Embracing Our Differences for a Better HB
Homrich Berg created our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) Committee in 2020 to formalize the efforts we had focused on for many years to ensure that our firm mirrored the fabric of the communities where we work, live, and serve our clients.
Our DEI Committee Mission is clear: HB is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and valued and all individuals are comfortable bringing their authentic selves to work. We will build and nurture an HB culture where inclusiveness and equitable practices are priorities. Through financial literacy, career opportunity awareness, and outreach programs we will uplift the communities where we live and work.
DEI Committee Members
Andy Berg, CFP®
Thomas Carroll, CFP®
Julian Davis, CPA, CFP®
Tricia Laws, MSHRM, SHRM-CP
Ben Riddick, CFP®
Michelle Wolff, CFP®, ADPA®
Liz Kishel, CFP®
Kossandra McDuffie, CPA, CFP®
Donna Trainor, CFP®, CPA
Leslie Nolen
DEI Committee Activities
Our committee serves as the hub for our various activities inside and outside HB, including the example activities listed below:
- Building relationship with the Association of African-American Financial Advisors (AAAA) Foundation. This group has a mission to create pathways for African Americans to make a distinguishable impact in the financial planning profession. The AAAA Foundation strives to build a pipeline for future African American financial planners through career resources, industry partnership, educational grants, and community service.
- Continuing to strengthen our relationships with local HBCUs in the Atlanta University Center and with Georgia State University to provide students with exposure to our industry as a viable career option and to introduce students to opportunities available at Homrich Berg.
- Giving to Social Justice and Financial Planning Organizations promoting diversity via employee and firm gifts.
- Firmwide Diversity, Equity & Inclusion workshops
- Celebrating National Heritage Months throughout the year by bringing awareness to each group via emails on why the month was created including highlighting key people in history, creating topical lunch and learn events, hosting cultural celebrations and happy hours, and more.
HB Financial Literacy Initiative
Our goal is to create a financial literacy program at Homrich Berg that will support our Atlanta community.
To do this we have reached out to schools, churches, and charities, letting them know Homrich Berg is here to help. We are available to present to their organizations as a group or one-on-one on a variety of financial planning topics (e.g. budgeting, loans, first time home buyers, investing, savings, and more).
Some of the organizations we have partnered with to date include:
Buckhead Christian Ministry (BCM) Budget for Life Program
The program is designed to prevent homelessness for working people who are at risk of becoming homeless, including teaching them how to budget their money and achieve financial stability. BCM works closely with each participant to create a personalized plan for achieving financial stability and provides rent and utility payments, financial education courses and supportive services over the course of 12 months.
Wellroot Family Services
This program is designed to provide monthly agreed upon financial presentations, covering various topics that help to improve the financial conditions of the clients they serve.
The Wilson Academy
The Wilson Academy is a private, elementary, middle & high school with a strong focus on financial literacy, STEM, and college preparation for minority students. As part of their financial literacy component, the high school’s financial planning program series teaches the students about money management, borrowing, earning power, investing, financial services and insurance.