(2) SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE INVESTING
The financial industry isn’t known for being especially caring, but after years of working with investors, Amy Domini and Joan Bavaria found that they cared about a lot more than just money. Socially responsible investing (SRI) is based on the idea that the way you invest your money matters, and that investments should be in line with the values of the individual or corporation that makes them.
Domini, who founded Domini Social Investments in 1991, began questioning investment practices while as a stockbroker in the 1970s. “When I was asked to recommend a company that was on the verge of getting a big military contract, I realized I didn’t want to ask the caring people who were my clients to invest in killing machines,” she says.
Joan Bavaria had a similar experience, leading her to create Trillium Asset Management Corporation, the first socially conscious management firm solely dedicated to socially responsible investing. Since founding the firm in 1982, she’ s seen SRI change not only the way people invest, but also the way companies run their businesses.