New networks that provide a community and open forum for the field’s underrepresented groups are making a difference. In 2022, Guardian’s Field Inclusion and Diversity team launched the Hispanic Networking Group (HNG) and the LGBTQ+ Allies Group. These new groups come just one year after we launched the Women’s Empowerment Community (WEC) and Black Financial Representatives Network (BFrN).
Why are we creating these groups?
We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse culture at Guardian because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it makes sense as the demographics of the United States continue to shift. Hispanic buying power now accounts for $1.9 trillion, according to the most recent Multicultural Economy report from the University of Georgia’s Selig Center for Economic Growth. That’s an increase of 87% in just 10 years. And the LGBTQ+ community is now the fastest growing minority segment in the US, with almost $1.4 trillion in spending power, according to The Pride Co-op, a LGBTQ+ focused market research and intelligence agency.
These new field groups talk about sales and share ideas. It’s meant to be a safe space for them to share everything with no judgement. “When you have that kind of support you don’t feel alone. Because of these groups, our diverse FRs know they can reach out to different FRs all over the country for guidance. I think that is the main reason why I have many people introducing me to other FRs and asking me to invite others to these groups,” says Maz Kamaruddin, head of Field Inclusion & Diversity at Guardian.
Just like the WEC and BFrN, the HNG and LGBTQ+ Allies Group meet for an hour over zoom, every other month.
Hispanic Networking Group
The HNG is led by co-executive sponsors, Ed Ayala, Chief Development Officer at Strategies for Wealth, and Luisa M Bravo, Financial Advisor at Bravo Associates.
“Being part of this group has helped me meet more of the Hispanic FRs and allowed me to hear what is working and not working in the Hispanic market. I believe this group will improve sales for FRs as we are continuously hearing from group members about what sales processes they use and the results they have achieved. This has already helped several FRs in the group create more sales,” says Ed Ayala.
“This group has helped me to take a deeper look at the market. It is also a forum where we meet each other to collaborate, support, and share ideas. It is a platform where everyone can become a mentor or influencer,” says Luisa M Bravo.
Ed and Luisa say the Hispanic community needs the services and products that FRs provide, and this study group will help FRs serve the Hispanic community better. It will prepare FRs with resources and information for servicing this community, as well as the motivation to serve the Hispanic community.
LGBTQ+ Allies
The LGBTQ+ Allies Group is led by co-executive sponsors Hiram Miguel Arnaud, financial analyst at Strategies for Wealth, Patrick Dickson, partner at White Rhino Financial, and Karen Jessey, financial advisor at Strategic Wealth Partners. Hiram, Patrick, and Karen all agree financial representatives gain confidence and a sense of belonging from these groups and that translates into a better connection with their communities and clients.
“As an Elite producer, the LGBTQ+ Allies Group has helped me in serving others. It has also helped me to serve as an example and inspiration to others while I am also equally inspired by other members of this group. It pushes me to show up as a leader because I would like to do my best to represent the community I am part of,” says Hiram Miguel Arnaud.
“Getting everyone to know that our field force and client base is ever increasingly diverse helps us stay connected to who we serve, now and in the future. Anytime a collective group of people build a community of learning, caring, and understanding, great things happen,” says Patrick Dickson.
“This group is so important because this business is hard enough, let alone if you are in a minority group! The LGBTQ+ Allies Group is very informative and supportive. It’s a nice, safe forum where participants can talk about anything,” says Karen Jessey
Building these communities helps create impactful careers for everyone
“Thank you” is one of the most common phrases uttered when participants of all four of these field groups share their feedback. “They learn a lot from these groups. And it’s not just newer financial professionals learning, colleagues who have been in the business for years say things like, ‘Oh I didn’t know we could do it that way’ or ‘I didn’t know we had that kind of system.’ It’s just been wonderful, positive feedback,” says Maz Kamaruddin.
Guardian continues to support the growth of these diverse networks through events as well. In early August, The Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) brought together dozens of female FRs, and Guardian was a platinum sponsor of the American College of Financial Services’ Conference of African American Financial Professionals (CAAFP). From the WLS, many attendees raved about sessions on the future of trust and the trusted financial professional. While CAAFP attendees lauded how the conference felt purposeful and drove home that message, asking questions like, “what are you doing in your clients lives to be purposeful?” and “what are you doing in the community to be purposeful?”
And Guardian is always looking for ways to support and build our diverse network of financial representatives. A fifth field group for the Asian FR Network will make its debut in 2023.
If you’d like to join a diverse study group or know someone who you think should be invited to one, reach out to Maz Kamaruddin. These groups are open to all, not just the diverse groups called out in their names.
