Holly Neiweem’s Post

A heartfelt congratulations to #VCI Fellows Ben Stokes and Patrick Driscoll for their first close for Chasing Rainbows! 👏🏼👏🏾👏🏿 With less than 1% of #vcfunding going to #LGBTQ+ -founded companies, the investments Chasing Rainbows is doing is vitally important. We're proud to see Ben and Patrick close gaps in access to capital for LGBTQ+ founders and look forward to cheering them on as they continue to rise and generate alpha for their investors! #emergingmanagers #dei #diversityandinclusion #venturecapital #alternateinvestments #esg #fundmanagers #impactinvesting

Here are a must-know individuals to follow on your #venturecapital list

Excited to join Inc. Magazine and my fellow panelists M.V. Lee Badgett and Marc Coleman for an important conversation on the LGBTQ+ community and economic freedom and empowerment. It’s an important topic at a precarious moment for our movement. Back in 2011, I helped lead the campaign for marriage equality in New York. Our win there created enormous momentum that culminated in the Supreme Court granting us the freedom to marry in all 50 states. It felt like continued progress was inevitable. I no longer feel that way. The Court that overturned Roe has already signaled that Obergefell could be in similar jeopardy. The onslaught of anti-trans state legislation continues. We still haven't passed the Equality Act. LGBTQ+ people have insufficient representation in the C-suite and in corporate boardrooms. Nearly half of employed LGBTQ+ Americans still believe being “out” at work could hurt their careers. Things could still get worse. The "anti-woke" movement and the prospect of another Trump presidency loom large. Many corporate leaders are stepping back or staying silent at the very moment we most need them to champion equality and opportunity for all. And this is all happening at a time when almost three-fourths of Americans support marriage equality and policies that protect LGBTQ+ Americans from discrimination. This Pride season, we can't take our progress for granted. It's time for our community and our allies to champion inclusion loudly and proudly in our workplaces, in our communities, and from the businesses we support.

Today is National Coming Out Day! On this special day of celebration and support, we at InterInvest want to highlight the important role we play in creating a safe and inclusive forum for individuals working in the asset management and savings industry. National Coming Out Day is a day of empowerment and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. It's a day to celebrate love, authenticity, and the courage it takes to come out, both personally and professionally. In the asset management and savings industry, where traditionally, diversity and inclusivity have faced barriers, we at InterInvest are committed to making a significant impact. We foster an environment where LGBTQ+ individuals can bring their whole selves to work without fear of discrimination or prejudice. InterInvest provides a supportive network, mentoring, and educational resources for LGBTQ+ professionals in the finance world. By creating a safe space, we're helping individuals embrace their identities and thrive in their careers. At InterInvest, diversity is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental value. We recognize that diverse teams drive innovation, and when LGBTQ+ individuals feel secure and valued, they perform at their best. This National Coming Out Day, we salute the courage of those who have come out and celebrate our commitment to championing diversity and inclusion in the finance industry. Let's continue to work together to create a more inclusive, accepting, and equitable future for all. Find out more and sign up at www.InterInvest.org. #NationalComingOutDay #LGBTQ+ #DiversityandInclusion #InterInvest #FinanceIndustry #Equality #Inclusivity #LoveIsLove

Fabrice C Houdart, Executive Director of the Association of LGBTQ+ Corporate Directors, wrote an insightful article in which he walks us through the results of a ground-breaking study that provides new data about diversity on the boards of directors of companies listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The article is a valuable resource for those interested in understanding the current dynamics and progress in corporate governance and diversity initiatives. ➡️Find out more insights from Fabrice: https://ow.ly/m4m350Q5Urv

This year, reflecting on my identity announcement and diverse conversations, I question the depth of our commitment to inclusion and diversity. Beyond business, are we bridging gaps in our families and communities? Are we embracing perspectives different from our own, or merely surrounding ourselves with familiar groups? Diverse funds may not truly diversify if we limit our networks to major cities. Do we champion racial diversity but harbor biases against the LGBTQ communities? As someone at the intersection, this work is taxing and stressful, even within our own communities. Speaking up is challenging when biases greet me in every room. Is this the reality of life, and why does understanding seem elusive? Gratitude for allies behind closed doors is sincere, yet true support should extend beyond private spaces. It's essential for leadership roles to reflect public advocacy, ensuring alignment between words and actions, inside and out.

Happy Pride Month! As a fund that directly and intentionally supports queer founders and investors, we're working hard to find financial and share educational resources for you all this month. However, it's not been a very easy process as most traditional VCs haven't actively supported the LGBTQIA+ community. In fact, according to a report by Morgan Stanley, investors interested in advancing LGBTQ+ equity currently face barriers, including lack of investment opportunities (42%), limited research and data (32%) and not knowing where to begin (31%). If you're feeling a bit lost or discouraged by this lack of support in VC, please reach out to our team so we can try to come up with solutions together. #FabricVC #WeaveWithUs #VentureCapital #DiverseFunding #Investor #PrideMonth

Does your employer talk about gender and racial equality, rights for LGBTQ, and sustainability? Most importantly, do they put their money where their mouth is? The company and its executives make political contributions and you can check some of those at opensecrets.org. Also easy to check voting records of elected officials. ATT just got outed by its stockholders. Much of this progressive recruiting talk is sadly just a marketing strategy. Time for accountability.

Stand for something or fall for anything. When Ben & Jerry’s took a bold stand on social issues, they became more than ice cream. They created a movement 🌍 Conflict became their superpower. They took courageous stances and advocated for racial justice, climate change, and LGBTQ+ rights. They focused on transparency about using Fair-trade ingredients and sustainable practices. And they became actively supported legislative changes and local programs they believed in. Even if it meant they’d be arrested! Most people and businesses shy away from conflict, but not taking a stand for what you believe in leaves you voiceless. What can multifamily learn from the creators of Cherry Garcia? To build a stronger brand: 👉 Align with causes your community cares about. 👉 Show your values in action. 👉 Turn conflict into conversations. Customers will see authenticity if you practice it. Lead with your values. Be bold. Be real. Build trust.

What's New to TheStreet... 🏳️🌈⚖️ The New York Pension Fund will vote against Best Buy's Chairman amid a dispute over LGBTQ support. This decision highlights ongoing debates about the retailer's social stances and mirrors similar pressure campaigns facing many companies. What do you think this means for corporate social responsibility? Share your thoughts below! ⬇️ 👉🏻Follow New To The Street for more! #bestbuy #corporate #businessnews #business #news #newtothestreet