BISA's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee

Rising Stars Program

Program Description

The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Rising Stars Program is a BISA-sponsored recognition and leadership development program for professionals who have demonstrated commitment to creating an impact in and advancing DE&I in our industry or with in our communities. The program is designed to foster professional growth, leadership, and career advancement for diverse individuals through mentoring, networking events and volunteer opportunities.

This program is targeted for emerging professionals in the industry seeking to expand their network and strengthen their career.

There is a limit of up to 15 new DE&I Rising Stars selected each year. Please note, only one individual per BISA member may be recognized in this program.

2025 Call for Nominations

Eligibility

Nominees must be employees of a BISA member firm in good standing with less than 10 years of experience in the industry. Please note, that only one individual per BISA member may be recognized in this program per class.

Time Commitment

The Rising Stars program is conducted over twenty-four months. The Rising Stars cohort will meet twice in person during the first year of the program (BISA Annual Conference and BISA DE&I Committee August Strategy meeting). The cohort will meet virtually throughout the year. Rising Stars are expected to participate and attend both virtual and in-person meetings. Rising Stars will also commit separate time to the capstone project.

How to Apply

To submit a nomination for the 2025 BISA DE&I Rising Stars class please click here. The Rising Stars program is a 24-month program. Nomination forms close Wednesday, October 9^th.

Benefits and Opportunities Provided to DE&I Rising Stars

First year:

Pre-Annual Conference Call
Complimentary registration and three nights' hotel to the Annual Conference
Recognition at the BISA Annual Conference
Participation in BISA Annual Conference activities
Mentorship Program – See below for details
Optional participation in the Dare to Lead Program as a participant
Rising Star class to develop a Capstone Project focusing on a DEI initiative within the financial services/securities industry
Inclusion in at least 2 calls designated for DE&I Rising Stars
Contact list of past and present DE&I Rising Stars

Alumni Program (after first year):

Complimentary registration and hotel to the Annual Conference -- Only offered for 1 year after serving as a DE&I Rising Star and completing the Rising Stars capstone
Rising Star Class to present Capstone Project to BISA DE&I committee at the BISA Annual Conference
Invitation to participate in BISA Annual Conference activities dedicated to DE&I Rising Stars
Participate in Dare to Lead Program as a facilitator or a participant
Opportunity to participate in Future Leaders Committee - limited to those who were active contributors in the Capstone Project
Invitation to all calls designated for DE&I Rising Stars
Contact list of past and present DE&I Rising Stars

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 9^th.

Mentorship Program

Mission: The mission of the DE&I Rising Star Mentorship Program is to provide a resource for BISA DE&I Rising Stars to:

Gain more knowledge of the financial services industry
Have more exposure to senior leaders
Receive career coaching and advice
Gain more exposure to career opportunities

The mission will also allow senior leaders of BISA to:

Create a talent pool of future leaders
Provide leadership and coaching skills to future leaders
Transfer the knowledge of current business practices
Gain a better perspective of current views of future leaders

Program Guidelines:

DE&I Rising Stars will be assigned a BISA senior leader as a mentor
Mentors and Mentees are assigned to work together for a minimum of one year
Must connect a minimum of 3 times a year via phone or face to face – contact is driven by the mentee
At the end of one year, the mentor and mentee will provide a recap of the experience i.e. (were both parties actively engaged, was this time well spent, would they recommend it to future rising stars, what did they like about the program, what did they not like about the program, what would they change etc.)

Mentor Responsibilities:

Be accessible to the mentee and be willing to share knowledge and experience openly and honestly
Challenge mentee to think, learn and grow to his/her potential
Support mentee in development of his/her profession and career
Be a catalyst, a sounding board and a critic - provide guidance and feedback
Set example of values, ethics and professional practices
Help the mentee establish a professional network to enhance mentee’s career potential

Mentee Responsibilities:

Fully participate in the mentoring relationship - manage the meeting process (set meeting times and follow up)
Know their strengths and weaknesses in their current role and be willing to discuss them
Communicate honestly with the mentor
Take ownership of their own effectiveness and success
Remain open to feedback
Implement feedback and track success

The deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 9^th.