Lueder Financial Group
Milwaukee
Industry: Finance/real estate/insurance
Lueder Financial Group has long held a commitment to shifting the financial services landscape in Milwaukee to better reflect all communities in the city. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the firm doubled down on its efforts, with a renewed focus on systemic inequality.
The company created a diversity and inclusion council in 2014 that has since grown to include 20 members. This group has brought about greater awareness among staff of the different communities that comprise Milwaukee, said Matt Lueder, managing partner of the firm.
“We continue to strive to learn more by being curious and asking questions and realizing that nobody is going to have all the answers, but starting to put together more of a focused action plan on how we can make a difference,” Lueder said.
The company also hosts an open forum on a monthly basis in which employees are given a chance to discuss society’s most pressing issues, including racial inequality, the pandemic and the recent civil unrest in Kenosha.
“They get a deeper understanding of each other and we’ve created a safe place for them to discuss difficult topics, to share their thoughts, feelings and stance on things,” Lueder said.
Lueder says he is committed to hiring 15 more people of color and women advisors.
“As a business leader, it is my charge to help forge pathways for people to succeed. In this environment, that means creating jobs,” Lueder said.
Because of the organization’s commitment to addressing social issues both within and outside the company, Lueder Financial Group has been selected as an honoree with distinction in the Pivot Not Panic category of MMAC’s Focus on the Future Awards.
