Ed Smith-Lewis

Ed Smith-Lewis, Senior Vice President of Strategy at UNCF, discusses the innovative Project ACCLAIM aimed at enhancing the pipeline from HBCUs to the financial sector. He highlights the concerning decline in racial representation at prestigious universities and advocates for more inclusive admission processes. The conversation dives into the importance of diversity in finance, showing how it can positively impact investment performance. Smith-Lewis emphasizes practical experiences and mentorship as keys to paving new career pathways for HBCU students.