This year marks the 10-year anniversary of OPEN (Out Professional Engagement Network), a crew resource group at Vanguard. OPEN strives to create an environment where Vanguard’s LGBTQIA+ crew are empowered to be themselves and thrive professionally. Hear from Nicole G. as she reflects on her OPEN experience.

As we celebrate Pride Month, I reflect on how grateful I am to have found a supportive community at work through OPEN (Out Professional Engagement Network), a crew resource group here at Vanguard. Being a member of OPEN has genuinely been a transformative experience for me. While I have been lucky to have a loving and supportive family at home, OPEN has allowed me to embrace my identity at work, build a strong connection and network of peers, enhance my own allyship, develop critical professional skills, and advocate for inclusivity. The personal and professional growth I’ve experienced through this journey is a testament to the power of creating safe spaces and fostering diversity within the workplace.

Although I’ve been at Vanguard for over 23 years, my coming out journey started just over a decade ago with a few trusted and close colleagues (now great friends) who provided the initial space I needed to share my truth. After hearing about OPEN a few years later, I joined immediately. OPEN became a larger support system where I could share my personal experiences and continue to develop the courage to talk about my life outside of work. Connecting with crew who are a part of my community, as well as allies, also helped me feel comfortable enough to bring my authentic self to work. This has given me a renewed sense of purpose to encourage others to do the same.

A Stronger Commitment

Over the years as I’ve taken on more prominent roles in OPEN, I’ve deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by others in the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ve had the opportunity to use my voice to raise awareness, build allyship, educate others, and advocate for everyone in our community. I’ve also had the pleasure to help coordinate many inclusive programs and events at Vanguard including a Buddy program for members and allies of the LGBTQIA+ community that provides a space for crew to connect on a personal and/or professional level with others in the LGBTQIA+ community. One of my OPEN colleagues has said we have our “day jobs” and we have our “gay jobs” as volunteers for OPEN, and I think that captures something meaningful. I enjoy my day job in market research, but I find such fulfilment in in my OPEN role and am so happy to have found these wonderful people in my OPEN family. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this passionate group. We have the unique opportunity to learn and grow with each other and help others feel empowered to do the same.

I am excited to celebrate my LGBTQIA+ community this month and continue the positive change we collectively create for current and future crew members here at Vanguard. My OPEN family and my team have greatly contributed to me feeling safe and proud to hang my rainbow sticker and pictures of my lil’ queer family at my desk, which is so important for me in today’s world.

If we are empowered to be our true selves at work, we are more confident in ourselves to do our best.

Happy Pride!

-Nicole G. (she/her)

Military Appreciation Month serves as a time to give thanks and recognition to all military servicemembers, spouses, veterans and lost loved ones. Hear from Jackqulin S. as she reflects on her experience working at Vanguard for over 30 years while concurrently serving in the US Army Reserves.

1. Tell us about your journey to Vanguard?

I relocated to Pennsylvania in 1984 to attend West Chester University for Business. I was introduced to Vanguard through my sister, who was already employed here. I started out as a contractor and within a month, was hired full time.

2. How and why did you end up joining the military?

I began my military career in July 1989, while still being employed at Vanguard. At that time, I knew I wanted to go to college for Business, but funds were limited since I was on my own and carrying the load alone. Then, I received an opportunity to join the United States Army Reserves. In the military, I was able to leverage some of my skills like self-reliance, resiliency, integrity, teamwork, financial responsibility, and leadership and apply them in a different environment. I was truly elated that I could serve while still working at Vanguard. I also received funding for professional development training opportunities and to seal the deal, my college tuition was paid in full.

3. How were you able to balance both working at Vanguard and maintaining a career in the US Army Reserves?

It was not easy balancing Vanguard and the military, but my leadership team and HR partners did an awesome job in being flexible and supportive. My family also played an enormous role in stepping up and stepping in to make sure it was a smooth process. They made my ‘Vanguard and military’ career journey worthwhile.

4. What are some of the transferrable skills and experiences you’ve carried over from your experience in the military to your current role here at Vanguard?

Similar to Vanguard, in the military we had mandatory compliance trainings that were specific to my roles and responsibilities. Some of the skills that I carried over from my experience in the military are being confident, working as a team and valuing differences and diversity. I apply many of these skills everyday in efforts to provide client satisfaction and an overall positive client experience. Also, when dealing with challenging situations, I keep going. I don’t give up easily. Throughout my experience in both careers, I learned to treat others the way you want to be treated, treat your clients the way you want to be treated and enjoy the positive outcomes.

