The JEDI initiative was formed through a collaboration between IEN and the HBCU Green Fund, with the aim of enhancing endowment investment decision-making in higher education by incorporating Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (JEDI) factors. The initiative is composed of senior leaders from various sectors, including higher education, the investment industry, foundations, and non-profit partners who seek to leverage their networks and expertise for cross-sector collaboration to champion diversity in endowment investment decision-making.
JEDI Initiative Goals
This initiative aims to start the education and advocacy process to integrate JEDI factors into the investment process of endowments by:
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Promoting Diversity: We ensure deliberate exclusion or implicit bias based on race, ethnicity, or gender does not occur within university investment offices. Our focus is on enhancing diversity and inclusivity within these offices.
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Performance Evaluation: We assess the diversity, equity, and inclusion aspects of companies and funds in terms of their boards, management, and staff. Through engagement with these entities, we work towards improving these areas.
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Diverse-Led Investment Managers: Our goal is to identify and support investment managers from minority backgrounds, thereby fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.
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Impactful Investments: We prioritize investments that generate positive outcomes for women, low-income communities, and communities of color, aiming to address economic disparities and promote social equity.
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Talent Pipeline: We are dedicated to supporting the finance and investment education of diverse students, creating a pipeline of talented individuals who will contribute to the industry's diversity and future success.
Get Involved
Interested in joining the Initiative, please email [email protected]
Join the JEDI listserv or post to this group by sending an email to [email protected].
Want to sponsor the JEDI Initiative? Email [email protected]
Resources
- Investing in Racial Equity: A Primer for University & College Endowments
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DEI Toolkit - NAIC Research & Reports
- Examining the Returns 2023 - Further Evidence of Diverse-Owned Private Equity Firm Outperformance
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Leading with Justice: Net Zero Investing & Conversations on Climate Justice
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The Ins and Outs of Designing a Racial Equity Portfolio Webinar
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Webinar: Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Factors in the Investment Process
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Find more resources on DEI and reducing inequalities throughout the investment process on this page: Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities
Initiative Sponsors