The Financial Alliance for Racial Equity was honored with a Diversity Champion Award at the Investment News Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Awards event in New York on September 21. The awards strive to identify and celebrate individuals, advisory firms and industry partners that recognize the need to cultivate a diverse and equitable financial services profession that’s welcoming to all.

FARE was formed in late 2020 when a group of leading financial services organizations, associations and historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) came together to focus on increasing the number of Black professionals entering the financial services industry and supporting and investing in them once there. FARE’s efforts include providing resources, scholarships training and connections to diverse students and professionals, which are important components to career success.

“It’s great to see FARE recognized at this prestigious event where so many dynamic individuals and organizations were honored for their commitment to the same goal – driving more diversity in the financial services industry to better address the needs of underserved communities,” said Kristi Martin Rodriquez, leader of the Nationwide Retirement Institute. “This award is the result of the strong commitment of the financial services firms, industry partners and historically Black colleges and universities that make up the FARE alliance.”

Congratulations to the entire FARE coalition, which includes: Morgan Stanley, M Financial Group, NFP, Employee Benefit Research Institute, Huntington Bank, Franklin Templeton, Miami Life and Nationwide, in partnership with six HBCUs, including Hampton University, Howard University, Lincoln University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University and Winston-Salem State University. 

As part of the awards program, Kristi Martin Rodriguez represented Nationwide and FARE in a panel discussion titled, Rejuvenating your DE&I Efforts.

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