5. How has Vanguard supported your career development?

Vanguard has truly been supportive throughout my military journey from beginning to end. The support made juggling both careers so much easier to manage. I also found support through our crew resource group, Vets Connect. This group has provided so many resources for many of our veterans and military members. It is also a great way to stay connected, support and honor the military and allows for an easier transition to civilian life for candidates with a military background. I enjoy the Vets Connect events and panel discussions. It feels good to be a part of a community of people who share similar experiences.

6. What advice do you have for candidates who are transitioning from the military to civilian life?

Transitioning from military to civilian life can be a wonderful experience. Here’s my advice:

• Make meaningful connections.
• Take advantage of learning and training opportunities.
• Continue to embrace diversity and share your experiences in helping others.
• Continue to follow your Military Values: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.

Since 1990, the United States has been celebrating Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month each May to commemorate the culture and contributions of the AAPI community. As a member of Vanguard’s Lifting and Empowering Asian Professionals (LEAP) crew resource group, here’s my story on what the AAPI community means to me and how Vanguard’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) makes me feel proud to work for a company that truly aims to cultivate differences.

Almost 16 years ago, my family and I moved from the Philippines to the United States carrying only our bags and my parent’s dream of a better future. As a child, I had a difficult time adapting to a new culture. The once outgoing kid became someone who barely spoke in school, and I became that girl with unfamiliar habits that were seen as peculiar.  It was hard; it was lonely.

Several months later, I found friends within the AAPI community that helped me immerse myself in a new environment, which I would be forever thankful for. I was able to grow, reclaim my voice, my talents, and most importantly – who I am. With this, I wanted to use my experiences and make a positive impact on someone’s life.

As an undergraduate student at Arizona State University, I was given the wonderful opportunity to lead our Philippine-American Student Association as President. It was my team’s mission to create an inclusive environment – to be family away from home. This is how I have made lifelong friendships that I still have to this day.

After graduating from college, I had the wonderful opportunity to join Vanguard. What the company stood for is what made me join in a heartbeat, but I did not know that it would only be one of the few things that I would come to love about working here. Since joining in 2016, I have also been a member of LEAP. Each year, LEAP provides events and resources that enable us to share our culture, develop ourselves, and make connections that I never thought I would have. There is a belonging and togetherness that is reminiscent of what I valued most outside of my professional career, and I am glad that I was also able to find that within this organization. This is a testament to the importance that Vanguard places on diversity and inclusion to motivate and hone the skill set of each crew member.

So – what does the AAPI community mean to me? For me, it is not just culture but togetherness, friendship, and family. I am glad to be part of a company that places importance on everyone’s heritage and is inclusive of our diversity.

– Paula D.

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. As part of this year’s theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, we will highlight women from our Crew Resource Groups (CRGs) who will share their unique stories and perspectives.

In the final installment of this series, we feature Alexis W. as she shares her experience in our Black Organization for Leadership and Dialogue (BOLD) CRG.

“You are where you are today because you stand on somebody’s shoulders. And wherever you are heading, you cannot get there by yourself.” – Vernon Jordan

When I joined Vanguard almost 9 years ago, I knew having a sense of community would be an important factor in keeping me engaged and fulfilled at work. I was not always going to “want” to get out of bed in the morning and commute to the office, so I needed to find a place where I felt connected on a stronger level. In 2014, I joined the Vanguard Black Professional Network (VBPN). I was initially only looking for professional development opportunities, but I gained so much more, a family. I found a place that feels like home, a place where you don’t always have to code switch and where imposter syndrome subsides a little. At that time, I still didn’t’ realize the invaluable impact that the VBPN would have on my professional career.

Sponsorship

In early 2021, Harvard Business Review published an article called “How a Lack of Sponsorship Keeps Black Women Out of the C-Suite.” It highlighted the unique challenges Black Women face when trying to reach the C-suite level in corporate America. I’ve read it 5 times. It put into words so eloquently a challenge I felt I was experiencing as I approached my 7th year at Vanguard. I had always been a consistent solid performer, but I was now aspiring to find more senior level roles. I had been assigned and manifested several mentors over my tenure, but I felt like something was still missing to get to that next level. That’s when I realized I had been underutilizing a resource I had all along. It was through VBPN that I found my first sponsors. Leaders like Latoya Hubbard and Tonya Richardson who watched me during my early years and nurtured my development so they could stand in the gap to showcase who I was to their peers. Or in recent years, those like Jasmine Sims, Janelle McDonald and Marisa Tilghman who have associated my name with words like excellence, impactful and dedicated. They all used their influence to be connectors, amplified my work and mentioned my name in rooms I was not present. This gave me the boost of confidence to go for a promotional opportunity for the first time.

