Omaha, Neb.-based Carson Group has committed to a donation of $500,000 to the AAAA Foundation, a nonprofit organization aimed at creating a pathway for African Americans to have successful careers in financial planning.
“Current social events have vaulted issues such as persistent wealth gaps and the shortage of financial planner representation among African-Americans,” said Dr. Preston D. Cherry, AAAA Foundation treasurer and founder and president of Concurrent Financial Planning, in a statement. “Institutional issues require institutional resources and partnerships that effectively align with diversity, equity and inclusion expertise.”
The funds will go to the CFP-registered financial planning programs at four historically Black colleges and universities, including Delaware State University, Clark Atlanta University, Prairie View A&M University and North Carolina A&T. The AAAA Foundation supports HBCU programs through educational events, curricula and career guidance.
“The diversity gap in our industry is unacceptable,” said Jamie Hopkins, managing director of Carson Coaching, a nationwide coaching program for financial advisors, in a statement. “We believe that there is no better time than now to push our industry forward through meaningful action. We are proud to partner with AAAA Foundation and are excited to support them in their vision of a future where the American dream is inclusive, equitable and attainable for all. As a firm, we know this is not the end but a step in the right direction and will continue to improve and support additional initiatives designed to increase equality both internal and external to our firm.”