Session Description:

Enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Corporate America has been a longstanding struggle, marked by incremental progress and persistent challenges. The events of May 2020 sparked increased awareness of DEI's importance nationwide, leading to widespread adoption of DEI initiatives in both private and public sectors. This prompted some capital allocators to increase assets under management (AUM) for diverse-owned fund managers to 1.4% by 2021, as reported by the Knight Foundation. However, DEI has recently faced backlash at various institutional levels, notably exemplified by the U.S.

Supreme Court's repeal of Affirmative Action in higher education. Moreover, many corporations have shifted priorities, reducing funding for DEI-related programs. Ensuring that DEI remains a priority in the alternative investments space is crucial, as neglecting DEI can adversely impact the industry by, for instance, redirecting capital away from underrepresented fund managers. This session will address the evolving sentiment around DEI, its heightened importance, and strategies for maintaining DEI as a priority in both alternative investments and broader society.