Diversity, Equity & Belonging
Advancement Report
Callan launched our diversity, equity, and belonging (DEB) strategy in 2021 to build on the firms values established by founder Ed Callan in 1973. When we pledged to do more to bring change to our firm and industry, employees from across Callan rolled up their sleeves and volunteered to do the work.
Our 2024 report summarizes how we began, how far we’ve come, and where we hope to go.
DEB Strategy Achievements
We’re committed to taking the necessary steps to bring change to our firm and industry. Our efforts are centered on five key areas. This page features highlights of our accomplishments—see the report for the full picture.
Education
Recruitment
Retention
Mentoring & Training
Community Engagement
Highlights: Education
Rolled out inclusive leadership training and programs to improve the diversity, equity, and belonging proficiency of all employees
CallanLearns
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Inclusive Culture Workshop
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DEB Awareness Calendar
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DEB Speaker Series
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Pronoun Education
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Highlights: Recruitment
We implemented a number of initiatives to continue expanding recruitment opportunities and launched an improved, equitable interview process across the firm.
Recruitment Guides
Developed guides to improve recruitment practices throughout the company
Resume Review Guide
The guide outlines tips and best practices in reviewing resumes to identify candidates who contribute to our culture of collegiality and add a diverse perspective
Hiring Checklist for Managers
The checklist helps manages during the hiring process, offering a timeline of what should take place from writing the job description through the final interviews.
Inclusive Interviewing Best Practices Guide
The guide offers best practices for inclusive interviewing, including awareness of unconscious bias, standardized questions, and qualities to assess.
Online Job Postings
Broadened reach to different audiences and added inclusive message to every job description
Handshake
Reach a broader, diverse student population (typically for entry-level and junior roles).
Post in Jobs section and on Callan’s company page to recruit for senior/more experienced roles.
Inclusive Message in Job Descriptions
"Research shows that women and other underrepresented groups tend to apply only if they meet 100% of the criteria. We are committed to leveling the playing field, and we encourage all, especially women, people of color, and those in the LGBTQ+ community, to apply for positions even if they do not necessarily check every box outlined in the job description. Callan believes that our organization and culture are made stronger through diverse perspectives and experiences."
“After months of job searching, a former colleague shared a Callan job opening with me. The interview process was transparent and included interviews with the team I would be working with every day, as well as other groups throughout the company. Connecting with future colleagues and listening to their diverse perspectives and experiences gave me the sense that I belonged at Callan.”
Private Credit Research Analyst, Alternatives Consulting
Highlights: Retention
Via surveys, employees shared their thoughts about the Callan culture and what employee resource groups they’d like to see created across the firm.
Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)
Launched ERGs to facilitate open dialogue, enhance employee engagement, and foster learning opportunities
CallanUnites: Health & Fitness
Coming together to promote health and wellbeing and to have fun
CallanUnites: Mosaic
Bringing together the firm's underrepresented communities
CallanUnites: Women@Callan
Fostering personal and professional growth for women in the workplace
Highlights: Mentoring & Training
We revamped our Buddy Program and laid the foundation for launch of a formal mentoring program in 2025.
Buddy Program
Callan has a rich legacy of mentoring
Informal connections have paved the way for career opportunities
Analyst groups serve as a wellspring of talent
“When interviewing at Callan, I was drawn to the number
of women at the firm, as well as their long tenure and the
number of leadership roles that many women hold. It
was clear to me that Callan was a welcoming place for
women, despite my assumption of it being a
male-dominated industry. In my five years at Callan, I
have grown to realize that this community within Callan
is one of its greatest strengths.”
Co-Leader, CallanUnites: Women@Callan
Highlights: Community Engagement
Callan supports many organizations that advocate for diversity, equity, and belonging as volunteers, signatories, and board and committee members.
Visit our full Diversity, Equity, and Belonging Advancement Report here.