NEW YORK, NY, February 11, 2022 – The Money Management Institute (MMI) announced the recipients of its second Opening Doors Awards yesterday during a virtual event to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the financial services industry. Designed to recognize and celebrate outstanding efforts in advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, there were four awards in three distinct categories:
- Opening Doors Champion (individual): Troy Thornton, Goldman Sachs
- Opening Doors at the Front (program): BlackRock’s US Wealth Advisory (USWA) Sponsorship Program
- Opening Doors at the Front (program): Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women Program
- Opening Doors Breaking Barriers (firm): Envestnet
“Once again, our Opening Doors Award recipients are being honored for truly effective efforts in raising awareness about diversity, equity and inclusion as well as supporting meaningful steps toward addressing these issues,” said Craig Pfeiffer, MMI President & CEO. “Those being honored have demonstrated the leadership, innovation and proactive commitment that we need to make progress within financial services and in our society as a whole.”
Senior industry leaders submitted written nominations on behalf of their peers and colleagues for the awards. The judging panel consisted of members from the MMI Board of Governors, the Gateway Foundation Board of Trustees, and the MMI Social Justice Advisory Council.
“By collaborating, we foster the collective capabilities of our industry to accelerate the progress of diversity, equity and inclusion in underserved communities,” said Marc Brookman, Chair of The Gateway Foundation. “While there remains more work to be done, we are proud to recognize the efforts of so many that set examples, lead the way and make a difference.”
AIG Life and Retirement and Goldman Sachs Asset Management were the event’s sponsors, and all Opening Doors proceeds benefitted MMI’s Gateway Foundation. Through its strategic campaigns and programs, the foundation supports: 1. financial literacy in underserved communities; 2. industry awareness by targeting university students and entry-level professionals of color; and 3. sponsorships for mid-career professionals of color in leadership and professional development programs.
About the Money Management Institute (MMI):
Established in 1997, the Money Management Institute (MMI) is the industry association representing financial services firms that provide financial advice and investment advisory solutions to investors. Driven by our promise of increasing connections, knowledge, and growth for our members, MMI is dedicated to fostering professional relationships, sharing experiences, and expanding the industry’s influence through advocacy and education. MMI offers premier professional development programs, specialized curriculums, and facilitates peer-to-peer connections through our communities and conferences. As part of MMI’s longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Gateway Foundation provides clear pathways to entry and career advancement in the financial services industry for historically excluded and underrepresented groups. MMI member firms include wealth manager, asset manager and solutions provider firms of all sizes and professionals representing all functional areas. Follow MMI on LinkedIn.
About the Gateway Foundation:
The Gateway Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization administered by Money Management Institute. The foundation aims to advance diversity and inclusion in the industry by increasing financial literacy in the community, educating college students and entry-level professionals about the industry, and providing mid-career development to Black and Latino professionals. Follow Gateway on LinkedIn.
Contacts:
Kelly Caporale, Money Management Institute, kcaporale@mminst.org, (646) 868-8514
