We all know the importance of embracing diversity in the workplace. As a national leader in inclusiveness and equality – as evidenced by our All Children All Families certification (did you know we are also the first organization in the nation to pilot a training of facilitators program and certify staff to provide the HRC-ACAF curriculum foundational training?), CHS is proud of the diversity represented throughout our entire team.

Bringing together diverse perspectives and experiences only enhances the care we provide to Florida’s children, the innovative strides we make in the field and the quality environment we provide to our entire team.

But, as the chief financial officer, I’d like to pose a specific question: how does diversity in the workplace impact finance teams … or individual financial decisions?

It’s a topic that doesn’t get as much attention as it should – but I’m honored to be part of the group bringing this important discussion to the marketplace. This week, I join Allison Rand, CFO and EVP of Primerica, Amanda Setili, President of Setili and Associates and Joyce Reto, Managing Partner with RSM in Atlanta at the Georgia State University Financial Leadership Network Meeting as we lead this conversation.

As a female financial executive, I’m especially interested in keeping this topic top of mind; doing so at the GSU Financial Leadership Network Meeting allows industry experts to come together to share our perspectives and experiences while also sharing our own diversity throughout the discussion.

While much of our discussion around financial behavior revolves around investment habits or even raising capital for new initiatives, it’s also important to consider how diversity impacts charitable contributions, and how we can offer the best opportunities to people who want to make an impact.

I recently read some articles that hit upon some key differentiators when it comes to financial behavior differences between men and women. In today’s world of innovation, for instance, new technologies are more likely to be game changers for women, particularly when it comes to investments and charitable contributions. Much of this is due to the social media revolution, as women are more likely to be on social networks – and they spend more time per day on social media. As a result, crowdfunding opportunities tend to be much more attractive to women.

I’m looking forward to sharing more with this group about the incredible opportunities we have at CHS as well; though we’ve been changing children’s lives for more than a century, our organization is needed now more than ever before.

This is just a glimpse into why we, as an organization, embrace the diversity of our teams and those we serve; bringing together rich perspectives and experiences allows us to continue to make the greatest difference for children and families.

And that’s why we’re here.