Be BOLD-ER

In 2022, VBPN changed its name to BOLD (Black Organization for Leadership and Dialogue) and I took that personally. I was proud to be part of a group that did not shy away from talking about the things that were hard. Over these “post pandemic” years, I watched Vanguard leaders listen to the few Black voices at the table, and like many, it opened my eyes to see how far we’ve come while still knowing there was more work to do. So I told myself I was going to be BOLD-ER. I would speak up in the spaces when it was uncomfortable. I wouldn’t rob my teams from hearing my opinions or viewpoints because I was scared. I would show grace where needed and stand firm on what I know. But ultimately, I knew I wanted to give back to the community that has given so much to me and so I joined the BOLD leadership team.

I’ve since had the opportunity to represent the BOLD community at various recruiting events, both here on Vanguard’s campus and at partner schools. I was able to support the planning of our 10-Year Celebration, which for many was the first time meeting in person since shifting to our hybrid work model. And this year, I served as co-lead for BOLD’s Black History Month programming. Community is so important to our success, and maintaining that community is something I am personally passionate about. I’m so grateful to my BOLD family because in many ways they are responsible for why I’m here and I hope to continue to pay it forward to those who come after me.
-Alexis W.

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. As part of this year’s theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, we will highlight women from our Crew Resource Groups (CRGs) who will share their unique stories and perspectives.

In the third installment of this series, we feature Huntley W. as she shares her experience in our Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS) CRG.

When I joined Vanguard almost 6 years ago, I knew I wanted to find a community of women who championed one another and were each other’s biggest advocates. I started my Vanguard career supporting communications for our Institutional business and immediately joined Vanguard’s Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS) Crew Resource Group. As I began attending events, networking sessions, and webinars, I quickly realized what an incredible network I was building. Meeting both new and tenured Vanguard women and understanding their career paths provided me a huge sense of comfort and security.

When it was time for my next challenge, I took on a role as a senior writer for Vanguard’s Office of the General Counsel (OGC). I applied so many learnings from my mentors and friends in my WILS community, and I continued to lean on them when I needed advice or was facing challenges. I eventually expanded my role in WILS and became the OGC WILS Chief of Staff where I formed relationships with several of Vanguard’s senior leaders. It was during that time that one of my mentors encouraged me to pursue people leadership fulltime. Little did I know that I was about to take on not only more responsibility within my role at Vanguard, but also within WILS.

Today I lead a team of five incredible communicators for Vanguard’s Personal Investor business where I have the unique opportunity to communicate our digital strategy and client experience objectives to our crew. I also have the pleasure of serving as the WILS Communications Chief of Staff where I have met some of the most talented and strategic women I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. Without my network of extraordinary, inspiring, and powerful women — both in and outside of WILS — I never would have had the courage to pursue people leadership or expand my responsibilities within WILS. I hope I can one day return the favor and provide other women the same opportunities that were afforded to me.

– Huntley W.

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. As part of this year’s theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, we will highlight women from our Crew Resource Groups (CRGs) who will share their unique stories and perspectives.

In the second installment of this series, we feature Alejandra R. as she shares her experience in our Hispanic/Latinx Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) CRG.

When I started at Vanguard Australia four years ago, we had a range of Crew Resource Groups (CRGs) but there wasn’t a Hispanic/Latin American CRG. However, after investigating I soon discovered that there was one operating in the US. I have always been passionate about diversity and inclusion, and thought it would be a great idea to create the CRG here in Australia, given that the Latin/Hispanic community is growing in the country.

After a lot of hard work, we launched the Hispanic/Latinx Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA) in February 2021. The warmness with which crew engaged with HOLA has been fantastic and has really made me feel welcomed and accepted. We have run events on different cultural celebrations such as Brazil’s Carnival and Cinco de Mayo where we had more than 200 crew join us.

The opportunity of launching and co-leading HOLA has not only helped me grow personally, it has also enabled me to build my professional skills. Despite being in a relative junior role when I started looking into the idea, I was supported and encouraged to work on and launch the CRG. HOLA has given me a platform to build my confidence and explore areas I hadn’t been exposed to before, such as leadership and public speaking, whilst extensively growing my network within the company, locally and globally.

I am proud to say I work for a company that really cares about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and where crew are truly inclusive, as well as being in a nurturing environment where there are such great opportunities for growth.

– Alejandra R.

