Engaging the next generation of talent

A diverse and inclusive talent pipeline is essential to the future of the firm and the maintenance of our most important values, but it takes more than stating principles – it takes action and direction.

That’s where Amber Grace applies her skills as senior advisor of diversity recruiting and partnerships, guiding recruiting efforts to better engage, support and hire top talent from underrepresented groups.

Her goal: “I want Raymond James to be known as a place where diverse associates can bring their diverse perspectives and, over time, help the organization meet the needs of clients from diverse backgrounds,” Amber said.

Amber joined the firm in 2019 as a campus recruiter, supporting the engagement and recruitment efforts for the Internship Development Program, Accelerated Development Program and the Assistant to the Chairman program. By showcasing her passion, she shaped the role to fill the need for a recruiter focused on diversity and inclusion. In November 2020, she officially transitioned into the role of senior advisor of diversity recruiting and partnerships.

“I have a natural desire to want to see more diversity in corporate spaces,” Amber said. “I know all too well the feeling of being ‘the only’ in the room and rarely seeing anyone who looks like me in leadership roles. Working on the campus recruiting team gave me the platform to seek out diverse talent for our pipeline programs – the future leaders of our firm.”

Amber’s story is an important one – with the space and support for her talents to flourish, she advocated opportunity for herself and others as she addressed a need within the firm and the industry at large. This is the power of perspective, she said, which thrives when associates can express their passions and their independence.

She spends a lot of time engaging with the next generation of talent, and she said she is glad she has a product – the firm – that makes a strong case to potential recruits. She urges them all to do their research on Raymond James, and to take notice of its commitment to diversity and inclusion across all disciplines and at all levels.

“At Raymond James, you can see the work behind our commitment to the Black community. You can see our leadership’s support of the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion pledge. You’ll also see how, through our five Associate Inclusion Networks and three Advisor Inclusion Networks, you’ll find an environment of support and allyship,” Amber said.

This commitment to making Raymond James better resemble its clients and communities enables the firm to be a more welcoming place to work and helps us meet the needs of our clients and potential clients.

This is part of the firm’s core values and the culture that supports them, she said, specifically the focus on long-term thinking and independence.

“It amazes me how our passions can help shape our careers when they’re given room to grow, creating opportunities that did not previously exist.”