Mesirow Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy Statement

Our pledge

At Mesirow, our commitment to establishing and supporting a diverse, equitable and inclusive financial services industry is uncompromising and unconditional. This work begins with our own organization, and we stand proudly with our clients and all allies to achieve this worthwhile goal.

A diverse, inclusive, and equitable Mesirow attracts the best talent, optimizes all contributions, enhances our brand, strengthens communities, and leads to economic prosperity. Our definition of diversity recognizes and accommodates all the ways in which people are different by birth, by choice, by abilities, by financial background, by heritage and by experience. Within this understanding, we are committed to improving the quality of life of disadvantaged communities, with a particular focus on Black, Indigenous and Latino/Latinx communities in which we do business.

We view the successful attainment of our DEI goals and objectives as essential to elevating the competitive positioning of our brand. We live out these commitments in alignment with the following beliefs and actions relative to our colleagues, clients, and communities. 

I | Colleagues

We believe:

• Our workforce shall reflect the diversity in the available labor force: gender, culture, age/generation, race/ethnicity, sexual orientation/gender expression, religion, thinking style, physical and cognitive abilities/disabilities, language, region/state/country of origin, and social class. 
• Race continues to be one of the most difficult and intractable diversity dimensions and therefore requires particularly focused attention with intentional actions to rectify specific concerns. 
• Diverse perspectives and alternate ways of thinking must be encouraged and respected.  
• Inclusive environments allow all talent to thrive.  
• Implicit and institutional bias is unacceptable; it must be identified and abolished. 
• Everyone shall have equal opportunity to develop the fullness of their potential.
• Everyone shall be evaluated in a manner that is perceived to be fair and transparent.
• Opportunities for promotion shall be accessible to all with well-defined, unambiguous, and objective criteria and expectations.
• Everyone shall be rewarded equitably for their contributions.

II | Clients

We believe:

• Our central objective is to optimize return on investment for all stakeholders. 
• We should pursue a diverse pool of customers and expand our traditional and legacy client networks. 
• Our investment products should consider and support companies that have developed a strong sustainable framework which includes socially responsible outcomes directed at diversity, equity, and inclusion objectives that help to produce optimal results within the context of our business needs.  
• Our products and services should be tailored to the mindsets, priorities, cultural preferences, and economic conditions of a vast diversity of people.

III | Community

We believe:

• We shall provide levels of comprehensive support including financial, volunteerism and programming that make a true and lasting impact to the principles of elimination of social injustice and racial inequality. 
• We shall support organizations that align with our goals and objectives of strengthening underserved communities.  
• Our efforts shall include areas of impact including economic development and education.  
  • Economic Development: Giving to organizations and initiatives that target small MBEs with the intent of growing local economies to scale and increasing job opportunities.  In addition, Mesirow will create opportunities to provide mentorship and pro-bono services that will benefit MBEs.
  • Education: Giving to organizations and initiatives that support disadvantaged communities (with a focus on Black, Indigenous and Latino/Latinx students at the middle school, high school and college level across a spectrum of academic and community achievement), provide financial literacy opportunities, and deepen our engagement with alumni associations with significant underrepresented populations.
• In advancing the financial literacy, particularly, in communities where wealth and resources are limited.

Our aspiration

Through 1) implementation of workplace policy, procedures and strategies, 2) collaboration with clients and prospects, and 3) engagement with the communities where we have impact, we are resolved, through deliberate and intentional actions, to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive outcomes for our company and our stakeholders.