In support of our work to advance thriving economies and as part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, we invest in women’s leadership and economic empowerment, helping women make meaningful contributions — within our own company, with our clients and in communities around the globe.
We have programs and partnerships in place to develop talented women throughout their career and support the personal and professional growth of our employees through progressive workplace policies. Our LEAD for Women, Women in Technology & Operations, and Global Banking & Markets Women’s Leadership Council employee networks play an essential role in building the culture of our company, and in placing diversity and inclusion at its heart. With more than 22,000 members throughout the world, these networks are central to the day-to-day functioning of our company and help to develop a diverse and inclusive team culture.
“When I first joined the bank, I was part of the LEAD employee network mentoring program. As a first year analyst, this was great as I felt a lot of comfort knowing that someone I could talk to was just a phone call or an email away.” Aangi Kothari, Wholesale Credit Analyst.
It makes me proud to work for a firm that shares my values.
To encourage our investors and clients to consider impact investment strategies, we’ve created the Women and Girls Equality Strategy (WGES), as part of U.S. Trust’s Social Impact Investing platform. This investment product evaluates a corporation’s policies on pay equity across genders; females/minorities represented in management, and identifies companies that are positioned to take advantage of the women’s economic theme.
In partnership with the Tory Burch Foundation Capital Program, Bank of America provided capital for more than $10 million in affordable loans to nearly 450 women business owners since 2014, and announced an expansion of $20 million over the next two years.
To create economic opportunity for women entrepreneurs around the world, we partner with Vital Voices and the Cherie Blair Foundation to connect nearly 2,000 women entrepreneurs from more than 80 countries with mentors — 200 of whom are mentored by Bank of America employees.
In February this year the Global Ambassadors Program was held for the first time in London. It convened women leaders (mentees) from across the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe for a week of one-on-one mentoring sessions, strategic planning workshops and discussion around the issues most impacting society today, including how women in business are forging solutions to help solve the refugee crisis.
“The Global Ambassadors Program enables women leaders from around the world to gain specific experience and knowledge as they work to make an impact in their respective communities” said Jennifer Boussuge, Head of Global Transaction Services EMEA and Global Ambassadors Program mentor.
