 |
|
||
|
|
 |
|
Tribute to "Hero of the Planet" and SIF Co-Founder Joan Bavaria
WASHINGTON, D.C.
November 19, 2008
Joan Bavaria -- trailblazer of socially responsible investing, champion of the environment, and forceful financial industry leader -- died late yesterday after a battle with cancer. Founding president and chief executive officer of Trillium Asset Management in Boston, Mass., Joan dedicated more than four decades of her life to increasing the ability of investment professionals to serve clients with social and environmental goals through her activism and by her example. "Joan was proof that being a giant has nothing to do with size," said George Gay, chief executive officer of First Affirmative Financial Network and vice-chair of the Social Investment Forum Board. "Joan had an unerring instinct for what was right and fair, and an unwavering determination to bring those things to as many people as possible. As a co-creator of the SRI industry, as a mentor, a role model and a friend, Joan touched all of our lives. As with others who have departed far too soon, we will miss her guiding hand and quick wit as we deal with these troubling times; but we must be confident that some other charismatic young person will pick up her mantle and continue her legacy. We shall all miss Joan, but we will also be sustained by all she left behind," George Gay said. A co-founder of the Social Investment Forum in 1981, Joan served as its president for four years and as member of its board for eight years, laying the groundwork for today's tremendous growth and interest in the SRI industry. "Joan was one of the first people to warmly welcome me to the world of SIF and socially responsible investing," said Social Investment Forum Chief Executive Officer Lisa Woll. "She was always asking me how she could help, be of support, and advance our agenda. Though our paths did not cross for long, I will remember Joan as a generous spirit." Joan went on to found Ceres in 1989 to address global climate change, which led to the development of the Ceres principles, 10 guidelines for environmental management. She also served as a role model, helping open doors for women in the field, who today make up some 30 percent of financial advisors. Joan received considerable recognition for her work, including being honored by Time magazine as "Hero of the Planet" in 1999. She was lauded by New England Women Business Owners (NEWBO) with its “Woman of the Year” award in 1994 and by Investment Advisor magazine in 2004 as one of the 25 most influential people in the planning profession. When Joan received the 2008 Charles R. Schwab IMPACT Award, she said, “It is an honor to win this award. I proudly accept it while also acknowledging the many wonderful collaborators who inspired me and shared my belief that investors could balance their social values and financial objectives.”
CONTACT: |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||
