1972–1981
Founded by a Ford Foundation grant to create equity in access to retirement savings
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Founded in 1972, through a grant from the Ford Foundation, we made retirement plans portable for the public sector and revolutionized our industry. Today we continue to lead and evolve.
At MissionSquare, we are as diverse as the people and communities we serve
Women and people of color representation:
And we know that diversity is mulit-faceted
It's not limited to gender, age, race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ability, or religion.
It includes:
- Behavior, neuro, and physical diversity.
- Family and marital status.
- Gender identity and expression.
- Mental health.
- Sexual orientation.
- Political and union affiliations.
- Language and linguistics.
- Socioeconomic and leadership statuses.
- Veteran status.

Makeba D’Abreu, DEI Program Manager
Makeba was born into civil rights activism. Service and outreach became integral to her career path, which took her from the White House to the Middle East and South Africa, working with faith leaders around HIV/AIDS and teaching people how to mobilize for lasting change around matters of cultural and societal importance. Drawing on her vast global experience, Makeba leads the Living DEI strategy at MissionSquare.
“Living DEI is a journey for us — and it’s one we’re committed to. We’re all in different spaces, depending on where we are on that journey.”
Our way forward
MissionSquare's unique Living DEI strategy is built on five key elements
Build self-sufficiency for Living DEI, such as applying diversity and belonging in our daily setting.
Recruitment and Retention
Attract, retain, and engage teammates with an eye on diversity and inclusion.
Infrastructure
Develop sustainable, mutually beneficial business relationships with diverse suppliers.
Culture
Create an environment of psychological safety and belonging that stimulates big thinking and innovation.
Corporate Social Resonsibility
Advocate for social issues our clients and teammates care about and support the growth and vitality of our communities.
Our DEI journey
Featured stories
Michael McAtamney Joins MissionSquare Retirement to Lead the Company’s Consultant Relations Team
MissionSquare Retirement today announced that Michael McAtamney has joined the company as Vice President,...New MissionSquare Research Institute Research Provides In-Depth Insight on the Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges and Opportunities Facing Local Governments
A new report from MissionSquare Research Institute presents the results of focus groups with local government...40 Surviving Family Members of Fallen Heroes Receive Higher Education Scholarships
In its 21st Year, MissionSquare Retirement Memorial Scholarship Fund Again Increases Scholarships to...Katherine Schulze Joins MissionSquare Retirement to Lead the Company’s Legal and Corporate Affairs Team
Katherine Schulze Joins MissionSquare Retirement to Lead the Company’s Legal and Corporate Affairs ...New MissionSquare Research Institute Study Finds Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion a High Priority for Most Local Governments
A new research report from MissionSquare Research Institute finds workforce diversity, equity, and inclusion...MissionSquare Retirement Celebrates 50th Anniversary and Launches MissionSquare Foundation with $20 Million Grant for Communities
MissionSquare Retirement is announcing the creation of the MissionSquare Foundation.