Continuing to advance internal and external efforts, Carson Group formed its Inclusion, Diversity, Education and Action Council, or IDEA Council, last August. The group meets biweekly to create a shared language and an understanding among stakeholders while educating and connecting them to individuals and organizations that will spark change. The council facilitated the firm’s partnership with Inclusive Communities, a local Omaha nonprofit that specializes in facilitating interactive workshops focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion education. The entire firm participated in a five-part workshop series. “Since our inception, we’ve worked to create a space of belonging, connection and community. A more inclusive workplace is better for everyone. We’re more productive, we’re more passionate, more aligned and more profitable when we exhibit inclusive behavior,” said Kelsey Ruwe, chief of staff.
Through the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Carson became a member of Commitment to Opportunity, Diversity and Equity, signing a pledge to create and implement a D&I strategy, hire or appoint a D&I leader or group to develop and support initiatives, and measure success by participating in a CODE assessment, the results of which the firm is currently evaluating. Carson also has pledged to donate $500,000 over the next four years to the AAAA Foundation, which encourages African Americans to become financial planners and engages in research to advance financial planning in African American communities. Partnering with BlackRock, Carson is supporting the nonprofit FinServ Foundation in its work to empower the next generation of financial professionals through coaching, mentorship and community, and by reaching out to students at historically Black colleges and universities.
Contact: Meg Ronspies, senior communications coordinator, at mronspies@carsongroup.com.
— Evan Cooper