From left to right: Curt Jacques (HOLA Australia Sponsor), Alejandra Romero (HOLA Australia Co-lead), Tim Buckley (Vanguard CEO), Luis Ramirez (HOLA Australia Co-Lead)

Women’s History Month is a celebration of women’s contributions to history, culture and society and has been observed annually in the month of March in the United States since 1987. As part of this year’s theme: Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories, we will highlight women from our Crew Resource Groups (CRGs) who will share their unique stories and perspectives.

In the first installment of this series, we feature Shawn H. as she shares her experience in our Out Professional Engagement Network (OPEN) and Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS)/WILS Finance CRGs.

New Beginnings
Starting out fresh at any point in your career comes with many thoughts and feelings. Starting out fresh when you’re coming into a pre-established team as their new female leader adds an additional layer of complexity. Starting out fresh knowing you’ll need to come out to your new colleagues makes it something you have to really consider when switching your career path with a new employer. So why Vanguard?

The crew at Vanguard make it a place you want to be, and that comes through during the interview and onboarding processes. They make it something you want to be a part of now and in the future. Is everything perfect? No, of course not. Is it better/worse than other places? Maybe, depending on your perspective. Is it a place that acknowledges there is room for continued growth and development as an organization and for individuals? Absolutely.

Finding my Community
During my second week at Vanguard, I was introduced to individuals from two (of many) of our Crew Resource Groups (CRGs) – Out Professional Engagement Network (OPEN) and Women’s Initiative for Leadership Success (WILS)/WILS Finance. I’ve been a part of those both groups now for 2 years. The connections I’ve made and the engagement and learning opportunities from OPEN AND WILS have proven to be invaluable to my professional and personal growth as an individual and as a leader.

Walking in my truth as a female leader who also identifies as a lesbian has not always been easy. It also has not always been an option. I was not out in the workplace in the early years of my 23- year career in the financial industry. It wasn’t something we talked about. At Vanguard, I’m not only comfortable showing up each day as my authentic self, but I’m encouraged to do so. I can’t tell you how refreshing that feels. I walk in my truth as a lesbian leader at Vanguard and when I’m out in the community and in the industry, representing Vanguard.

Leading the Charge
Vanguard has nominated me to participate in three opportunities as a leader in my first two years with the firm. I’m honored to have been selected to participate in LEADERSHIP Philadelphia’s Class of 2023 Core Program. It is a nine-month program that enhances civic knowledge and self-awareness and enriches leadership skills. LEADERSHIP fellows receive non-profit board training, and board placement is offered to all interested participants and graduates. I’m also currently enrolled in a pilot leadership development program sponsored by the Finance Division’s senior leadership team. Finally, this March I kick off my journey in SIFMA’s Securities Industry Institute (SII) at UPENN Wharton School – Executive Education three-year program. The professional development opportunities provided by Vanguard demonstrate their commitment to leadership development, especially women in leadership. I may not have had visibility of women leaders from the LGBTQIA+ community in the financial industry in my past, so I feel grateful and honored that I may get to be that for others.

Shawn H.

The end of the year is often a time when we reflect on all that’s been accomplished in the last twelve months. 2022 was another unique year with lots of new and exciting highlights. From new benefit offerings, to exploring new cities and changing careers, we’ve pulled together our top five stories for you. Whether it’s your first read or you’re revisiting a favorite, we hope you enjoy!

Vanguard’s Innovative Benefits Support Your Well-Being Your Way

In this blog, we introduce Vanguard’s new FlexFund benefit. This forward-thinking offer first started in the tech industry, and Vanguard is one of the first financial institutions to adopt it.

Vanguard Dallas: Join Our Team of Advisors

In this blog, Luke H. shares what he is most excited about serving as a leader at our new Vanguard site in Dallas, Texas.

My Experience at Last Year’s Grace Hopper Conference

In this blog, Kimberly W. shares her experience attending the Grace Hopper Celebration in 2021.

Why We Changed Careers

In this blog, several crew open up about their experiences in changing careers and joining Vanguard’s Client Services and Operations group.

Join Vanguard’s Global Risk and Security Division

In this blog, Principal and Chief Information Security Officer, Manish Nagar, shares insights into the work GR&S is responsible for, his personal career experiences, and Vanguard’s new footprint in Dallas, Texas.

Feeling inspired? Make your career count with Vanguard. Search our opportunities.

My Power of Identity

The best description of what drives my decisions in my daily tasks, including my #LifeAtVanguard, is to achieve Hozho. Hozho is said to be the most important word in the Navajo language and is loosely translated as being at peace, having balance, seeing beauty, and being in harmony. Holistic may be the closest English word, but not quite! When you are in Hozho, you are at one with the world, while still being a part of the world that surrounds you.

