DiversityQ is proud to present the 3rd Annual Women in Asset Management Awards
The events of 2020 shook the asset management industry. From the lessons learned, it is believed that three sets of issues will be central to defining the broader role of the asset management industry i. e. financial security, socially responsible investing, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Throughout the last 18 months of the pandemic, there has been greater urgency for conversations on racial injustice and gender diversity. Sadly, the asset management industry’s internal record on DEI is mixed at best. According to research by McKinsey (2020), women represent just 19% of C-level and president roles at North American asset management firms, and 59% of North American asset managers do not set diversity and inclusion-specific targets for their leadership positions.
This cannot continue. The good news is that more managers and firms are determined to make a change. 63% o North American managers have now implemented policies and practices to reduce gender bias in their evaluation systems (McKinsey 2020). We know that companies that led in racial, ethnic, and gender diversity are more likely to be profitable than their peers, so why is it taking so long for this shift to happen? It is because the industry as a whole needs a make a fundamental shift. DEI is more than just a corporate and social responsibility initiative, it is the core ingredient to a more sustainable business model.
The Awards series has been working to change these statistics by providing a platform to showcase professional from across the United States that are striving for more ethical and responsible investment decisions, and that are promoting the importance of a more inclusive sector.
We will reunite the asset and wealth management community to shine a light on outstanding industry talent and role models, as well as the employers that are implementing diversity initiatives to spearhead real change in the sector.
The winners will be announced live in an online ceremony on September 9, 2021! Join us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of your colleagues and peers.
WOMAN OF THE YEAR
A woman who has demonstrated a high degree of excellence, innovation, and leadership in the last year, and shone a light on the great things women in asset management can achieve. In their submission, nominees should not only demonstrate outstanding business- and asset management focussed achievements, but also give examples of how they have actively sought to bring more diversity to the asset management industry.
- Allison Nolan, Athena International Management
- Brooke Fapohunda, Lord Abbett & Co. LLC
- Cindy Couyoumjian, Cinergy Financial
- Elizabeth Koehler, BlackRock
- Judy VanArsdale, Lakeview Wealth Management
- Loraine McEvoy, Jennison Associates
- Lule Demmissie, Ally Invest
- Pam Holding, Fidelity Investments
- Savina Rizova, Dimensional Fund Advisors
- Shana Sissel, Spotlight Asset Group
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION OF THE YEAR
Nominations can be submitted for this category and candidates will be selected from across the current nominees as well as the judging panel’s knowledge of key industry individuals. It is to recognize the achievements over a long period of time which has made an important contribution to the general standing of the asset management industry.
- Cindy Couyoumjian, Cinergy Financial
- Erica Kay, Macquarie Asset Management
- Judy VanArsdale, Lake view Wealth Management
- Julie Hill, Lord Abbett & Co. LLC
- Lisa Jones, Amundi Asset Management US
- Pamela Brylski, BlackRock