Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Colony Group’s focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing commitment to full social inclusion, equal opportunity, and making TCG the best place to work in the financial services industry. Knowing that the best and most innovative ideas come from diverse perspectives and experiences, we are committed to providing a place and space for all individuals to find meaning and joy in their work and lives.
At The Colony Group, we believe we have a responsibility to advocate for, support, and create a place and a space for all individuals to thrive, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religious background, disabilities, sexual identity, culture, or other forms of diversity. We also believe that in order to disable the systems in place that prevent opportunity and inclusion for all, iterative and evolving processes, initiatives, and conversations are required. For that reason, we take responsibility for actively participating in this shift on an organizational and industry level. Our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are ongoing.
Our fundamental reasons to pursue these efforts are as follows:
- Our central desire to be a sustainable enterprise, including recognizing, incorporating, and representing the demographics of our country;
- Our confidence that the best and most innovative ideas come from diverse experiences and perspectives;
- Our belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to attracting, developing, engaging, and retaining not only the best team in the industry but also the best clients and business partners;
- Our insistence that we live by the very values about which we speak so frequently, including lifelong learning, curiosity, collaboration, and respect;
- Our resolve to respond with actions and not merely words to address issues and injustices surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
- Our commitment to being an honest and enthusiastic leader within our industry and communities.
Our strategy development and implementation work are ongoing.
Our Diversity Council is comprised of a cross-section of 15 members of our national team. The constitution of this group will change over time to ensure as many members of our team as possible can discuss, design, and advance our efforts. In addition, Craig Jones has been appointed as The Colony Group’s first Chief Diversity Officer. In that role, Craig serves as a key leader and resource for the company on driving diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts forward.
Additionally, a professional Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consulting firm assists The Colony Group’s evaluation of existing policies and practices, as well as the implementation of our efforts.
Episodes
Nan Vlad: Flute to Finance
The Colony Group’s Nan Vlad, Senior Wealth Advisor and Principal, shares her journey from a life in the performing arts to financial services. Tune in to a special episode sponsored by Her…...
Nicole Steinwedell: Starring in a New Role
For Colony Group Associate Wealth Advisor, Nicole Steinwedell, a career in financial services was never part of the plan, but when her curiosity about the industry piqued, she left behind…...
Indrika Arnold: Turning Challenges into Confidence
Growing up in Sri Lanka and finding her way to finance, The Colony Group’s Indrika Arnold, Senior Wealth Advisor, and Principal, is no stranger to stepping outside her comfort zone.…...
Whitney Turner: Money and Basketball
How are D1 basketball and the finance industry similar? The Colony Group’s Whitney Turner, Client Service Associate, will tell you! Here, Whitney discusses how lessons she’s taken from her time…...
Queen Harambee: Leveraging Opportunities
The Colony Group’s Queen Harambee, Client Service Manager, left Africa with her family for a better life and new opportunities. How did that journey shape her perspective and ambitions today?…...
Lorri Unumb: Changing the Autism System
After her son’s autism diagnosis, Lorri Unumb’s life changed entirely. Lorri is a lawyer, mother, and internationally renowned autism advocate. Her work has been critical in the autism insurance reform…...
Events
Winthrop University in South Carolina as a representative of Schwab Diversity Advocacy Board
Craig Jones
2024 CIAA Men's & Women's Basketball Tournament - Networking Event
Answan Johnson, Faith Weston, Heather Anthony, and Michelle Angu
DEI educational session at IMPACT, “Let’s talk DEI: Elevate your talent strategy with resources and insights from industry leaders.”
Craig Jones
Ribbon cutting of the new College of Business building at Coppin State University
Heather Anthony and Answan Johnson
"Demystifying Wealth Management" with the Schwab Wealth Management Scholars at Howard University
Answan Johnson
Boston University Ascend Fellowship Talk
JonPaul McBride
The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE) Spark
Zi Wang
Junior Achievement Volunteers, JA Free Enterprise Center
Kittye Tilford & Carmone Duncan-Copeland
Women and Worth Summit
Nicole Steinwedell
Charles Schwab DEI Roundtable Discussion
Indrika Arnold
Inaugural Coppin State University Gala
Heather Anthony
Schwab’s Impact Career Fair, Education and Career Forum
Craig Jones
The Black Wealth Summit in College Park, Career Fair
Craig Jones, Answan Johnson, and Kimberly Primavera
Publications and Recordings
Incorporating Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in an Investment Policy
Why should you consider including diversity, equity, and inclusion (‘DEI’) in your investment policy statement (‘IPS’)? Doing so ensures that the institution’s DEI objectives remain priorities, even in times of…...
Being Deliberate in Developing DEI Manager Sourcing Channels
What does the process of including diverse managers in an investment portfolio entail? Cassidy Orr: Clients overseeing pools of capital have a responsibility to support the mission of the institution…...
Creating an Inclusive Culture with Leslie Tabor & Craig Jones
Hear from The Colony Group’s Craig Jones, Managing Director, and Chief Diversity Officer, in this Diversity in Action™ podcast, “Creating an Inclusive Culture”....
DEI Considerations for Institutions – Audio Recording, Craig Jones, Cassidy Orr
Are you part of an institution looking to learn more about incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) objectives into investments? Is the organization seeking alignment between its investments and the…...
Nurturing a More Diverse Profession – with Rene Jarquin and JonPaul McBride
Join The Colony Group’s JonPaul McBride, CFP®, Wealth Advisor on Wicked Pissah’s Podcast “Nurturing a More Diverse Profession” where he discusses his recent involvement with the New England chapter’s DEI…...
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