July 16, 2008
Goldman Sachs exposes Linkers to Wall Street through a financial literacy program

Linkers gained valuable knowledge about the field of finance during a day-long Economic Empowerment Conference, a program of workshops and exercises, conducted by 14 employees of Goldman Sachs on Wednesday, July 16. The program presenters, who are part of the Goldman Sachs Community Team Works Volunteers, spent the entire day with Link sharing their expertise and experience.

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The conference opened with remarks by Mr. David Seeberan, managing director at Goldman Sachs who was instrumental in developing the partnership with Link. Mr. Seeberan, while referencing financial literacy, encouraged students to "surround yourselves with people who will help you get to where you want" and to "absorb all (knowledge) you can."

During the day, students attended four workshops each focusing on a different aspect of finance. Ms. Nadine Thompson led a session called Wall Street 101, covering the basics of financial institutions -- the services they provide and the careers that can be found in the industry. In another workshop, Mr. Seeberan along with Mr. Ramsey Smith and Mr. Troy Thornton explained the nature and scope of investing while in another, Mr. Rory Wilfork, Ms. Lisa Opoku and Mr. Leon Henderson addressed why and how people invest. Ms. Chandra Gibson, Mr. Joel Ruffin and Ms. Lisa Hancock discussed business ethics and civic responsibilities of corporations, comparing Goldman Sachs' corporate Principles, Code of Business Conduct and corporate engagement policy to the mission and Core Values at Link as a way to encourage students about the application of good values and ethics in all aspects of life. The program also included a panel discussion on business and social etiquette led by Ms. Pam Taylor, Ms. Desiree Holder-Walker and Mr. Gensky Regnus.

Mr. Gregg Gonsalves, managing director at Goldman Sachs, concluded the day's program with a keynote speech over lunch. He addressed keys to success, including the importance of an excellent education -- that students should strive to obtain "the education that will help you get what you want" rather than something less that will make "you settle for less." Students used lunch as an opportunity to put into practice some of the social etiquette tips they received earlier in the day and informally talked with Goldman Sachs volunteers.

Find out more about Goldman Sachs' community efforts.