The evolving role of banks in addressing opportunity ladders for the underserved

Date & time

Apr 8, 2021, 4:00-5:00 pm EDT

Location

This is a Virtual Event.

Free and open to the public. Join the conversation: #PolicyTalks

Since becoming Goldman Sachs’s youngest female Black partner in history at age 37 in 2018, Margaret Anadu has spearheaded much of the big bank’s efforts to invest in underserved areas and particularly communities of color. Anadu is the global head of sustainability and impact for Asset Management at GS, leading the development and oversight of the firm’s strategy for delivering commercial solutions and leading advisory services to clients related to inclusive growth and climate transition, the two core pillars of the firm’s sustainability strategy. She is also chair of the Urban Investment Group (UIG) and co-chair of the Asset Management Sustainability Council. Anadu also took a leading role in disbursing the bank’s capital for the Paycheck Protection Program, the federal government’s stimulus initiative for small businesses. She will discuss how banks can help create opportunity for underserved communities, in conversation with Towsley Foundation Policymaker in Residence William Bynum.

From the speaker's bio

Prior to assuming her current role, Margaret was head of UIG, overseeing a $4 billion portfolio dedicated to investments that address racial inequities, unemployment, a lack of affordable housing, and other problems, providing equity and debt to real estate projects and social enterprises, and lending facilities for small businesses, students, and individuals in order to create opportunity. Established in 2001, UIG has committed more than $10 billion to community and economic development investments, serving as a catalyst in the revitalization of underserved, predominantly minority communities.

Margaret also serves on the Board of Advisors of Launch With GS, Goldman Sachs’ $500 million commitment to invest in companies and investment managers with diverse leadership, and is an ex-officio member of the Investment Banking Division Council for Advancement of Racial Equity.

Margaret serves on the boards of several community and economic development organizations, including the Brooklyn Bridge Park Corporation, Center for an Urban Future, Core Innovation Capital, Low Income Investment Fund, New York Public Radio and The Africa Center.

Margaret earned a BA in Computer Science from Harvard College in 2003.

Co-sponsors

Hosted by the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy and co-sponsored by Business+Impact, the Center on Finance, Law, & Policy, Domestic Policy Corps, Students of Color in Public Policy, Women and Gender in Public Policy, and the Black Business Students Association.