2018 LGBT+ Mentoring Award: Our Finalists
To recognise an organisation or individual who has made significant effort to support, encourage and mentor other organisations to address LGBT+ inclusion in Hong Kong. In particular, we are looking to acknowledge work that has been done to mentor the local Hong Kong corporate sector.
Finalists (listed alphabetically by first name)
BlackRock
BlackRock aims to build its external brand as a leader in LGBT+ inclusion and has been proactively reaching out to local, regional and global asset management firms to provide support. With the firm’s impressive achievements in the past 2 years and its 3rd place ranking in the 2017 Hong Kong LGBT+ Inclusion Index, BlackRock’s LGBT+ leadership are in demand as speakers externally and have shared experiences and fostered dialogue with companies across industries to further their LGBT+ inclusion agenda. This encourages more corporates in Hong Kong to start their own LGBT+ networks and join the LGBT+ Interbank Forum. BlackRock also leads the Mentoring Programme at the LGBT+ Interbank Forum to provide emerging affinity groups with peer mentoring and best practices exchange from more mature affinity groups.
Goldman Sachs
Goldman Sachs is known for its longstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the firm has been generously sharing best practices, providing thought leadership, mentoring several local organisations and advising industry peers on their LGBT+ inclusion strategy. Externally, Goldman Sachs engages its clients on LGBT+ inclusion through client activities and partners with the public sector and various not-for-profit organisations to further extend its influence in the wider community. For example, the firm arranged a hike with its clients with the theme “Spread the Love” to raise awareness for its commitment to LGBT+ equality. The firm also values mentorship of future leaders through its ongoing support of the QSA Alliance, and has recently partnered with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to introduce a 14-hour course, as part of its world class MBA programme, on ‘Managing Gender and Diversity”, which includes LGBT+ inclusion and best practices in the workplace. The firm supported the programme by advising on curriculum design and being a guest lecturer. Going forward, Goldman Sachs has partnered with The Economist as part of the 2018 Pride and Prejudice Conference to engage young people on LGBT+ inclusion through a global competition, with the winner receiving mentorship.
Marc Rubinstein
Managing Director & General Counsel, Asia Pacific Land; Co-Founder & Co-Chair, Hong Kong Gay and Lesbian Attorneys (HKGALA) Network
Throughout his career as a lawyer, in finance and in real estate, Marc has been dedicated to LGBT+ inclusion and has been one of the most active and passionate mentors in the community. Marc was one of the original co-founders of the LGBT Interbank Forum in Tokyo and Hong Kong. In 2013, he co-founded the Hong Kong Gay & Lesbian Attorneys (HKGALA) Network and has remained its co-chair, playing a key role in guiding its development. HKGALA has grown significantly and has been instrumental in driving LGBT+ inclusion and awareness within the legal industry. Marc is able to leverage his strong personal relationships, connections and reputation to nudge firms to be more proactive on LGBT+ issues. He has informally advised regional networks, including law firm networks and the Japan LGBT+ Lawyers Network. Marc has mentored several high potential LGBT+ students under the Queer Straight Alliance (QSA)/FinS mentorship programme since 2010, with visible results as these students have become leaders in the business community. He advises the group on its strategy and communications, including how to secure corporate sponsorships and achieve sustainability. QSA continues to serve as the leading voice for LGBT+ university students in Hong Kong.