Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Inspired by the power of perspectives
Our vision – to be a firm as unique as the people we serve – guides us as we work to gain an even deeper understanding of what makes each of us unique and of what unites us. This principle guides our business at every level, including how we attract talented people and support their personal goals and professional development. When we welcome and embrace diverse experiences, perspectives and points of view in the workplace, it leads to more innovation, creativity and collaboration.
Pledge to the Black community
A dozen organizations in 10 geographic markets received funding as part of the firm’s pledge to the Black community, which included an initial $1.5 million contribution. The pledge was signed by associates and firm leaders in June 2020. (Photo courtesy of College Possible Philadelphia.)
Pride Month
In celebration of Pride Month, the pride flag was raised in June 2020 at Raymond James corporate offices, including the international headquarters in St. Petersburg, Florida, and Memphis, Tennessee.
Black History Month
Black History Month in February 2021 was an opportunity not only to learn about the journeys of Black Americans, but also to continue to reflect on the actions we are taking – and for firm leaders to identify new action items.
Race in the workplace
CEO Paul Reilly and Diversity & Inclusion leaders Renée Baker and Pedro Suriel hosted special guests Dr. Johnnetta Cole and Kelly Charles-Collins for an open discussion in June 2020 about race and its impact on the workplace.
Wreaths Across America
To honor the sacrifices veterans have made, associates at the home office joined members of Valor, the Veterans Inclusion Network, to distribute more than 22,000 wreaths at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell in December 2020.
Women’s Symposium
The annual Women’s Symposium, hosted by the Women Financial Advisors Network, is an event like no other. That took on new meaning as the 26th edition in September 2020 proved we’re better together – even virtually.
Business of Pride
The Pride Financial Advisors Network, which supports LGBTQ+ advisors and the communities they serve, will celebrate its first anniversary with the inaugural Business of Pride Symposium in June 2021.
Diwali celebration
The annual Diwali celebration, hosted by the Mosaic Multicultural Inclusion Network, was held virtually in November 2020, including the lighting of the lamp, a traditional dance and insights into customs and traditions.
Diversity, equity and inclusion: our three-pillar approach
Workforce
We aim to attract talented people and provide the resources and encouragement they need to grow.
Workplace
We strive to make Raymond James a welcoming place where differences are celebrated, and everyone is able to bring their whole selves to work.
Community
Our communities are an integral part of who we are, and we strive to be an integral part of them.
Associate Inclusion Networks
We believe in bringing people together. Our Associate Inclusion Networks, open to all associates at Raymond James, promote inclusivity through the work of their leaders and members, offering an avenue for associates of all backgrounds and identities to share, learn and connect.
Emerge, the Emerging Professionals Inclusion Network, helps the firm’s future leaders develop, connect and grow in their careers.
Encore, a forum for learning and a place to connect, provides guidance and reassurance for associates in all stages of their career, specifically later-career associates, navigate work, life and everything in between.
Mosaic, the Multicultural Inclusion Network, brings together associates of all ethnicities, cultures and heritages to share stories, perspectives and worldviews and create an even more inclusive workplace.
Pride, an inclusion network for LGBTQ+ associates and allies, supports associates of all gender identities and sexual orientations with opportunities to learn, share and connect at work and in our communities. We are a key resource for providing education, support and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Valor, the Veterans Inclusion Network representing all service branches and military spouses/families, is a key advocate for Veteran's education, professional development and community outreach.
- Our priority is to make Raymond James the employer of choice for military members, veterans and their families. We understand the challenges veterans often face in the transition back to civilian life or continued service through the Guard and Reserve. Valor has created a network of professionals throughout Raymond James that can support, develop and promote the unique skill sets of veterans.
WIN, the Women’s Inclusion Network, supports professional and career development by fostering an environment that attracts and retains women who will contribute to the firm’s long-term success.
Advisor Inclusion Networks
We believe supporting advisors whose diversity reflects the world in which we live is vitally important. The Advisor Inclusion Networks at Raymond James strive to support advisors and the communities they proudly represent, providing resources, strategies and a forum for sharing ideas designed to enhance their businesses.
The Women Financial Advisors Network has grown from a grassroots effort to more than 1,100 successful women who are passionate about connecting with like-minded women in the industry, building relationships and growing their businesses with the full support of a firm that puts advisors first. From practice management seminars to coaching programs and more, it offers the resources that entrepreneurial advisors and their teams need to reach their potential.
The Black Financial Advisors Network supports the recruitment and retention of the best and brightest Black professionals in the financial services industry. They are also dedicated to helping you develop your career and grow your business with the support of accomplished advisors. Guided by a spirit of excellence and a client-first approach, the network is committed to contributing to the long-term success of Black advisors and Raymond James.
The Pride Financial Advisors Network welcomes professionals with a demonstrated commitment to fiercely and honestly serving the LGBTQ+ community. And whether you’re a like-minded advisor, advocate or ally, our network invites you to thrive as your most authentic self, both personally and professionally. Our mission is to pave the way for meaningful change, so we can all move forward – together.
The Veteran Financial Advisors Network is a professional network where veterans can learn from and rely on one another as they grow their businesses and advocate important causes within our firm and communities. It also works to connect recently separated and discharged service members with a field that values their leadership skills and commitment to others.
Fostering Inclusion
At Raymond James, we believe we are all responsible for creating the world we wish to see. It’s in that spirit we ensure our firmwide commitment to diversity and inclusion thrives and evolves, through firm-led initiatives, strategic partnerships, and maintaining an environment where all voices are valued, respected and heard.
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The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advisory Council (DEIAC), comprised of senior leaders appointed by our CEO and Executive Committee, is the primary body responsible for championing the practice of inclusion throughout the firm by supporting the implementation of corporate initiatives and representing associate and leader perspectives.
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Amid collective despair following the tragic killings of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor and others, thousands of associates and more than 60 leaders across Raymond James pledged their commitment to the Black community. While we have always worked to ensure we have policies and programs in place that seek to address racial inequality, we recognize we can – we must – do more. The pledge included an initial $1.5 million contribution to support racial equality, financial literacy and empowerment, and volunteerism opportunities.
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Raymond James participates in the annual Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index, the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices relating to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees. Raymond James has received high marks since our debut on the list in 2008, including a perfect score of 100 consecutively.
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Raymond James is proud to join in the CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion within the workplace. As a signatory of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge, we are committed to cultivating an inclusive and diverse workplace, while also working with others across professions on collective strides toward these efforts.
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At Raymond James, we foster a growth mindset and embrace a philosophy of life-long learning. Our partnerships with thought leaders in workplace diversity, equity and inclusion give associates access to exclusive and premium content and opportunities, including Catalyst, Stanford | VMware Women’s Leadership & Innovation Lab, LinkedIn Learning, Harvard Learning Resources, Human Rights Campaign and CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion.
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Raymond James is part of the Florida Business for a Competitive Workforce (FBCW). This partnership reflects Raymond James’ commitment to an inclusive and diverse environment where differences are understood, respected and valued.
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Driven by our dedication to diversity and inclusion, Raymond James founded our Supplier Diversity Program, which expands our opportunity to collaborate with reputable diverse suppliers in purchasing and sourcing initiatives – strengthening our firm’s position in the marketplace and our continued commitment to championing small businesses.
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Supporting people – all people – is a central tenet of our corporate responsibility.
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