Staffing & Culture | 01.17.24
Celebrating MLK Day: Embracing Inclusivity in BISA With Tameka Galloway
by: BISA Staff and Tameka Galloway
Listening to the stories and experiences of others can provide greater context and understanding in the struggles and achievements of those who pave the way to a more inclusive and diverse environment.
We were fortunate to collaborate with Tameka Galloway, wealth group executive and SVP at Citigroup for a Q&A, where she shares her inspiring experiences in the financial services industry, how her passion for equality and inclusivity was instilled in her at a young age, moving snapshots of her life and her pathway to leadership.
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Financial professionals can educate themselves and others about the history of racial inequality and social justice issues. This can involve reading books, attending workshops and engaging in conversations to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Financial institutions should bring in subject matter experts to educate their employees.
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Self-reflection and examination: Individuals in the financial services industry can reflect on their own biases and privilege and examine how these factors may contribute to systemic inequalities. This can involve acknowledging and challenging any discriminatory practices within their own organizations. It would be very beneficial to implement diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) programs within a firm.
- Nonviolent direct action: Financial professionals can use their influence and resources to support nonviolent direct action for social change. This can include participating in peaceful protests, advocating for policy reforms that promote equality and supporting organizations working towards racial and social justice. The key here is to respectfully speak up and out.
- Negotiation and dialogue: Members of the financial services industry can engage in dialogue with community leaders, activists and organizations representing marginalized communities. This can involve seeking input and feedback and working collaboratively to address systemic issues and promote inclusivity.
- Personal sacrifice: Financial professionals can make personal sacrifices to support social change. This can include using their financial resources to fund initiatives that address inequality, investing in businesses owned by marginalized communities or volunteering their time and expertise to support organizations working towards social justice.
- Reconciliation and healing: Individuals in the financial services industry can actively work towards reconciliation and healing by fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace culture. This can involve implementing diversity and inclusion initiatives, providing equal opportunities for career advancement and creating spaces for open dialogue and understanding.
Dr. King believed that the most persistent and urgent question in life was “what are you doing for others?” With that inspiration, what are some specific ways financial institutions can more positively impact individuals, communities and/or society as a whole?
Financial institutions have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact at every level of their communities. For example, financial inclusion and accessibility — financial institutions can work towards ensuring financial services are accessible to all individuals, including those who are traditionally underserved or marginalized. This can involve providing affordable banking options, offering financial literacy programs and developing innovative solutions to address barriers to access, such as limited physical infrastructure or lack of identification documents. By promoting financial inclusion, institutions can empower individuals to build financial stability, make informed decisions and participate fully in the economy.
There are many other ways financial institutions can make a positive impact, and it is important for them to align their values and business practices with the goal of creating a more equitable and sustainable society. This can involve engaging in community development initiatives, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs and promoting diversity and inclusion within their organizations.
What is one positive change you’ve been proud to be part of in your career so far?
One positive change I am proud of this year is being promoted to wealth group executive. As an African American woman, I am the first wealth relationship manager promoted to this high-ranking role at Citi in its history. I have opened the door for others in my prior role to be able to raise their hands for opportunities of this magnitude.
What do you believe is an essential factor in a financial institution’s ability to adapt to change?
Financial institutions must be agile and adaptable to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the financial industry. Key factors for their ability to adapt include strong leadership, embracing technology, a customer-centric approach, agility and flexibility, regulatory compliance and collaboration and partnerships. By incorporating these elements, financial institutions can effectively respond to market dynamics, regulatory changes and customer expectations.
Who has inspired you in your career and how have they influenced you?
It is not the “who” for me when it comes to inspiration, but more of the “why.” I am greatly inspired by my own personal circumstances and challenges. I entered the foster care system at the age of 12, and from the ages of 12-18, I was moved eight different times. I learned from a very early age that I would always have to work a little harder than the person next to me.
I have always been a fighter with an amazing work ethic, and I knew that for me to succeed in life, I had to love myself and work hard from the start. I had absolutely no time to waste. I have had many people in my life that have had a positive impact on me, and I would never say I got here with influence from others. But given the cards I was dealt with at an early age, my perseverance and fortitude were innate. Survival and success are all I knew and wanted at the time. Now that I am well into my career, God decided to throw me another curve ball. I was diagnosed with cancer in 2021, but blessed to say I am in remission today. The success I have in my career is attributed to others seeing the greatest and leadership skills in me that I sometimes may not have seen. It’s others in my field who push me out of my comfort zone and tell me I am ready for the next level. And for that, I will always be humbly grateful.
How have you served as an inspiration and/or mentor to others?
As the first person to hold the role of wealth relationship manager, I am continually flooded with calls and emails from colleagues looking for advice on how to progress within their careers. I have always and always will take the time to listen and speak to others. If my testimony can inspire the next person, I would be selfish not to continue sharing my story. So, I continue to serve on Citi’s DEI Forum and BISA’s DE&I Committee to push the agenda forward and to drive positive change. I am also an active and financial member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., which is a public service sorority.
How are you looking forward to making an impact BISA as a future member of the DE&I Committee?
I am excited to speak up and be a voice for women of color in the financial services industry and to help drive initiatives to get more people that look like me licensed and working in the amazing field of wealth management. I am also excited about the new committee members I will be collaborating with and the friendships that will be forged through our joint efforts.
Learn more about BISA's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) Initiative
The BISA DE&I actively inspires member firms to develop an inclusive working environment to improve business results and strengthen our industry. We equip our members with opportunities and action plans to attract, develop, and retain diverse talent through empowerment, education, and engagement. Learn more.
About Tameka Galloway
Tameka Galloway is currently a Wealth Group Executive, SVP at Citi Personal Wealth Management located in Las Vegas. Tameka has held previous similar roles at other institutions, such as a Client Relationship Manger at Merrill Lynch. Tameka holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources from Cleveland State University. Tameka currently holds her FINRA Series 7, 9, 10, and 66 securities licenses, as well as her Nevada Health and Insurance licenses.
As a Wealth Group Executive, her goal is to build strong relationships with clients by earning their trust. She strives to make a difference in their financial lives by understanding clients' ever-changing priorities and by making it easier for clients to access Citi resources, benefits, rewards and services. In addition, she connect clients with Citi's experienced professionals, who can help address clients' financial needs and goals in banking, borrowing, insurance and investing. Throughout her tenure in banking, she have acquired the skills, knowledge and experience that now help her address Citigold clients' complex financial needs, with a high level of service.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with my husband and son; and being an active member of her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Tameka is also a 2022 BISA Rising Star.