Diversity & Inclusion
Inspired by the power of perspectives
Raymond James has always been about people. Building a diverse workforce and creating an inclusive work environment – a place where everyone feels welcomed, valued, respected and heard – is a natural extension of our values-based culture and our vision to be a financial services firm as unique as the people we serve. Here, advisors and associates can bring their best selves to work – to fully contribute their distinct insights for the benefit of clients, our firm and our communities.
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.
Our core diversity and inclusion objectives
Workforce
Ensure equity in recruitment, development and advancement of our associates and advisors regardless of background.
Workplace
Create an inclusive, equitable workplace to drive improvement and exceptional results.
Community
Leverage the firm’s influence to champion equality and help communities thrive.
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 us to share, learn and connect.
Emerge, the Emerging Professionals Inclusion Network, provides a platform for Raymond James associates to advance their professional careers. We organize programs and events to provide a supportive environment for associates to interact with peers and leaders at and outside the firm to enhance learning and career growth opportunities. We also provide a platform for associates to get involved with and support business initiatives at Raymond James, corporate philanthropic activities and community service.
Encore, a network for what comes next, provides guidance, instruction and reassurance for associates facing the challenges that come with work and life integration and balance – a forum for learning and a place to connect.
Mosaic, the Multicultural Inclusion Network, brings together Raymond James associates from all backgrounds to provide members of underrepresented ethnicities, nationalities and cultures with support, resources and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Pride, the LGBTQ+ Inclusion Network, brings together LGBTQ+ associates and allies to build and retain a diverse workforce while creating an inclusive environment at Raymond James. We are a key resource for providing education, support and opportunities for professional growth and development.
Valor, the Veterans Inclusion Network, recognizes the sacrifices military members, veterans and their families make for our nation, and our priority is to make Raymond James the employer of choice for these individuals. We are acutely aware that veterans often face challenges as they transition back to civilian life or continue service through the Guard and Reserve, and we have created a network of professionals that can support, develop and promote the unique skill sets of veterans throughout Raymond James.
WIN, the Women’s Inclusion Network, supports women’s professional and career development at Raymond James by fostering an environment that attracts and retains professional 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 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.
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.
Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives
To ensure the firmwide commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to thrive and evolve, our Diversity & Inclusion Advisory Council supports diversity initiatives that reflect associate and leader concerns and champion the practice of inclusion throughout the firm.
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The Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Council is comprised of senior leaders appointed by our CEO and Executive Committee to ensure our firmwide commitment to diversity and inclusion continues to thrive and evolve. It is the primary body responsible for supporting the implementation of corporate diversity initiatives, representing associate and leader concerns and championing the practice of inclusion throughout the firm.
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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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Each year, the Human Rights Campaign publishes its 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 once again.
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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 believe we are all responsible for creating the world we wish to see. It’s in that spirit that we have cultivated strategic partnerships to build a network of diverse employees who feel their unique perspectives aren’t just valued, but encouraged and celebrated.
Our partners include SEO, or Seizing Every Opportunity, which has devoted the past 50 years to helping over 19,000 talented young people from underserved communities; Forté, committed to supporting professional women across an array of industries; and Toigo Foundation, whose mission is to promote a culture of inclusion by connecting underrepresented talent to leadership opportunities.
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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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