JERSEY CITY, NJ – June 22, 2020 – Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC (“Lord Abbett”), an independent, privately-held investment management firm, is building a legacy of LGBTQ+ inclusion—and inspiring others to do the same—with a variety of activities for colleagues and within the community scheduled during Pride Month.
Last year, Lord Abbett showed its support for the LGBTQ+ community by lighting its Jersey City headquarters in the colors of the rainbow pride flag for Pride Month. This year, the firm continues the tradition and others are following suit, illuminating the Hudson River waterfront with pride. Lord Abbett’s PrideTribute Video shows its 90 Hudson Street headquarters alongside neighbors at 70 Hudson Street, together shining a light on LGBTQ+ inclusion.
Making Pride 2020 all the more poignant, June 15, 2020 marked the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that federal civil rights laws protect LGBTQ+ workers from employment discrimination. Lord Abbett took a public stance on LGBTQ+ workplace equality last year as a signatory on the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) amicus brief.
“Today we celebrate the watershed U.S. Supreme Court victory for human rights and major milestone in advancing equality for all,” said Douglas B. Sieg, Managing Partner. “We were one of 200 businesses to sign the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) amicus brief in support of LGBTQ+ equality in the workplace. This U.S. Supreme Court ruling illustrates how businesses can work together in using their influence to drive positive social change.
Underscoring the firm’s commitment to LGBTQ+ equality, James White, Head of Diversity & Inclusion, shared, “As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to me that the Lord Abbett values are not only grounded in human rights and equality for all people, but that leadership stands behind those values with action to drive systemic change.” The firm continues to expand its Pride Month activities, honoring the LGBTQ+ community in a variety of meaningful ways:
- Launching an LGBTQ+ scholarship that honors the legacy of long-time LGBTQ+ colleague and friend, Steven Esposito. Established in Steven’s name, in partnership with Point Foundation, the scholarship will enable LGBTQ+ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential–despite the obstacles often put before them.
- Hosting virtual trans ally trainings led by PFLAG National, the nation’s first and largest organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their families, and allies
- Supporting Hudson Pride Center’s advocacy efforts in the community during COVID-19
- Engaging colleagues through the LGBTQ+ Networking Group, a weekly education series that profiles notable LGBTQ+ activists throughout history, and an LGBTQ+ online chat
For more information about Lord Abbett, please visit lordabbett.com
About Lord Abbett
Lord, Abbett & Co. LLC is an independent, privately-held firm with a singular focus on the management of money. Founded in 1929, Lord Abbett is one of the oldest money management firms in the United States and has forged a culture that is built on people, performance, relationships, and organizational agility—and guided by the values of excellence, responsibility, transparency, and collaboration. Lord Abbett manages approximately $ $179.5B* billion in assets (as of March 31, 2020) across a full range of U.S. mutual funds, UCITS Funds, institutional and separately managed accounts, including $1.0 billion for which Lord Abbett provides investment models to managed account sponsors.
Media Inquiries:
Jim Sansevero
201-827-2774
jsansevero@lordabbett.com