Financial planning is one of many professions that acknowledge the importance of diversity and inclusion. CFP Board Center for Financial Planning (a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting professional standards and personal financial planning) will host its annual Diversity Summit, which will be held online on November 18-20 2020.
Diversity Summit has one goal: to explore “actionable solutions to advance diversity in financial planning,”According to the website. The theme for this year is Sustainability. It reflects the importance long-term diversity in financial planning education as well as inclusion programs at work.
“The Diversity Summit and Career Fair comes at a critical time in our history as we drive change, awareness, access and results in our profession,”Kevin R. Keller, CEO of CFP Board, CAE. “CFP Board is strongly committed to expanding and sustaining diversity in the financial planning profession and those it serves to better align with the U.S. population.”
Summit Agenda includes the publication of a report on case studies that highlight successful diversity and inclusion initiatives within the financial planning profession. Participants will have the chance to discuss the studies, explore the challenges and successes, and learn how to apply the lessons learned to future strategies.
Other important events include “CFP® Pro Talks,” with personal reflections from CFP® professionals of color, executive roundtable of leaders in financial planning firms who are committed to improving diversity and inclusion, and discussions of specific recommendations that firms can apply immediately to improve their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The Virtual Career Fair is a highlight of the summit. Although not the same as in-person networking, the Summit organizers have adapted to the Covid-19 pandemic situation and designed a forum in which certified financial planner candidates who are women and people of color have opportunities to connect with employers, experienced CFP® professionals, fellow students, and potential mentors. The Career Fair takes place on November 20, and you will need to register separately online from the Diversity Summit. There is no charge to attend.
CFP Board Diversity Summit’s target audience is financial planners and students who are pursuing financial planning certifications. Executives, diversity and inclusion professionals and recruiters for financial service firms are also part of the audience. Summit topics can be used to support the goals of program directors in colleges and universities offering financial planning programs.
For more information, please visit cfp.net/events/2020/11/2020-virtual-diversity-summit-and-career-fair.
