MWBE Investments and Professional Services Conference

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2025 MWBE Conference

People applaud while seated at tables at the 2025 MWBE Conference.NYSTRS hosted its 15th annual Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Investments & Professional Services Conference on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 at the Marriott Albany. Over 200 guests attended the day-long conference, which was held this year as a part of the inaugural Emerging Managers Week.

This year’s theme, “A Seat at the Table,” celebrated the critical role of diversity, equity and inclusion and reflects the System's commitment to access and opportunity.

The conference included sessions designed to acquaint potential asset managers and brokers, and professional and financial service providers, with the Retirement System. Featured speakers Cathy Marcus (left) and Maggie Arvedlund (right) sat down for one-on-one fireside chats with NYSTRS Executive Director & CIO Thomas K. Lee to discuss their careers and the unique challenges investment professionals face.

Cathy Marcus sits on stage at the MWBE Conference and speaks into a microphone. Maggie Arvedlund Marcus sits on stage at the MWBE Conference and speaks into a microphone.

Attendees participated in asset class breakout sessions – private equity, fixed income, real estate and public equities (asset managers and brokers). These sessions allowed attendees to hear from NYSTRS’ managing directors and staff about NYSTRS’ portfolio and investment needs. Participants gained insight into the System’s initiatives and the qualifications NYSTRS expects of its business partners. The conference also featured networking opportunities for attendees and System staff.

Questions? Contact us at [email protected].


MWBE Conference Sessions


  • NYSTRS hosted its 14th annual Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) Investments and Professional Services Conference Feb. 15, with a slight twist: For the first time in its history, the event was held at the University at Albany.

    More than 200 attendees gathered for the daylong conference on the state university campus here in New York’s capital city where Chad Tredway, Head of Real Estate Americas with J.P. Morgan Asset Management, served as keynote speaker. Mr. Tredway sat down with NYSTRS’ Executive Director & CIO Thomas K. Lee for a fireside chat to discuss his career journey and the challenges faced by those looking to thrive in the field of investments.

    The conference featured sessions and booths designed to acquaint potential asset managers and brokers, and professional and financial service providers, with the Retirement System. In addition to asset class workshops hosted by NYSTRS staff – including fixed income, private equity, public equities (asset managers and brokers) and real estate – attendees also joined sessions focused on culture building and diversity, equity and inclusion; member relations – “our why”; and gender equity in asset management.

    The conference also featured many networking opportunities for attendees to introduce themselves to System staff and network with their peers.

    • Read the MWBE Asset Management and Financial Institution Strategy Report for Fiscal Year 2023-24. Prior years' reports, pursuant to Chapter 171 of the Laws of 2010, are found in our Library.
    • Refer to NYSTRS' minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE) asset management and financial institution guidelines.

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