Showing Up for One Another
We all benefit when we all have the space, freedom and support to be our authentic selves. In keeping with our long-term commitment to inclusion & diversity, Baird is proud to join our associates, clients and communities in celebrating Pride. Here’s a look at the people, events and partnerships that bring Pride to life at our firm.
Celebrating Progress
Founded in 2012, our Spectrum Associate Resource Group connects our LGBTQ+ associates and allies. The group addresses and advocates the needs and interests of our LGTBQ+ associates while also building connections with the broader LGBTQ+ community. Spectrum works closely with leaders and colleagues across Baird to establish inclusive firm policies and procedures, build relationships with key community organizations and universities, and help cultivate an open, authentic work environment.
Spectrum also plans and hosts a range of networking and professional development events. Coming off its 10th anniversary in 2022, Spectrum counts more than 200 Baird associates as members.
Baird makes me feel safe to be who I am without judgement or needing to hide a part of me by providing Spectrum and having resources available. Baird is the first place I have worked that I do not feel like I must hide a part of me or fit into a certain mold. I can just be Mary.
Mary Schroeder, Baird Trust Associate
Championing Inclusion
As Baird’s Global Chief Human Resources Officer, Rodney Jones-Tyson oversees talent and culture initiatives across the firm. Since joining Baird in 1998, he’s not only had a wide-ranging career at the firm – including leadership roles in our Global Investment Banking and Risk Management groups – he’s championed key inclusion & diversity initiatives across Baird. Rodney helped establish Spectrum and is a past executive sponsor of the group. Rodney is also a member and former co-chair of Baird’s Business Diversity Council. He is also the first LGBTQ+ and African American member of our Executive Committee.
Committed to Equality for All
We’re committed to fostering an environment where all of our associates can be their full, authentic selves. We’re honored to be recognized by the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index as a best place to work for LGBTQ+ workplace equality. The firm has achieved a 100% score on the index for six years. We will continue to work to create a culture of equality for all our associates.
Pride Month is both a celebration of progress made for LGBTQ rights and a call to action for work yet to be done. The festivals and focus on our collective history give me new energy to be a more effective agent of positive change for the LGBTQ community.
Michael McNeil, Director of Information Technology – Capital Markets and Asset Management & Executive Sponsor of Spectrum
Fostering Connections
Our Private Wealth Management business is proud to be a corporate partner of Out in Finance. Dedicated to driving LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity across the financial services industry, Out in Finance fosters connection for the LGBTQ+ community, its allies and the industry. Out in Finance focuses on advancing workplace policies, hosting events with corporate and community partners, and providing networking opportunities for LGBTQ+ financial professionals. It hosts events in cities across the U.S.
Related Links
As Baird's LGBTQ associate resource group, Spectrum provides educational sessions, networking opportunities, and social outings for LGBTQ associates and allies.
