Celebrating Pride Month
Let’s celebrate Pride Month and the incredible impacts LGBTQIA2S+ leaders have had on access to financial empowerment and freedom.
The visible history of investing is largely male, white and heteronormative. We’re honoring #PrideMonth by celebrating the often forgotten folks, featuring a weekly story of a queer community member who (quietly or loudly) broke investing or banking barriers and helped create a path for those who came after them.
Shamina Singh
Let’s start by honoring Shamina Singh, currently the founder and president of the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth. During World Pride 2019, of which Mastercard was the main sponsor of, Shamina was among the top executive representatives.
Shamina is also an Advisor to the LGBTQ BRG at MasterCard, where she offers counsel and mentorship to junior colleagues. She consistently advocates for fair and equitable career growth advancements on behalf of LGBTQ+ staff, including by offering them visibility opportunities within the company, related and unrelated to LGBTQ+ activities.
Her devotion to this work expands beyond the corporate office: Shamina has supported MasterCard’s efforts in federal court cases which sought to ensure full rights and protections for the LGBTQ+ community. Further, she is a Board Member of the Anti-Defamation League, which helps to secure LGBTQ+ rights and protect against discrimination and hate crimes worldwide.
Mx Pips Bunce
Next up, we have the Director of Investment Banking Technology Strategic Programs at Credit Suisse, Mx Pips Bunce– or Pips for short. Pips is a non-binary, Trans executive advancing LGBTQ+ representation in the finance industry globally. She leads as the Co-chair of the LGBT+ & Ally Network and mentors the CEO of Credit Suisse EMEA on intersectional inclusion.
Pips has been a regular public speaker, educating on the LGBTQ+ experience and sharing how folks can be allies. She has contributed to platforms including BBC and Financial News to raise awareness, presented in the U.K. Parliament and works with the Government Equalities Office.
Additionally, Pips serves as an ambassador for Diversity Role Models, TransInTheCity, Stonewall and Mermaids. A leader in many ways, her advocacy has even been included in the United Nations, Global LGBT+ Alliance, Pride in the City, and Lord Mayor’s Appeal.