Diversity & Inclusion Workshop

Description

This 2-hour workshop for financial services firm executives will begin with a conversation with Robert Marchman, Senior Policy Advisor for Diversity & Inclusion at the SEC. He will discuss the trailblazing conversations and initiatives he has promoted in the industry and beyond. Then, in smaller group breakouts, you will have the opportunity to discuss D&I policies and best practices. The workshop will conclude with a panel discussion exploring how to best implement new ideas, next steps and changes throughout your firms. View the workshop agenda.

This is part one of a three-part Diversity & Inclusion education series designed to foster conversations, inspire change and develop inclusive cultures among our members. Visit our Events Calendar for more details on these and other upcoming events.

Speakers

Robert Marchman

Senior Policy Advisor on Diversity & Inclusion
U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission

Robert A. Marchman serves as the Senior Policy Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion, a newly created role within the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI). Mr. Marchman focuses on working with Commission divisions, offices, and advisory committees to develop and implement strategies to promote diversity and inclusion, both within the SEC and through external engagement with agency partners and market participants. Mr. Marchman also assists the agency’s ongoing efforts to promote financial literacy and inclusion in underserved portions of the investor community. 

Mr. Marchman joined the SEC in January 2020, after serving the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where most recently he served as special advisor to the head of the Department of Enforcement. At FINRA, Mr. Marchman also played a major role in providing guidance to FINRA senior management with regard to its diversity and inclusion efforts including serving as the Executive Sponsor for the newly formed Generations Employee Resource Group and the Executive Diversity Leadership Council. In addition, Mr. Marchman continues to be a regular speaker on financial services regulation as well as diversity and inclusion issues panels.

Mr. Marchman, the first African American Executive Vice President at the NYSE, has been the recipient of awards for professional accomplishments as well as community and civic service.

Irissol Arce

Senior Director, Diversity and Inclusion
Northwestern Mutual

Irissol Arce is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) champion with a reputation for building bridges, breaking down barriers, and forging new pathways. As Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Northwestern Mutual, Ms. Arce combines over 20 years of experience in international business, tech, community impact, and workforce culture development to offer strategic direction, thought leadership, and targeted diversity, equity and inclusion strategies. She’s also charged with developing data-driven and DEI approaches to leadership development, advancing women and closing the opportunity gap. Outside of Northwestern Mutual, she’s a trusted coach to senior leaders looking to improve their effectiveness and ability to lead diverse teams.

Karen Benenati

Executive Director, Human Resources
Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc.

Karen Benenati’s human resources experience makes her a valuable addition offering guidance and support for Cadaret, Grant employees and managers. From managing the hiring process, to developing employee programs and policies, Ms. Benenati is responsible for ensuring the firm’s human resource strategies comply with local, state and federal employment regulations. Her outgoing personality has helped to foster our familial nature and supportive culture and has also led to plenty of community involvement. This includes national membership in the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and membership in the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI). She formerly served as Cadaret, Grant’s diversity representative for the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA).

Angela Clark

Diversity & Inclusion Leader
Fidelity Investments

Angela Clark is a Diversity and Inclusion Leader at Fidelity Investments.  In her current role, she develops, manages and helps set the direction for Diversity and Inclusion processes across the enterprise, creating a culture of inclusion, and showcasing Fidelity’s reputation as an inclusive employer and service provider. 

Ms. Clark has been at Fidelity for over 22 years and has a unique combination of experiences, including client-facing and leadership roles in the firm’s Investor Centers, National Operations, sales, and communications.

Prior to joining Fidelity, Ms. Clark received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston College in 1996 and a Master of Science degree from Boston College in 1998. She also holds the FINRA Principal Series 7 and 63 licenses. Ms. Clark has three children (TC, Maddy, and Niyera) and a fantastic husband. She spends her free time playing basketball with her children, as well as watching the Celtics and HGTV.

Anand Sekhar

Vice President, Practice Management and Consulting
Fidelity Clearing and Custody Solutions

Anand Sekhar is vice president of practice management and consulting for Fidelity Clearing and Custody Solutions. In this role, his mission is to be a catalyst for transformation for businesses and employees. As a strategic business consultant to clients and contributor to Fidelity’s Practice Management program, he helps lead the direction and development of advisor tools, whitepapers and resources in the areas of client experience, strategic planning, and talent strategies.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Sekhar spent several years in roles in Fidelity’s retirement division and as part of a mid-level leadership development program rotating across the firm.

Prior to joining Fidelity in 2004, Mr. Sekhar worked for several years at Procter & Gamble helping launch Charmin into Canada and Latin America.

Mr. Sekhar received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a Masters of Business Administration from Babson College.

Sponsored by:

Registration Type	Fee
FSI Member	$99
FSI Sponsor	$99
Non-Member	$149