At City National, we have always put people first—with a renewed focus on diversity to bring us closer to a more equitable society.
After all, our dedication to cultivating close, authentic relationships demands that we be as inclusive as possible.
And achieving greater equity across all races and genders is simply the right thing to do.
As part of this commitment, we’ll work together to ensure a safe and welcoming workplace for our colleagues, who do so much to celebrate diversity and educate us all through our vibrant Colleague Resource Groups (CRGs).
Thanks to their shared lived experiences, we can better understand the diverse communities we wish to help, while continuing to build close ties to our clients.
Providing a vibrant, purpose-driven voice for Black colleagues to be connected and empowered
as we thrive and climb toward Black excellence.
During Black History Month, BCA member and Relationship Manager Randie Brooks co-presented a conversation for the fifth installment of our Business of Black Leadership event, featuring three individuals. Nwaka Onwusa, then curator for the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, interviewed film and music star Christopher Bridges, aka Ludacris, and his longtime financial advisor, Jini Thornton.
Their lively discussion ranged from philanthropy to wealth creation to the importance of family, giving attendees a fascinating glimpse into how a celebrity works closely with a business manager.
The longstanding professional relationship between Brooks and Thornton led to City National’s sponsorship of Thornton’s nonprofit, Black Women Will. This organization’s overarching goal is to close the wealth gap for Black women, which can positively impact their families for generations. They accomplish this through helping with their legal affairs, including will preparation, estate planning, healthcare directives and powers of attorney.
Beginning in January 2022 and lasting through Black History Month, City National sponsored the celebrated Kinsey African American Art & History Collection at Pepperdine University. This activation was complemented by a private reception (also sponsored by City National) for clients and guests at the Crypto Arena that included a conversation with the curators, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey.
Featuring a breathtaking range of work, this show explored the lives, accomplishments and artistry of African Americans starting from 1565, through the period of slavery and emancipation, through the Civil Rights Movement and up to the present day.
The moving exhibit was an important reminder of the immense weight of the past that must be carried as we strive to realize the promise of a brighter future.
Strategically incorporating multicultural markets into education, outreach and
philanthropic efforts to enhance the communities we serve.
Established in 2021, the Business Development Network (BDN) had its first full year of activity in 2022. City National’s senior executive vice president and head of the Commercial lines of business, Rich Raffetto, serves as executive sponsor, and more than 100 colleagues have participated.
In addition to offering internal networking opportunities, BDN offers professional development through a speakers’ series and provides opportunities for members to be brand ambassador to our communities.
Engaging minority businesses and supporting trade associations that serve professionals of color through education has been a focus of the BDN. In 2022, the group paid particular attention to Asian-owned businesses and subsidiaries of multinational companies in California and New York, working in tandem with the Asian Multinational Group.
Colleagues who speak Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese have been involved in sponsorships. These colleagues also held educational sessions to help immigrant families and small business owners learn new skills, such as navigating new technology.
To engage and empower the Latino community at City National Bank.
Creating inclusivity through education, awareness and growth within our company and the communities we serve.
One of City National’s longest-running Colleague Resource Groups, the LGBTQ Alliance has had a profound impact on our company’s culture since its 2011 inception.
One distinguishing characteristic about this CRG is that from its launch, members were focused outwardly on the community, organizing wealth-building seminars and workshops for same-sex couples, partnering with nonprofits such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and providing general financial educational programming.
One of the group’s significant contributions came in 2014, when the LGBTQ Alliance invited a professional from the Los Angeles LGBT Center to lead an internal seminar on coming out to colleagues and clients. This seminar helped individuals feel more comfortable about being a part of the LGBTQ+ community.
Since those early days, the LGBTQ Alliance has been regularly involved in ongoing causes and events, while emphasizing PRIDE Month. The Alliance organizes internal and external events, holds fundraisers for nonprofits, hosts guest speakers and produces a quarterly newsletter.
The Alliance has continued its efforts in education and awareness, advising on the impacts of legislation. The LGBTQ Alliance has in turn sponsored and volunteered at many activations, such as Drag Queen Bingo, a popular event through which the Alliance helps to raise funds for a number of causes, including a prom clothing giveaway for young people who cannot afford attire, shoes and accessories.
In 2022, the Network collaborated closely with the Latino Community Network to sponsor and organize an event for the Calavera LGBTQ Festival.
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