Stonier Diversity

Commitment To Diversity

Importance of Diversity in the Industry at Large

ABA strives to integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion across our organization and to support our members in developing their DEI leadership and proficiencies. We identify and remove barriers to equitable access and development; respect and value individual differences, experiences, and perspectives; and sustain employee engagement through inclusion. We do this by providing resources to help banks of all sizes build diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaces that best represent the communities they serve.

Increasing Minority Representation

In September 2024, the Stonier Advisory Board activated a working group to develop and implement strategies that attract and engage a more diverse student body in the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. This could include individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, genders, races, ethnicities and/or ages.

Diverse representation at Stonier is extremely important to me. I strongly believe that all organizations must be representative of the communities and customers that they serve. Being the premier graduate school of banking program, Stonier must be the champion and front runner in attracting and educating a diverse pool of students. This will then be translated into producing a diverse set of top-tier leaders in banks all across the country!”

—Alayasia D. White, CIA, CFSA, SVP, Director of Audit, B1Bank and Stonier 2023 graduate

At Stonier, diversity in representation reflects the reality of the world we serve. Creating space for historically underrepresented voices ensures that our leadership development is comprehensive, empathetic, and forward-thinking. It’s not just about who’s at the table—it’s about ensuring everyone is heard. This representation is essential to fostering innovation and inclusivity in the financial services industry. When leaders from different backgrounds and perspectives come together, it enriches our learning environment and prepares us to address our communities' complex challenges. Diversity isn't just a value—it’s a strategic advantage.”

—John Holdsclaw IV, EVP, Chief Policy Officer, National Cooperative Bank and Stonier 2017 graduate

The Role of MinBanc

MinBanc Foundation was formed to provide increased training opportunities, such as graduate schools of banking, for key employees in the minority banking community.

ABA is a proud partner, encouraging banks designated as "minority-owned" to take advantage of MinBanc’s educational grant program: up to $5,000 per qualifying bank per year in tuition reimbursement for high level, bank-focused training.

Our staff have benefitted from industry training and education that helps us stay on the leading edge of banking issues so we can best serve our communities. We consistently use our entire allotted MinBanc funding, and I highly encourage other MDIs to take advantage of this useful program.”

—Bryan Luke, President and CEO, Hawaii National Bank

Commitment To Diversity

Importance of Diversity in the Industry at Large

Increasing Minority Representation

The Role of MinBanc

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