Page 97 - Forbes Magazine-October 31, 2018

PROMOTION

BEYOND ONE
WE ARE GREATER TOGETHER

case for the continuing relevance their campuses. Exposing HBCU
of HBCUs to the black community students to what success looks
and indeed all of America is statis- like beyond sports, music and
tically compelling. HBCUs regu- entertainment are transformative
larly award degrees to 20% of all experiences.”
college-educated blacks, including
25% of all black STEM degrees. Addressing the Critical Link
HBCUs are also responsible for a Between Black Education and
signifi cant percentage of graduate Wealth Inequality
degrees earned by blacks. “There is a direct correlation
A recent study last year by the between quality education and
United Negro College Fund and economic independence,” states
the University of Georgia entitled John Legend presents The ELC’s Alvaro Martins Spriggs unequivocally. “As an
“HBCUs Make America Strong: The Posi- Heritage Award to James Lowry, a senior organization of hugely successful black
tive Impact of Historically Black Colleges advisor of the Boston Consulting Group and corporate leaders, we are expanding our
and Universities” detailed these institu- Legend’s former colleague and mentor. network of wealth, power and infl uence to
tions’ “contributions to black students, to create avenues for other black Americans
generating economic activity in regions of ELC events. “The scholarships we award to attain their highest potential.”
the country with low levels of economic to HBCU students are the difference Today, the stark contrast between black
well-being, and to the nation as a whole.” between completing their educations or and white income and wealth, especially
ELC members donate their perspective, dropping out,” reports Spriggs, “and I can’t when sorted for educational achieve-
expertise and vision by serving as HBCU emphasize enough the value of bringing ment, is shocking. A study last year by the
advisors and/or trustees, and HBCU stu- HBCU students to ELC programs and Institute for Policy Studies and Prosperity
dents are consistently invited to attend events or simply having members on Continued on page 26

MASSMUTUAL

By Pia Flanagan

t MassMutual, we feel that all peo- ties and our marketplace.
ple should have the opportunity We also understand our responsibil-
to provide fi nancial security for ity in fostering greater inclusion in the
themselves and their families. That’s why world around us. That’s why we support
we have long been committed to diver- eff orts and public causes that advocate
sity and inclusion in all forms, advocat- for greater equality, from signing amicus
ing for fairness and equality and valuing briefs and petitions that defend the rights
people for who they are. of same-sex couples and transgender
At the core of our eff orts are our individuals, to lending support to such
people. We know that when individuals initiatives as CEO Action for Diversity &
of diff erent backgrounds and perspec- Inclusion and Paradigm for Parity.
tives come together, it leads to the best Collectively, all of these eff orts help
Pia Flanagan
outcomes. This commitment is carried us create a better company — one that Corporate Secretary and Chief of Staff,
throughout our entire organization, from is best positioned to serve all people, Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance
Company (MassMutual)
our Board of Directors — where nearly regardless of where they were born, who
half of our members are women or peo- they worship or who they love. That noble
ple of color — to our employees, many cause is a refl ection of the inclusive values
of whom actively serve in our Business that have driven us since our founding in
Resource Groups that help foster greater 1851, and ones that will remain for genera-
inclusion in our workplace, our communi- tions to come.
CRN202008-235127
22
Diversity
22 Diversity