Minority Financial Services Industry Professionals Gather in Minneapolis

June 17, 2008 - PRLog -- Hundreds of minority professionals in the financial services industry from around the country are gathering this week in Minneapolis for the national conference of the Urban Financial Services Coalition. This annual session of the nation’s preeminent organization for minority professionals in the financial services industry is always an important opportunity – both for companies to re-invigorate their commitment to diversity and for UFSC members to avail themselves of multiple professional development and networking avenues.

But with the nation’s credit markets in turmoil and widespread layoffs hitting many financial firms, the dialogue this year is even more critical. The conference title – “Destination Success: Powering Our Network for Optimal Performance” – highlights the importance of the networking opportunities for members. The conference is being held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown Minneapolis from June 18-22.

Given the unsettled jobs picture, another regular feature of the UFSC Annual Conference – the Diversity Career Expo on Saturday, June 21 – will take on added importance. “This will be a great time for individuals at companies that are downsizing to make connections with companies that still have opportunities,” says Shawnte Reed, Human Resources Vice President at JPMorgan Chase and Chair of the Diversity Career Expo. The expo will also enable companies from firms outside the financial services industry to gain access to the UFSC’s many skilled professional members who may be open to appeals.

Members’ stellar professional accomplishments, as well as the myriad programs they have developed for bringing talented young people of color into the financial services industry, explain the sterling list of corporate sponsors for this year’s conference.

JPMorgan Chase is the title sponsor for the conference, while other major sponsors include Citi, RBC Wealth Management, U.S. Bank, SunTrust Bank, Robert Half International, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. These companies’ involvement underline the importance to the financial services industry of building a workforce that is truly reflective of the nation’s increasingly multi-cultural population.

High level participation is another hallmark of the conference: JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jaimie Dimon will speak at the CEO Symposium on Friday, June 20, along with U.S. Bank chief Richard Davis.

“Thanks to this critical support by JPMorgan Chase and other sponsors, the UFSC is able to fulfill our mission to ensure the full and equitable participation of people of color at all levels in the financial services industry,” says Urban Financial Services Coalition President L. Diane Evans. Evans is the Diversity Officer at Treasury & Securities Services, JPMorgan Chase.

Formerly known as the National Association of Urban Bankers, the Urban Financial Services Coalition has grown tremendously since it was founded in 1974. It now encompasses 21 professional chapters and two student chapters all around the country, organized into five regions, plus a chapter in Toronto.

Conference dates coincide with the Minneapolis Juneteenth Celebration on Saturday, June 21, and UFSC members are not letting the opportunity for reaching out to serve the community pass by unmarked. UFSC members will be at Theodore Wirth Park in North Minneapolis to provide information on the organization’s financial literacy programs, both locally and nationally. Programs also include training for first-time homebuyers, credit counseling, and other means of stabilizing minority communities.

Conference attendees’ biggest problem may be keeping up with the myriad program offerings. These include the Women in Leadership Summit (which will address tough issues of work-life balance), the Mark I Emerging Leaders program, and the Student Alliance Summit. Many sessions will also introduce the educational outreach programs of the Urban Financial Services Coalition. These include a scholarship fund for minority students who wish to pursue degrees in finance, business, or related fields.

Nor will the conference be all serious business. One highlight is a Friday-night performance by Musiq Soulchild, the Philadelphia-based soul singer whose unique style blends R&B, funk, rock, jazz and other musical influences. For fans of great oratory, the Oratorical Contest will showcase budding talents in that field.

Carl Goldstein is editorial director of Words on Fire Communications, a Minneapolis-based communications and strategic planning consultancy.

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Press Release composed by Carl Goldstein - Words on Fire Agency, Minneapolis, MN.

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