Diversity Chair
The Diversity Advisor Team (DAT) is an advisory group of volunteers who provide guidance, advice and support to diversity initiatives that will in turn create the cultural shifts as outlined in
NAIFA’s 2025 Strategic Plan. They work to ensure that NAIFA has diversity in advocacy, membership and programming by promoting an environment of multiculturalism, equity and inclusion and providing the tools and resources to work with various people groups.
Within NAIFA, there are three levels of Diversity:
- National Diversity Advisor Team
- State Diversity Chair
- Local Diversity Chair
National Diversity Advisor Team
The National Diversity Advisor Team is the overall governing body of diversity efforts within NAIFA. The National Diversity Advisor Team is headed up by National Diversity Advisor Team Co-Chairs and any NAIFA member can apply to be considered for National Diversity Advisor Team membership. The National Diversity Advisor Team Co-Chairs attend various planning meetings within NAIFA—e.g. strategic planning meetings. The National Diversity Advisor Team is also often asked to weigh in on specific issues and topics.
The National Diversity Advisor Team is responsible for:
- Overall volunteer management of the diversity program.
- Increasing participation of diverse populations in state, interstate and federal advocacy – ensuring that NAIFA is a resource to legislators and regulators.
- Selection of the National Diversity Champion Award.
- Ensuring that the voice of diverse populations are included in all aspects of NAIFA programs and products.
- Providing content and events targeted to diversify the industry and to work within niche markets.
- Ensure the National budget includes funds earmarked for diversity events.
- Organize and coordinate Diversity Impact Week events.
- Understanding all programs at NAIFA and promoting participation.
State Diversity Chair
The role of the State Diversity Chair is the same as National Diversity Advisor Team Co-Chairs, but narrower in scope. The key differentiator for the State Diversity Chair is that this person is responsible for ensuring that diverse populations are participating in the state’s Legislative Day and has representation reflective of the state’s population. Diversity Chairs are always focused on member acquisition and retention of more diversity within our membership.
The State Diversity Chair’s responsibilities include:
- Serve as the voice of diverse advisors at the state level.
- Coordinate Local Chapter Diversity Chairs to implement the overall Diversity program as outlined in the strategic plan through holding quarterly calls.
- Work closely with the State YAT Chair on membership efforts.
- Promote diversity participation/representation at the state’s Legislative Day.
- Promote diversity participation/representation at NAIFA’s Congressional Conference.
- Work with your Membership Chair to actively recruit diverse populations of advisors to NAIFA.
- Promote and nominate outstanding members for the National Diversity Champion Award.
- Oversee the selection and award of the State Diversity Champion Award.
- Educate fellow diversity members about volunteer/involvement at the state and national level.
Local Diversity Chair
The Local Diversity Chair serves in many of the same capacities as the National and State Chairs, but at the local level. The Local Diversity Chair reports into the State Chair and the State Chair into the National Diversity Advisor Team. The Local Diversity Chair is encouraged to grow into the State Diversity Chair and National Diversity Advisor Team positions. The main difference with the Local Diversity Chair is that this position is primarily focused on networking and bringing diversity into NAIFA. The Local Diversity Chair should advocate for some budget or fundraise to create a budget to allow for local activities focused on diversity to occur.
Local Diversity Chairs should understand the structure of NAIFA, the programs NAIFA offers and promote participation within all. Local Diversity Chairs should serve as a critical voice in the creation of programs and networking events for diversity at the local level.
