Financially committed to CSR: Goldman Sachs

On September 15th, Goldman Sachs announced their continued $100 million commitment to CSR. Over the next 5 years, the $100 million will be utilized for 10,000 Women, a program to support partnerships between universities and development organizations to provide women in underserved areas around the world with a business and management education. With hopes of reaching at least 10,000 women, 2,300 women in Brazil, China, India and the Philippines are the newest batch of scholarship holders. With new partnerships and continued funding, 5,400 women have already completed or are presently enrolled in the program. The program also includes a mentoring component, where the newly enrolled are matched with mentors from Goldman Sachs. “One of the powerful ideas behind 10,000 Women is educational institutions, development organizations, and the private sector coming together to help address a profound challenge – driving and sharing economic growth,” said Lloyd C. Blankfein, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. “I’m proud that these new partners, along with the people of Goldman Sachs, are committing their expertise and dedication to help 10,000 women achieve their dreams and, in the process, improve the quality and accessibility of business education for future generations of managers and entrepreneurs.” Leading experts support this approach, like international Diversity consultant Michael Stuber who stated “Committed Managers know that there is never a perfect time for Diversity, yet it’s always the right time. In financial turmoil opponents claim that there is no funding available while in times of success they claim it’s not needed.” He concludes that strategic thinkers would understand the value that Diversity and CSR can add in both circumstances. For more information on the Goldman Sachs program, visit http://www.10000women.org/.