David Cruz

David Cruz
Senior Vice President

New York Life
Headquarters: New York, New York
Industry: Financial Services
CEO: Craig DeSanto
Website: www.newyorklife.com

Credentials: M.B.A., William Patterson University; B.S., Villanova University

Philosophy: “Every individual matters. Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes a difference.” — a quote from primatologist and ethnologist Jane Goodall.

This firm is always looking for opportunities to help diverse organizations. It was the first funding agreement-backed issuer to utilize a racially diverse bank, Loop Capital, as a full book runner, the primary underwriter, on a transaction. This helped broaden our investor base and further the mission and reputation of the bank. We continue to expand our work with diverse firms, including Academy Securities (veteran owned) and Seelaus (women owned).

It also participated in an Urban Development Advance Initiative with the Federal Home Loan Bank, which provides financing for economic development projects in lower-income, urban communities. Our Structured Settlements business joined the Disability Advisory Roundtable of the American Association of People with Disabilities as a co-founding member to further the conversation on disability rights and help influence positive outcomes. These efforts help to increase empathy, foster a team attitude and improve business decision-making and society.

Next year, New York Life wants to continue to support employees, agents, and the community through a comprehensive DEI program.

The program increases the number of offerings and the reach of the DEI Center for Awareness & Advocacy which helps employees thrive in their career, supports managers in developing diverse talent and connects employees across the company.

It will expand agents’ cultural competency through programs such as the Cultural Ambassadors, which provide DEI guidance to employees and support New York Life’s huge impact investing initiative. The company has committed $1 billion to support small business, affordable housing, and community development.

The challenges for 2023 include maintaining momentum in DEI while competing against other priorities. Yet the firm is committed to keeping DEI top of mind in all that it does.