9-11 (2018) at the UN

I remember September 11, 2001 like it was yesterday. My passion for people, the stock market and Broadway shows had taken me to New York from the west coast many, many times. My phone rang at around 6:30 that morning and my business partner said, I think you’d better turn on your television. As I watched one of the icons of capitalism burn, it all seemed surreal-like an animated life. I arrived at work just in time to join my work companions to watch in deathly silence as both the world trade towers crumbled to the ground.

This year, I began 9/11 at the United Nations, attending a partnership conference on Environmental, Social and Governance investing and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. How profound to begin the conference with the reading of a Hopi elders prayer on the sacredness of inner silence. I learned a lot this week at this conference, and gained a fuller understanding of how ESG investment management can join forces with governments, non-profits, and individuals to be the connection between where we are today, and the world we hope to leave to our children. I first heard Delaine Eastin, educator and former candidate for governor of California give one of my favorite quotes about what true legacy means, “Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see.” I join with so many others today who are committed to leaving a message of hope and unity.