Monica Giuseffi at the WINGS/BRIDGE event on September 5, 2017. Photo provided by Edward Jones.

Edward Jones is following up on its commitment to tackle the lack of diversity in the workplace.

In June, Edward Jones’ CEO Jim Weddle and more than 150 other CEOs committed to "The CEO’s Action for Diversity & Inclusion" pledge. The CEOs have promised to use their influence and resources to advance diversity and improve the workplace.

To follow up on its promise, Edward Jones relaunched two programs: its Women’s Initiative for New Growth Strategies (WINGS) in September, and in November, BRIDGE. WINGS was introduced in 2008 and BRIDGE was launched in 2011. Both programs were shut down in 2014 for a re-evaluation, according to Edward Jones.

The programs were stopped because they weren’t "moving the needle,” said Monica Giuseffi, principal of financial advisor inclusion and diversity at Edward Jones. “It’s been this really strong commitment but without a really cohesive strategy; that’s the thing that was missing.”
v BRIDGE, a nationwide effort, aims to move the firm toward more diversity and inclusion by attracting high-performing diverse candidates, retaining advisors by providing mentorship, and coaching new and seasoned advisors. The program will support the development of an advisor’s community relations through The Cross Cultural Development Program. The Early Success Coach Program will support the coaching and mentoring aspects of the program.

WINGS is structured similar to BRIDGE and will offer mentorship, coaching and other resources. "WINGS ... builds both our female financial advisor and client base. Women are woefully underserved in both areas, and we’re trying to change that,” said Giuseffi in a statement.

Other firms like Raymond James have similar initiatives. Raymond James has the Network for Women Advisors and Black Financial Advisors Network. There’s also location-based efforts by firms looking to improve diversity within the financial services industry like the Financial Services Pipeline Initiative in Chicago.

*FA Magazine originally reported on November 21, 2017 that WINGS and BRIDGE were launched in 2009 and shut down in 2012. That was incorrect and the correct dates have been included in the article.