illi News - Northwestern Mutual–Chicago Partners with Greenwood Project

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Partnership opens the doors to internship, mentorship and professional development opportunities

CHICAGO - illiNews -- Northwestern Mutual–Chicago has formed a partnership with Greenwood Project, a non-profit organization that introduces high-achieving minority high school and college students from under-resourced communities to careers in financial services.

"We view this partnership as a great opportunity to show students what is possible in their personal and professional lives," said Tara O'Dea, Northwestern Mutual–Chicago Office Manager, who oversees the relationship. "As a firm, our mission aligns well with Greenwood's mission to build a true diversity pipeline for minority students to enter the financial services industry."

This past summer, the financial planning firm provided an administrative internship and mentorship opportunity to Karina Reyes, a senior at Illinois State University and Greenwood Scholar. As part of the eight-week program, she shadowed different leaders within the firm, learning roles in various departments including client services, compliance, marketing and financial advising.

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"Through this experience, I learned that I am adaptable and that even though I am a Spanish major, I could belong in the financial services industry," said Reyes. "I also feel more empowered to take charge of my finances, breaking generational patterns and changing the future for me, my family and the Latino community."

Beyond the internship, Northwestern Mutual–Chicago hosts Lunch and Learn sessions in the downtown Chicago office, volunteers at events including the High School Summer Financial Institute Interview Day, College Scholars Professional Development Workshop and Career Exploration Day, and also participated as a panelist on the Women of Wall Street speaking series.

"To truly have an impact, we must have partners who are all-in and who believe in our vision," said Bevon Joseph, President and Founder of Greenwood Project. "We need partners like Northwestern Mutual. As we look to 2020 and beyond, we are excited to continue to grow our partnership with Northwestern Mutual–Chicago, because together we can change the narrative and really amplify our impact."

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The sponsorship is part of Northwestern Mutual–Chicago's ongoing commitment to building a diverse and inclusive firm and aligns with its partnership with the Chicago Chapter of the National Black MBA Association. The firm actively recruits high-caliber individuals from all backgrounds for its financial advisor, financial representative and staff roles, as well as its nationally ranked financial planning internship program. To learn more visit http://chicago.nm.com/