Nicsa Awards

• Member Firm employee
• Early stages of career (5-8 years of industry experience)
• Demonstrates leadership qualities
• Expected to be a future leader
• Committed to inclusive work environments
• Willing to participate in a leadership coaching course

Firms are responsible for establishing/facilitating their own selection processes.
We recommend using the following system:

• Form an internal Rising Star Committee at your firm (comprised ideally of upper management and Human Resources) to facilitate the selection process.
• Announce nominations for the program amongst management and Human Resources departments. Encourage members of your firm to nominate Rising Stars. 
• Notify nominees via email and ask that they submit a resume and a written essay of 300 words or less explaining why they are the best candidate to receive the Nicsa Rising Star award and how they will use their participation in the program to benefit others, their firm, and themselves.
• Select nominees to move forward into an interview process with members of your Rising Star committee. Nominees should be prepared to express why they are deserving of the award, and should be able to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, the mission of the Inclusion in Finance North America and the Rising Star Program.
• Select your Rising Star and notify them via a congratulations call with C-suite or executive management at your firm. Submit their information to Nicsa through the submission form provided to each member firm of Inclusion in Finance North America.
• Promote your Rising Star through internal communications (intranet, blogs, newsletters, etc.) to celebrate their commitment to leadership and promoting an inclusive working environment.

Rising Stars will receive the following benefits:

• Specialized leadership coaching will be provided to the Rising Stars through Wendell Rhoads (one hour virtual session per month for five months, and one in-person at FLS & SLF).
• Widespread visibility across Nicsa social media, email, video, website, conferences.
• Invitation to Nicsa’s annual Fearless Leadership Symposium, which includes a recognition dinner for Rising Stars honorees.
• Participation in industry roundtables with senior leaders from Nicsa member firms.
• Invitations to specialized leadership training.
• A 10% discount on all Nicsa conferences.

Selected Rising Stars will receive specialized leadership coaching through Wendell Rhoads, beginning with an in person session at the Fearless Leadership Symposium. This will be followed by four virtual group coaching sessions, with the program concluding at a final in person session in March 2027 at the Strategic Leadership Forum. Awardees will also join a cohort of peers who share a commitment to leadership, inclusive workplaces, and success within the asset and wealth management industry.

Inclusion in Finance North America member firms will benefit from the Rising Star Program through:

• Gaining a means to support, develop, and retain future leaders of the industry
• Recognition as an employer that invests in high-potential, diverse employees and inclusive work environments
• Expanded engagement and influence within Nicsa’s Inclusion in Finance committees and at Nicsa events and programs
• Opportunity for mentorship of future Rising Stars
• Custom communications kit to help promote your firm’s honoree
• Six session leadership development program including two in person sessions and four virtual group coaching sessions.

• What is the cost to participate in the Rising Star Program? The recognition of your firm's Rising Star, their attendance to the Fearless Leadership Symposium, and their participation in leadership coaching is funded by Nicsa's Inclusion in Finance North America.
• Does our Rising Star need to be a current leader? Your candidate can be in any role, but should show strong leadership qualities and a high potential for future leadership.
• How many Rising Stars may my firm choose? One Rising Star per Inclusion in Finance North America member firm may participate.
• Is the program limited to a certain role/job function? Rising Stars can be from any department within your firm–whether it be investment management, legal, compliance, marketing, etc.
• Does the Rising Star's geographic location matter? Please note that two of the sessions will be held in person, with four taking place virtually.
• How can my firm participate? Participation in this program is a membership benefit available to Inclusion in Finance North America member firms. For more information about the initiative and other membership benefits, please contact Allie Walsh, Executive Director, Head of Membership & Sales
• Does our firm need to abide by the selection process? We recognize that all firms are different. That being said, your firm is encouraged to find a selection process that is thoughtful, reasonable, and repeatable. The selection processes listed by Nicsa are not requirements, but suggestions for your benefit.
• How can we promote our Rising Star? Nicsa will provide a communications kit to use internally, on social media, etc. to celebrate the nomination of your Rising Star and promote your firm's participation in the program. Nicsa will also share through its various channels and promote the program to industry media.
• When will the award recognition be held? The Rising Star recognition will be held during the Fearless Leadership Symposium.
• Is this an annual event? Yes, the Rising Star Program is held annually in conjunction with the annual Fearless Leadership Symposium.