Cohen & Company

Everyone Working Together for a More Inclusive & Diverse Workplace

The story of our firm has always been grounded in kindness, mutual respect and providing an inclusive, supportive and safe environment. We truly encourage everyone to embrace our foundational principle that recognizes “great people first” — finding ways to celebrate and value each of the unique stories, backgrounds, perspectives and ideas that come from the people at Cohen & Company.

Yet, we realize, with great humility, that we have further to go in terms of understanding how to create a diverse and inclusive workplace. We are committed to finding ways to be even more deliberate in our actions, and to do better. We believe no single individual can make that happen, but EVERY single individual, together, can. Below are a few of the steps we have taken.

Our CEO Pledge

While diversity and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility, we also recognize that it starts at the top. Cohen & Company is proud to be part of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ — the largest CEO-driven business commitment to advance diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

The CEO pledge outlines a specific set of actions our CEO, Chris Bellamy, will take to cultivate a trusting environment where all ideas are welcomed, and employees feel comfortable and empowered to have discussions about diversity and inclusion. The components of that pledge include open conversations, education, creating a diversity plan and sharing outcomes with other CEOs.

Find out more about CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™

Cohen & Company IDEA Team

The Cohen & Company IDEA Team stands for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity in Action, and holds true meaning to the awareness of the fact that without an atmosphere of inclusion first, diversity will never exist. 

As a firm we are reflecting deeply on turning our words into actions. The IDEA Team is passionate about and focused on:

• Expanding dialogue and understanding within our firm,

• Outlining actionable goals and objectives, and

• Identifying and executing on sustainable and impactful activities and trainings that can become a lasting part of our culture.

With the full support of executive leadership, in 2021 our Cohen IDEA Team launched a cultural assessment survey to determine the pulse of the firm in the areas of diversity, equity and inclusion. Results from the survey are helping the team develop a long-term strategic plan that integrates with the firm’s strategic plan. Focus areas include, but are not limited to, enhancing recruiting efforts and creating additional diversity, equity and inclusion educational opportunities for all employees.

Women’s Leadership Initiative

Our Women’s Leadership Initiative is open to all female-identifying members of Cohen & Company. The group’s mission is to provide and enhance opportunities to grow, empower, engage and connect diverse leadership that drives results through career development, mentoring and networking. The organization provides monthly programming, including mentoring/guidance networking events, panel discussions and a book club.

Ongoing Firm Training & Recruitment

A major component of our annual firmwide training initiatives revolves around providing educational sessions that help our employees enhance their learning and development, both professionally and personally. Highlights of our program include welcoming well known keynote speakers and providing online learning courses regarding diversity and inclusion; unconscious bias and tools to overcome it; racism; and the adoption of a growth mindset.

From a recruitment perspective, we actively seek out campus organizations that support diversity to provide interview tips, education and networking. We take seriously our commitment to identify, recruit, and develop the talents of a wide variety of people from all backgrounds, experiences and cultures — helping us learn from each other’s ideas and perspectives.