Diversity & Inclusion
Black History Month 2023: Meet Rasheed Tucker
February 28, 2023
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3 Minutes
At TD Securities, we are committed to creating positive changes, championing an inclusive workplace and amplifying the voices of the next generation of TD talent. In celebration of Black History Month, we're spotlighting four rising Black colleagues, sharing how they kickstarted their careers with TD Securities and highlighting their experiences and the significance of this month to them.
This week, we're celebrating Rasheed Tucker, an investment banking analyst on our Corporate Investment Banking team.
Tell us about your educational background. Where did you study?
I have a degree in Commerce from Queens University. While in university, during our summer terms I interned at Oxford, OMERS and RBC Capital Markets. I was also an All-Canadian football player during my time at Queen's, and it was actually through a Queen's football players' alumni event that I networked and learned more about opportunities within the finance industry and TDS. After being drafted by the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL this past spring, where I played through the 2022 training camp and pre-season, I decided I no longer and wanted to pursue pro football and knew that an exciting, rewarding, and competitive environment like Investment Banking would be the next best place to put my energy.
What attracted you to TD Securities and how has the experience been so far?
While I was in university, I met a leader within TDS, who opened my eyes to the opportunities and the strong culture that existed here, and I've had my sights set on investment banking and this bank, specifically, ever since. So far, it's been great. My team has been extremely welcoming, supportive, and encouraging. In the 6 months since I've joined the firm, I've done a deep dive to get up to speed. Now that I am becoming more comfortable in my role, I'm keen to get involved with all that TDS has to offer, including participating with the Black Experience Committee.
TD is very progressive in their commitment to Diversity and Inclusion and that was a deciding factor to pursue a career here. With initiatives like the Bridging the Gap scholarship program and the Black Experience Committee's mentorship program, their emphasis on promoting diverse individuals to leadership and senior leadership roles is inspirational. Not only is it key to the firm's success, but also leaves a positive impact on our society and on young people who aspire to pursue senior positions. I think TD is one of the few organizations that walks the walk, and I am extremely proud to be employed here.
TD is very progressive in their commitment to Diversity and Inclusion and that was a deciding factor to pursue a career here. With initiatives like the Bridging the Gap scholarship program and the Black Experience Committee's mentorship program, their emphasis on promoting diverse individuals to leadership and senior leadership roles is inspirational. Not only is it key to the firm's success, but also leaves a positive impact on our society and on young people who aspire to pursue senior positions. I think TD is one of the few organizations that walks the walk, and I am extremely proud to be employed here.
As a young Black leader, what aspirations do you have for yourself?
I envision myself as a role model and an example to young Black folks like myself, that all things are possible. My goal is to move into a senior executive role within the field. Through the responsibility and privileges that pertain to such a role, I aspire to be a leader who can pour into and positively impact my community. I hope to give everyone a fair opportunity to achieve their goals and dreams, the same way that so many people poured into and provided me with opportunity.
Which Black leader inspires you the most?
The Black leader that has inspired me the most in my life so far is Barrack Obama. I was eight years old when he was elected President of the United States and I got to watch him lead for eight of my most formative years. His success gave me a whole new realm of possibility, as his success is opposite to what is often depicted in the news and media. His example was transformational for me and gave me the courage to dream the biggest and craziest of dreams, and truly believe them.
A simple quote of his that has always motivated me says "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress". That speaks to me. I think it says if you stay the course, be persistent, consistent and truly commit yourself to your goals, you can succeed. This is what I aim to do in all walks of my life.
A simple quote of his that has always motivated me says "If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress". That speaks to me. I think it says if you stay the course, be persistent, consistent and truly commit yourself to your goals, you can succeed. This is what I aim to do in all walks of my life.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
Black History Month is an opportunity to put extra emphasis into reflecting on the progress that we have made as a community and working to brainstorm paths forward to even greater success, opportunity and circumstances for us all.
