GWI reaffirms its long-standing commitment to break down systemic barriers as the Supreme Court’s decision knocks down critical DEI efforts
NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Girls Who Invest (GWI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing diverse talent within investment management, speaks out against the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn its long-held precedent upholding race-based affirmative action in higher education admissions. The decision reverses decades of progress toward equity, inclusion, and opportunity long fought for by historically excluded communities. Although the focus of this decision is on academia, its consequences will be felt across many facets of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts and society at large, including GWI’s mission to serve students from a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds and lived experiences.
Race-based affirmative action is a necessary tool in ensuring that students from historically excluded communities of color can access the same educational and professional opportunities as other more privileged students. GWI urges a reconsideration of race-conscious admission practices as a remedy for systemic discrimination. GWI was created to level the proverbial playing field and reach and advocate for groups that have been historically excluded. As an organization that works closely with and supports college-age populations, we believe that the lack of representation has perpetuated deep-rooted inequities.
“The precedent for affirmative action in admission to colleges and universities was born from labor protections dating back to the 1960s and fully codified by the Court in 1978. Today, six decades of incremental progress toward righting the wrongs of systemic discrimination has been undone. This decision dismantles a critical component of racial justice,” said Katherine Jollon Colsher, President and CEO of Girls Who Invest. “The impact of this decision on the college admissions landscape will be felt for decades to come.”
“GWI remains more invested than ever in providing access and opportunity through our programs,” said Michelle DeFossett, COO of Girls Who Invest. “At GWI, we’re proud to support nearly 2,000 alumni representing over 180 campuses, and we pledge to work closely and collaboratively with colleges and universities across the country as we reaffirm our mission to actively change the face of investing and to better reflect the diversity of the world we live in – we remain a steadfast champion of racial equity in the investment management industry and beyond.”
“We stand in solidarity with colleges and universities as they are now forced to reimagine admissions practices to ensure they are building diverse and inclusive student populations. We call on our educational and employment partners to take proactive steps to join GWI as we do our part to carry on this important work,” said Maria Gracia Asayag, Director of Recruitment and Admissions at Girls Who Invest. “At GWI, we will continue striving to affirm, uplift, and celebrate the diverse voices and experiences that make up our community. We are committed to doing our part to uphold these principles across our recruitment, admissions, education programs, internship placement, and industry retention efforts, ensuring that we are challenging existing biases, dismantling systemic barriers, and working vigorously to create a more just and equitable future.”
This reversal hinders the ability of colleges and universities to select diverse candidates, including with respect to race and ethnicity, and risks the success, innovation and outcome of teams, and the overall health and sustainability of GWI and similarly-aligned organizations.
About Girls Who Invest
Girls Who Invest (GWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the investment management industry by attracting and advancing women investors, changemakers, and leaders. They are changing the face of investing through education, mentoring, internships, and a supportive, motivated community and have reached a community of nearly 2,000 alumni in just seven years.
GWI enables college students to explore investment management careers through its two tuition-free educational programs. The Summer Intensive Program combines in-residence academic training led by top university professors with a guaranteed paid internship at one of more than 100 leading investment management firms. The Online Intensive Program is self-directed and asynchronous, allowing independent learners the opportunity to master finance and investing fundamentals at their own pace from renowned training organizations.
The GWI Alumni Career Institute focuses on the long-term professional development, retention, and advancement of our alumni in investment management. GWI provides career advisory services, community building, and connections for our alumni at all stages in their careers.
Girls Who Invest’s vision is for 30% of the world’s investable capital to be managed by women by 2030.
Contacts
Partnership & Media Contacts
Water & Wall (Girls Who Invest)
GWI@waterandwall.com
