From an early age, Robert F. Smith learned the importance of using your position, skills and voice to give back to your community and expand access to opportunities.  “When I look at the folks that inspired me growing up, people like Frederick Douglass, they had to stand up and take

Being a diversity-conscious employer is extremely important, both for prospective employees and for a business’s ethos. In a 2017 student report by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), working for diversity-minded employers was the single greatest preference for African American men and women and among the greatest preferences

As Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners and the wealthiest African American man in America, Robert F. Smith is a national leader and critical voice. Outside of managing Vista Equity Partners, Smith focuses on philanthropic efforts to preserve African American history and culture in various settings.  Smith is

Since the Great Recession more than 6,000 bank branches have closed across the country. And right now, 70 percent of African-American communities lack access to a bank branch, according to Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners.  This means that too often people in these communities

In a moment where the racial disparities entrenched in our society are being thrust into the spotlight, national leaders like Cornell University and Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, are stepping up to the plate to make a difference.  Cornell University recently announced grant funding

The pandemic has hit the entire economy hard, but Black-owned businesses have been hit hardest. Black-owned businesses have been twice as likely to close during the pandemic, yet they have also received less aid from the federal government. The ten poorest congressional districts received $13.3 billion less in PPP loans