION

    Placeholder

    FINANCIAL SERVICES PIPELINE

    Increasing diversity and cultural competency in Chicago financial services

    Our role: 2014 founding member

    LEADERSHIP DIVERSITY

    Placeholder

    BUSINESS LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

    Supports the growth of Black leaders and businesses from grassroots to the boardroom

    Our role: Founding sponsor of Lead Partner Program Pioneer

    GENDER EQUITY

    Placeholder

    WOMEN INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS

    Empowers women in institutional investment community

    Our role: Key partner in supporting women's professional development

    INDUSTRY DIVERSITY

    icon

    NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SECURITIES PROFESSIONALS

    Advocacy for minorities and women in financial services

    Our role: Member / sponsor for 20+ years

    CEO DIVERSITY

    Placeholder

    CEO ACTION FOR DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

    Largest CEO-driven commitment to workplace D&I

    Our role: Became a pledge signatory in 2018

    LATINX INCLUSION

    Placeholder

    ALPFA

    Country's first national Latino professional association

    Our role: Corporate sponsor of executive leadership reception since 2018

    LGBTQ INCLUSION

    Placeholder

    OUT IN FINANCE

    Uniting individuals across financial services to drive LGBTQ+ inclusion and equality

    Our role: Original founding member

    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.

    Explore