Key Milestones
Amazing returns can be realized when teams with diverse experiences and points of view work together to tackle challenges. Multi-cultural teams reflect the changing and increasingly diverse markets that finance firms serve. By supporting the leadership development of minority professionals, Toigo is helping improve access to capital to underserved communities—and helping finance firms attract and retain talent that provide competitive advantage in today's global markets.
For 20 years, Toigo's mission has been to change the face of finance. Here's a look at key milestones as the organization—and its impact—has grown.
1989
The late Robert and Sue Toigo, founders of the Institute for Fiduciary Education (IFE), create an educational fellowship program (The Financial Services Fellowship) focused on careers in financial services for minorities.
1990
First class of Fellows (seven total) introduced at Columbia University School of Business.
Toigo's first Board of Directors is recruited with Jerry Bardwell—at the time a trustee for LACERS—serving as President.
1991
Fellowship class expands beyond Columbia to Cornell University—the start of outreach to all major MBA programs.
1992
Chuck Valdes, Chairman of the Board of CalPERS, is named President of the Toigo Board—the start of a five year tenure.
1993
The Foundation is renamed honoring the visionary work of the late Robert A. Toigo.
Northwestern University and the University of Pennsylvania become educational partners.
1994
Angel Stewart, serving as Program Director since 1992, is promoted to Executive Director.
1998
Nancy Sims joins the Foundation in newly created role of President.
1999
Toigo names its 100th Fellow and serves 15 top MBA programs.
2000
Toigo adopts new model of board governance, now a "best practice" used by other non-profits.
2001
Toigo launches Advancing Professional Excellence (APEx™) with a custom curriculum designed to complement the learning and training efforts within academia and industry firms and address specific leadership issues facing minority professionals.
2002
Toigo launches Career Management services, providing more formalized advice, counsel and coaching services to its growing base of Fellows.
2003
Toigo PRO™, an online employment site for minority MBAs, is launched in collaboration with VAULT creating strong connections between minority talent and employers.
Foundation —publishes Achieving Market Share Growth, the first offering in its thought leadership series.
Toigo Alumni announce creation of an endowment fund with initial pledge totaling $500,000.
2004
Toigo's Retention Returns thought leadership report provides industry with insights into diversity practices from the perspective of Toigo talent.
2006
ToigoTalks™ is introduced as a campaign on higher education and careers in finance.
2007
Toigo's annual Gala features President William Jefferson Clinton in keynote address highlighting Community ROI: Return on Inclusion.
Recognizing the importance of the Toigo mission and milestones achieved, individual donors pledge million dollar, multi-year contributions.
2008
Careers of Toigo Fellows expand into the public service arena with roles as top investment officers within prominent public funds.
Toigo president Nancy Sims testifies before the US House Financial Services Oversight Committee addressing workforce diversity and inclusion issues.
Foundation showcases "Redefining Leadership" video featuring perspectives from 20+ industry executives.
2009
Toigo marks its 20th anniversary as a partner to the finance industry and a catalyst for changing the face of finance—with 20/20 vision.
