Graduate Certificate in Social Justice Investing
Published on June 23, 2025
About this Podcast
HOST: Welcome to our podcast, today I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jane Smith, the lead instructor of the Graduate Certificate in Social Justice Investing. Dr. Smith, can you tell us about your personal experiences that led you to teach this course? GUEST: Absolutely, I've always been passionate about social justice and finance. In my previous role at a large investment bank, I saw firsthand how traditional investment strategies can perpetuate inequality and harm the environment. This motivated me to help create a program that promotes ethical decision-making in finance. HOST: That's inspiring. How does this program align financial goals with social impact? GUEST: We emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of investments beyond just financial returns. Students learn to evaluate companies based on their environmental, social, and governance practices, and how to construct portfolios that reflect their values without compromising financial performance. HOST: Very interesting. Can you share some current industry trends relevant to social justice investing? GUEST: Certainly, there's growing interest in impact investing, which aims to generate positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns. Additionally, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration is becoming mainstream, with more financial institutions incorporating ESG factors into their investment decisions. HOST: What challenges do students or financial professionals face while learning or implementing social justice investing strategies? GUEST: One challenge is the lack of standardization in measuring social impact. It can be difficult to quantify the benefits of socially responsible investments, making it harder for investors to compare options. Another challenge is navigating the trade-offs between financial returns and social impact. HOST: That sounds complex. Lastly, where do you see the future of social justice investing heading? GUEST: I believe social justice investing will continue to grow as more investors recognize the importance of aligning their values with their investments. In the future, I expect to see increased transparency, better data, and more innovative financial products that address social and environmental challenges. HOST: Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. If you're interested in driving positive change through investment strategies, check out the Graduate Certificate in Social Justice Investing. Until next time, keep making a difference!
