More than 250 financial services leaders, elected officials, LGBT entrepreneurs and community leaders attended the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce's annual Diversity & Leadership in Financial Services Awards at the historic New York Stock Exchange.
The ceremony, an extension of NGLCC's 2007 Wall Street Tribute to House Financial Services Committee Chairman Barney Frank, recognized the accomplishments of the financial services industry and its leaders. Presenting Sponsors of the event included Bank of America, Citi and Goldman Sachs.
"In these challenging economic times, we are proud to have honored members of the financial services industry for their amazing work on behalf of the LGBT community," said Justin Nelson, NGLCC co-founder and president. "Now, more than ever, it is important that we stand by those companies that stand by us."
The evening began with a reception on the famous NYSE Trading Floor and was followed by the awards dinner in the NYSE Club. Chairman Frank, D-Mass., delivered the keynote address.
NGLCC co-founder and CEO Chance Mitchell said, "This event is important because it salutes those individuals and companies who understand that economic equality - despite sexual orientation or gender identity - is not only the right thing to do, but also makes good business sense."
The following honorees were recognized at the event:
LGBT Program or Initiative of the Year: Morgan Stanley Pride Employee Network
Excellence in LGBT Marketing & Outreach: Wells Fargo
Corporate Diversity Leader of the Year: Ana Duarte McCarthy, Chief Diversity Officer at Citi
Financial Services Diversity Corporation of the Year: JPMorgan Chase
Photos from the event are at http://www.nglcc.org/NYSEphotos08
