Connected and allied with pride: The Pride Inclusion Network
At Raymond James, celebrating different backgrounds and distinct perspectives enables us to better serve our clients and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.
One way we accomplish this is through our inclusion networks. The Pride Inclusion Network (PIN) serves as a key resource for LGBTQ+ associates and allies, providing education, support and opportunities for professional growth and development. It also brings together members of the LGBTQ+ community to help build and retain a diverse workforce and create an inclusive environment.
“What Raymond James does is create space for complex conversations,” said PIN national co-chair Robbie Moseley, “which allows people to seek feedback on topics they haven’t been comfortable talking about at work in the past.”
By enabling our associates to connect over shared experience, we aim to ensure Raymond James is a place where associates feel safe bringing their authentic selves to work each day and empowered to make a difference in their communities.
“Our goals are to support members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community, expand Raymond James talent acquisitions, ensure members of the community are represented across affiliations and home office roles and make an impact in the community through charitable service.”– Robbie Moseley, vice president, Advisor Choice Consulting
Finding strength in numbers
Established in 2006 (then known as the Rainbow Network), PIN is bolstered by the support of the firm’s leadership as well as other inclusion networks.
“We’ve partnered with the Veterans and Women’s Inclusion Networks for events,” said Robbie. “It teaches us that we all have more in common than we think.”
“I love being part of the Pride Network,” said communications chair My Newsome, who is also a member of Valor, the veterans inclusion network. “It’s given me the opportunity to work with associates across departments I may otherwise have never met.”
That includes the firm’s senior leaders. “It’s great to have the support of firm leadership,” My continued. “I’ve been able to interact with a lot of supporting executives. With the connections I’ve made, I wouldn’t be afraid to reach out to talk about opportunities that arise.”
As an example, President and CEO of Raymond James & Associates Tash Elwyn offered to host a drive-up BBQ to raise funds for an organization PIN was working with in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
“As an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to me to be able to provide education and let others know I’m here for them.” – My Newsome, senior advisor, Compliance
Making an impact
PIN’s impact extends well beyond the walls of Raymond James. Throughout the year, members raise funds and volunteer for charities like Empath Health as well as local food pantries, wellness organizations and more. For example, network members raised enough money for the LGBT resource center at a local library to fund three scholarships for LGBTQ+ individuals.
The network is planning several more events throughout the rest of the year. “Our goals moving forward continue to revolve around visibility, support and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community,” said network chair Marcus Afzali. “In May and June, we volunteer for LGBTQ+-focused charities, march in pride parades in the communities we serve, as well as host a pride month trivia contest and pride conversations series around topics relevant to LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies.”
PIN welcomes anyone who wants to get involved. “We always need mentors,” said Robbie. “Even if you’re not part of the LGBTQ+ community, a lot of reverse mentoring happens. Together you can learn how to approach these topics differently, so it’s good for everyone.”
Pride Inclusion Network and Pride Financial Advisors Network
Learn more about how Raymond James supports associates’ personal and professional development through associate inclusion networks like the Pride Inclusion Network. Additionally, the firm supports financial advisors who are members or allies of the LGBT+ community or serve clients in the community. Learn more about the Pride Financial Advisors Network.