FS Women’s Network
Challenge
As a leading manager of alternative investments, we recognized that women remain underrepresented in the industry and face unique challenges. As our firm continues to grow and evolve, our leadership team continues to focus on attracting and retaining the best talent, increasing the number of female and diverse employees at FS, and creating an environment where all our colleagues can grow, thrive and meet their fullest potential.
Actions
Sponsored by the firm’s female executives, a small group of employees founded the FS Women’s Network in 2016 with a mission to identify ways to connect and engage a diverse group of colleagues to elevate the women of FS. Beginning with small group ‘candid discussions,’ the group established three main goals – to provide professional development opportunities to all our colleagues, to identify new ways to recruit and retain diverse talent, and to engage externally with both charitable organizations and industry groups that would support both objectives.
Outcomes
Since inception, the FS Women’s Network now boasts membership of roughly 1/3 of all FS employees and has successfully provided colleagues across the firm with frequent opportunities to learn, network, and advance professionally.
Examples include:
- Internal & external networking events
- Lunch & learns on professional development topics and relevant current events
- TED Talk & ‘Book club’ discussions
- Mentoring & sponsorship opportunities
- FS Women’s Network sponsored conferences & events
Contact
Mia Fioravanti
Carla Gobantes
Quote
We believe FS Investments’ continued success depends upon harnessing the power of diverse skills, knowledge, experiences and backgrounds for the benefit of our investors, clients, colleagues and communities. I feel strongly that FS must be a place where diversity is valued and emphasized. As long as I’m leading the Firm, we will work hard to ensure we have an inclusive environment where all of our colleagues, regardless of nationality, religion, gender, race, sexual orientation, disability status or age, feel welcome, valued and empowered to perform at their best.