At Vanguard, I have the opportunity to grow and develop in that state of HOZHO, by being in a role that offers a platform to share my heritage, to embrace my indigenous culture, and showcase my power of identity. As a Sr. Talent Acquisition Analyst in the Emerging Talent & Diversity Recruiting Strategy Team, I lead our early talent sourcing strategies across the U.S. I support engagements that are aligned to attracting efforts with Indigenous communities. I partner with key universities to manage relationships and network with students through career fairs, holding workshops, providing 1:1 mentoring, and giving presentations. In my role, I am truly encouraged to celebrate my individuality, which ultimately allows me to be transparent in sharing my personal commitment to break psychological, cultural, and emotional barriers.

Embracing my culture

As a child, I was raised by my traditional healer grandfather and my strong, loving grandmother who taught the importance of embracing our culture and respecting all humans. I loved hearing my grandfather sing traditional songs, create ceremonial sandpainting’s, and reverently offering service to our community. I enjoyed helping my grandmother with her Navajo rug weaving, assisting as she cared for her animals, and listening to her wisdom of having an open viewpoint, placing importance on attaining knowledge and holding strong to our native traditions.

Vanguard helps me embrace the same values by aligning its mission of taking a stand for ALL investors by doing the right thing. Just as I was taught to give service with respect, to care for others, and to have a Hozho mindset, Vanguard offers balance in my personal development and career journey. I find through my role, I am becoming more aware of Vanguard’s DEI initiatives, which allows me to effectively build deep connections with others and respect all cultures in an inclusive environment.

My identity as a Navajo, first-gen woman, gives me a rare viewpoint to encourage authenticity and develop meaningful relationships with those I meet. At Vanguard, my Hozho journey is embracing my identity and harnessing the power of culture to create deep connections and thrive as ONE with my Emerging Talent and Diversity Recruiting Strategy team.

— Fedora H.

Each year, Hispanic/Latinx Organization for Leadership and Advancement (HOLA), Vanguard’s crew (employee) resource group, brings crew together during Hispanic Heritage Month to learn about and share their culture.

This year’s Hispanic Heritage Month theme is “Unidos: Uniting all Vanguard crew through a celebration of Latinx and Hispanic heritage and culture.” The theme recognizes the voices that have shaped the Latinx community and paved the way for inclusion. As Latinx members and allies, there is a wealth of knowledge, culture, languages, backgrounds, and experiences that unite us all.

In this blog, we hear from crew who share what Unidos and Hispanic Heritage Month means to them:

For me, “Unidos” is an everyday state of mind. Maybe it’s rooted in our culture, but in Mexico, we try to do everything together. The community we have when we interact with each other, either in the workspace or during a meal, is really strong. For example, a lunch meeting with clients, family, or friends always features “sobremesa,” which means the time you stay chatting and exchanging ideas. A good “sobremesa” can last for hours and can be a time for real bonding among the participants.
– Mayolo O.

When I moved to Charlotte from Georgia not too long ago, I looked toward my favorite hobby of volleyball for pastime and exercise. Through volleyball, I met families and friends who are Peruanos, Venezolanos, Puertorriquenos, and more. They invited me into their events and dinners, knowing that I was establishing a new life here on my own. That is what Unidos means to me. We are a community of individuals from many places and backgrounds, yet we still value and know the bonds that bring us together.
– Chris M.

Unidos for me means sharing our Latinx heritage and culture with everyone on our Washington, DC team. Whether that’s highlighting Latinx figures who’ve made significant contributions to society, or sharing traditions my family celebrates, Unidos is all about inclusion and welcoming everyone into the Latinx family.
– Chris R.

Hispanic Heritage Month, Unidos, and HOLA are important to me as they bring light to the warm cultures of dozens of countries across the globe that are represented by those living in the US. As an ally who double majored in Spanish, my participation in HOLA has proven to be a valuable aspect of my career in Finance. Not only does the crew resource group cultivate a new network of support, but it also provides the opportunity to make an impact in an area about which I’m passionate. HHM is a great celebration of independence and heritage. It enables us to break stigmas and highlight growth opportunities in our multicultural markets.
– Julia H.

Unidos for me means not only getting together with friends and family but being together as a community. As Latinx people, others often think we have a lot in common, and while we do, there are also a lot of cultural differences amongst Latinx people. So, when the theme came up, my first thought was about really uniting people, learning from the different cultures within the Hispanic and Latinx communities and celebrating both the things we have in common and the differences, while in a safe space provided by our Vanguard familia.
– Angel S-R.