Tag: ESG For Impact!

58. Bridging the Gap Between the ESG Investing and the Financial Industry With Jim Horlacher and Reem Fatayerji

58. Bridging the Gap Between the ESG Investing and the Financial Industry With Jim Horlacher and Reem Fatayerji

The gap between the mainstream financial world and the socially responsible investing arena may seem vast. 

But, believe it or not, there are ways to bridge the two. This is exactly what Kimberly Griego-Kiel discusses with her guests in this fourth and final episode of the ESG for Impact! miniseries.

This week, Kimberly sits down with First Affirmative Financial Network’s investment advisor, Jim Horlacher, to outline how the financial industry is blending into the socially responsible investing field, the reasons why he’s passionate about the industry, and how the ESG for Impact! conference is shaping the future of ESG investing.

Duke University MBA student Reem Fatayerji also joins Kim to highlight ways the ESG investing arena can be more impactful and the barriers the industry needs to overcome to grow its impact.

Kim, Jim, and Reem discuss:

  • The cultural differences between the financial world and the socially responsible investing field
  • Why impactful investing can be rewarding for you and your client
  • Three ways ESG investing can be more impactful
  • The interesting conversations and relationships built throughout the ESG for Impact! conference
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect With Jim Horlacher:

Connect with Reem Fatayerji:

Connect With Kimberly Griego-Kiel:

About Jim Horlacher:

Jim helps socially and environmentally conscious investors manage their money to make a positive impact on their lives and our whole world. With over 25 years of experience, he is deeply committed to social justice and sustainability. Jim is focused on helping clients develop clear, disciplined financial strategies that take into account our shared Triple Bottom Line of People, Planet, and Profits. He holds an AIF Professional, Accredited Investment Fiduciary, an MBA from the University of Edinburgh (Scotland, UK), and a BS in Business, Economics, and Computer Science, Baker University (USA). Jim also volunteers with and financially supports a wide variety of progressive organizations and campaigns locally, nationally, and internationally, and has served in leadership positions in many of them. He participates in several networks including, the First Affirmative Financial Network, LLC, Green America / Green Business Network, US SIF, The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment.

About Reem Fatayerji:

Reem is completing her MBA at Duke University, where she is a speakers/events coordinator for the impact investing cohort after earning her bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics at the University of California, Davis. She previously worked in a consulting firm supporting nonprofits in impact management, finance, and strategy, and as an analyst with an investment consulting firm.

 

56. Leadership & Community Investments as Crucial ESG Components — Part 2

56. Leadership & Community Investments as Crucial ESG Components — Part 2

In October 2021, Kimberly Griego-Kiel took part in the ESG For Impact! Conference in Colorado Springs. 

Now back with part two of her ESG for Impact! miniseries, Kim welcomes George Gay, the CEO of First Affirmative Financial Network, and Ebony Perkins, Self-Help Credit Union’s Vice President and Director of Investor Relations. 

George and Kim explore George’s military background and ways to gain leadership within the environmental, social, and governance investing arena, while Ebony reviews everything you need to know about community investments. Plus, she shares how Self-Help Credit Union can support you when you need it the most. 

Kim, George, and Ebony discuss:

  • How leadership skills are transferable from industry to industry
  • How 9/11 and the 2008 Market Crisis affected perceptions of success 
  • The lending business during the pandemic
  • The importance of understanding where your money ‘sleeps’
  • And more!

Resources:

Connect with George Gay:

Connect with Ebony Perkins:

Connect with Kimberly Griego-Kiel

About George Gay:

George has worked at First Affirmative Financial Network since 1986, serving as the CEO since 1999. First Affirmative is a leading provider of professional services to investment professionals who focus on socially responsible investing, sustainable investing, ESG investing, and/or Impact Investing. Through their managed account service, Sustainable Investment Solutions TM, they currently manage roughly $1 Billion for clients around the country. Geroge is recognized as an industry role model and mentor. He’s a highly sought-after speaker, panelist, and counselor. He is a past recipient of the industry’s “SRI Service Award.”

About Ebony Perkins:

Ebony is a dedicated, solution-oriented social entrepreneur with a passion for community investing. In her career, she has scaled operations across 70 individual branches and 800 employees to grow cash investments in the social impact space, nearly doubling investments YoY from 2020 – 2021.  She has participated on a leadership team that has led overall deposit growth from $1.2B to $2.5B over five years through strategic planning, business development initiatives, and mergers and acquisitions. Ebony was elected to the Board of US SIF in 2020, the leading voice for sustainable investing across all asset classes. She has secured $250M + in community investments by engaging foundations, high net worth individuals, and Fortune 100 companies across industries, including tech, consumer goods, and financial services.