On Thursday, the Council for Inclusion in Financial Services [1] (CIFS) hosted the 2018 CIFS Diversity and Inclusion Awards at the 2018 FinServ Expo, where Ed Delgado [2], president and CEO of the Five Star Institute [3], was presented with the Fusion Award for “implementing inclusive practices that produced a culture that embraces a collage of thought, race, gender, generations, and preferences.”
These awards were presented to those in the financial services industry who have driven initiatives through philanthropy, technology, and business practices, and who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to changing the landscape of their industry by cultivating diversity, creating an inclusive culture, and championing underrepresented groups.
“Recipients impacted both the financial services industry and the community at large by
proving that there is power in inclusion,” said John Darden, Board President of the Council for
Inclusion in Financial Services. “We applaud their work and are pleased to honor these
influencers.”
This award was given to Delgado in honor of his efforts toward the formation of the American Mortgage Diversity Council [4] (AMDC), a professional association for mortgage industry operators that provides a platform for collaboration of industry leaders for the advancement of the dialogue surrounding diversity and inclusion.
According to the AMDC’s website, the organization helps professionals develop tools and strategies “to create an understanding and appreciation of individual differences in thought, experience, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, style, sexual orientation, and gender identity.”
“I am humbled and honored to accept this award,” Delgado said. “Diversity and inclusion are inextricably tied to the future of mortgage banking. It is my honor to work alongside many champions in our industry to ensure that our policies, practices, and workforce reflect the diverse nature of our consumer base.”
The additional awardees and award categories are as follows:
- Lifetime Achievement Award: For demonstrating a life-long commitment to diversity and inclusion initiatives that influenced/transformed the industry—Dwight Robinson, Freddie Mac, Retired.
- Catalyst Award: For accelerating positive impact in diversity and inclusion through philanthropic efforts and/or initiatives in support of underrepresented groups—Keith and Mara Murray, PCV|VRM, Seeds of Hope, and Candace Russell, Carrington Mortgage Services.
- Impact Award: For technological innovation that supports/enhances inclusion by increasing access to varied options for market participants—Cheryl Travis-Johnson, The Council for Inclusion in Financial Services.
- Prism Award: For promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives by educating others on the benefits of expansive thought and embracing differences—Wells Fargo Advisors; as well as Patty Arvielo, New American Funding; Charmaine Brown, Fannie Mae; Darlene Slaughter, United Way; and Tony Thompson, National Association of Minority Mortgage Bankers of America.
- Trailblazer Award: Influencers who have established new and creative diversity and inclusion initiatives that are currently transforming the industry and/or community—Marcia Davies, Mortgage Bankers Association; Desiree Patno, Women in the Housing & Real Estate Ecosystem; and Margo Posey, D/FW Minority Supplier Council.
See more stories related to the AMDC below:
The Dos and Don’ts of Diverse Hiring, a Recap [5]
Town Hall to Tackle Diversity in Mortgage and Housing [6]
Fannie Mae Executive to Advance Diversity and Inclusion Council [7]