BOSTON and SAN FRANCISCO, April 15, 2021 – Natixis Investment Managers (Natixis) today announced that it has added two charter schools based in Boston and San Francisco to its philanthropic partnership program. Natixis will collaborate with the Academy of the Pacific Rim in Boston (APR) and the Life Learning Academy in San Francisco (LLA) to create workforce development, career exploration and financial literacy programs that introduce students at the elementary and high school level to career opportunities in the finance industry.
The partnerships with Academy of the Pacific Rim and Life Learning Academy are part of Natixis’ long-standing commitment to support its local communities and support its broader efforts to increase diversity in the financial services industry. In addition to Natixis’ financial contributions, Natixis associates will organize skills-based volunteering opportunities to teach APR students financial literacy. Associates will also develop “career exploration” videos designed to introduce LLA pupils to different roles within financial services. Exposing underrepresented students, with a focus on racial and ethnic minorities, to the numerous career trajectories available within financial services can help expand diversity in future candidate pools.
“We are excited to partner with Academy of the Pacific Rim and Life Learning Academy to make a direct and sustainable impact that will enhance student education and improve learning environments,” said David Giunta, CEO for the US at Natixis Investment Managers. “We look forward to supporting the schools’ efforts to ensure that all students are given an opportunity to reach their full potential.” "At Life Learning Academy we do whatever it takes to support students that have faced unthinkable adversity. We are no ordinary school, and that means we rely on extraordinary partners, like Natixis,” said Dr. Teri Delane, executive director at Life Learning Academy. “Natixis' support enables us to meet our students' needs under one roof, from basic needs, like food, to job placement and academic opportunities that empower them to create a good life for themselves. We're grateful for this thoughtful partnership and looking forward to having the Natixis team to campus for lunch – prepared by Life Learning Academy students, of course – as soon as possible."
“Academy of the Pacific Rim is both grateful for and energized by the partnership with Natixis,” said Spencer Blasdale, executive director at the Academy of the Pacific Rim. “From the outset our work together has been focused on our mission ’to empower students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds’ and we are now able to offer more opportunities for our students to explore meaningful educational and career opportunities. It's exciting to think about, plan and create the future for our students with Natixis by our side as a true strategic partner.”
“Natixis is committed to attracting more diverse people to our industry, and inspiring students at a young age to explore the broad array of rewarding positions in finance is a step in the right direction,” added Giunta. “We view these partnerships as a long-term investment in the future.”
Natixis has a strong culture of giving back to the communities where its associates live and work. The firm's unique philanthropic model provides direct support to its nonprofit partners and offers meaningful engagement opportunities for associates. Since 2012, Natixis has worked with the John Winthrop Elementary School in Massachusetts to provide corporate funding, volunteer events, mentoring and other programs. Natixis’ collaborative philanthropic model has been embraced by employees and has been recognized in the community and the industry. For nine consecutive years, the annual Boston Business Journal ranking has recognized Natixis associates as the Most Generous Employees in Massachusetts. Natixis is also a fixture on Boston Business Journal's list of the Largest Corporate Charitable Contributors in Massachusetts.
