Banking and the Economy: A Forum for Minorities in Banking

The Federal Reserve Bank works to foster a healthy economy that works for everyone, and that encompasses an inclusive financial system. Join us for a fireside chat addressing the systemic barriers to credit and financial services that continue to hold many communities back.

Connect with other forum participants from your region in this brief networking session. This engaging and interactive video session will allow you to connect with other professionals in an informal setting. Please note that participants will be asked to have their video on during this session to allow for more personal interactions.

Join Minneapolis Fed Economist, Terry Fitzgerald, for an update on the current state of the economy. He will share insights on the national economic outlook and discuss monetary policy objectives and concerns.

Calls for swift action to end systemic racism have gotten louder and expectations have mounted for regulated financial institutions to play a major role — especially when it comes to closing the wealth gap for people of color. Hear first-hand how some organizations are using creativity and innovation to challenge the status quo when it comes to economic opportunities and wealth creation within their communities.

In this fast-paced and interactive session, you’ll have the opportunity to join your peers in small groups and collaborate on leadership strategies. Please note that participants will be asked to have their video on during this session to allow for more personal interactions.

Improvisational skill is the ability to adapt and excel in communication, collaboration, leadership, change readiness – all with boundless resilience to weather what’s new and changing and unexpected. The vulnerability and self-compassion that improvisers must practice on stage is the same foundation that we all need to thrive in this uncertain and evolving time. In this session, learn proven strategies for personal resilience from people who willingly get laughed at in public for a living!

The financial services industry has long grappled with a lack of diversity among its workforce, but some organizations have made great strides to bridge the gap. In this session, you’ll hear from large, regional and community bank leaders about the strategies and challenges they have faced as they work to increase diversity within the talent pipeline.

The "Architecture of Authenticity" is about empowering you to strategize your purpose and how your purpose feeds your career, relationships, workplace, etc. How can you sit in the driver's seat of your purpose? How can your purpose come to light where you are and how can it co-exist with others' purposes? It is a lesson in sequencing your strategy. It is a lesson of how to be "who" in the right "where."

Caroline Wanga is currently the CEO of Essence Communications Inc. (and Chief Growth Officer of Essence Ventures), the independent Black-owned consumer technology company focused on merging content, community, and commerce to meet the evolving cultural and lifestyle needs of people of color. Most recently, Wanga led Target’s strategic intent to champion an inclusive society with accountability for inclusive guest experiences, a diverse and inclusive work environment and societal impact.

After a week of hearing from industry, leadership and professional development experts, the real work has only just begun. Join Ditu Kasuyi as he guides us through best practices for: creating an action plan to follow up on what we’ve learned; following up with new colleagues met during the forum; and how to leverage our community for accountability.