Treasurer Diossa, CFA Society Providence To Host Interactive Discussion with John Rogers

Published on Friday, July 12, 2024

Providence, RI – Today, Rhode Island General Treasurer James A. Diossa, and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society of Providence announced that they will host an interactive discussion with John W. Rogers of Ariel Investments. 

“I am honored to moderate an interactive discussion with John Rogers. John founded the first African American-owned mutual fund company in American history. His commitment to business diversity has showed the importance of creating generational wealth for communities of color while demonstrating how diversity can be a growth driver for companies,” said General Treasurer Diossa. “I am thankful to John for sharing his expertise and experience with us.”

“A group’s strength comes from its members’ willingness to listen and learn from each other. The civil exchange of differing ideas, beliefs, and goals form the foundation from which a strong community can grow,” said Jamison Miller, President of the CFA Society Providence. “The Chartered Financial Analyst Society of Providence is grateful to John W. Rogers and Treasurer Diossa for amplifying the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Come lend your voice to this wonderful conversation; let’s grow together.” 

John W. Rogers Jr. is chairman, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of Ariel Investments, a Chicago-based firm he founded in 1983, which is the United States' first Black-owned mutual fund firm. Ariel serves individual and institutional investors through no-load mutual funds, collective investment trusts, private funds and separate account strategies.

John’s passion for investing started at age 12 when his father bought him stocks, instead of toys, for every birthday and Christmas. His interest grew while studying at Princeton University. 

John is a board member of the New York Times Company, NIKE, Ryan Specialty and serves on the board of trustees for the University of Chicago. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a director of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. He co-chaired the 2009 Presidential Inaugural Committee following the election of President Barack Obama, and more recently, joined the Barack Obama Foundation’s Board of Directors.

The discussion will be held on Friday, July 19 from noon to 2:00PM at the Hope Club. Interested participants may register here.