In 2009, the ING Foundation, the charitable giving arm of ING, partnered with Girls Inc. to launch the ING-Girls Inc. Investment Challenge. The investment challenge is a financial literacy-empowerment program that gives girls real experience managing money, allowing them to keep their gains in the form of college scholarships. Employee volunteers assist Girls Inc. professionals in delivering the curriculum, guiding the girls in making investment decisions and serving as mentors and role models. “ING is a trailblazing corporation that demonstrates true commitment to providing growth and advancement opportunities for women and multicultural people throughout the company,” said Joyce Roche, president and CEO of Girls Inc. “This dedication clearly extends to the next generation of women as demonstrated by ING’s support of innovative programs for girls that develop critical economic-literacy skills and allow them to observe women in top management roles.”
Thomas J. McInerney, ING Group executive board member, chairman and chief executive officer, ING Americas, accepted the award on behalf of ING. “We are honored to receive the 2009 Corporate Vision Award,” said McInerney. “We believe that partnering with Girls Inc. through our ING Foundation to teach girls fundamental investing principles and practices, while helping them to invest towards their long-term education, will make it easier for them to achieve a better future. Given today’s market volatility, what better time for the girls to learn about long-term investing, experiencing first-hand the importance of quality investments, diversification and asset allocation.” The ING Foundation’s areas of focus include financial literacy, children’s education and diversity with an emphasis on financial empowerment, particularly among underserved communities such as multicultural youth.
The other 2009 honorees include Linda Spradley Dunn, CEO/publisher, Odyssey Media; Eileen Fisher, founder and chief creative officer, EILEEN FISHER, Inc.; Kim K.W. Rucker, senior vice president and general counsel, Avon Products, Inc.; and Mary Beth West, executive vice president and chief marketing officer, Kraft Foods Inc.