What is NorthStar Asset Management?
NorthStar Asset Management is not your typical investment firm. It’s a woman-owned, justice-driven asset management company that believes investing is never neutral. For over 30 years, NorthStar has been shifting capital towards justice, blending financial growth with bold activism. Led by women from historically marginalized communities, this team doesn’t just manage portfolios — they challenge corporate power, uplift communities, and push markets toward a more equitable future. Their approach is grounded in six core pillars: racial equity, gender equity, economic equality, environmental justice, human rights, and corporate governance. Simply put, NorthStar aligns your capital fully with your values, giving your investments a powerful platform for change.
Main Benefits of Partnering with NorthStar
Choosing NorthStar means tapping into decades of experience and a unique investment philosophy. Here are some key facts and figures that highlight what sets them apart:
- Over 30 years of integrating activism and equity into portfolio management
- Founded in 1990 with a mission to serve people, not just profits
- Leadership team is all-women, majority BIPOC, and LGBTQ+
- Hundreds of shareholder proposals filed to drive corporate accountability
- Expertise spans individuals, families, foundations, nonprofits, and institutional investors
- Six Pillars framework ensures investments reflect both financial goals and social values
- Proven track record in shareholder activism, community investing, and charitable giving
Activating Change Through Investment
NorthStar’s approach to investment management is anything but passive. They actively engage in shareholder activism — filing proposals, engaging company executives, and mobilizing investors to demand stronger corporate accountability. This isn’t just about numbers on a screen; it’s about real-world impact. Their activism is rooted in a belief that capital can be a tool for systemic change, not just wealth accumulation. Whether working with individuals or institutions, NorthStar helps clients put their money where their values are, creating portfolios that reflect a commitment to justice and equity.
Who Are the Change Makers Behind NorthStar?
At the heart of NorthStar is a diverse and authentic leadership team. Founded by Julie Goodridge, a trailblazer in socially responsible investing and a lead plaintiff in the landmark marriage equality case in the U.S., NorthStar has always challenged entrenched systems of power. Today, the firm’s leadership is proudly women-led, with a majority of BIPOC and LGBTQ+ voices. This diversity isn’t just a statistic — it’s a foundation for the firm’s justice-centered approach to investing. Through inclusive hiring, employee ownership, and bold activism, NorthStar is reshaping wealth into a more equitable and regenerative economy.
Aligning Portfolios with Personal Values
One of the biggest questions clients ask is how NorthStar aligns portfolios with their values. The answer? It starts with listening. NorthStar uses its Six Pillars — racial equity, gender equity, human rights, environmental justice, economic equality, and corporate governance — as a guiding framework. This ensures that every investment decision reflects not only financial goals but also the client’s deepest commitments. And here’s the kicker: you don’t have to leave your current firm to work with NorthStar. Many clients integrate NorthStar’s strategies alongside existing advisors, making it easier than ever to bring justice-centered investing into their financial lives.
Project Impact and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 5: Gender Equality — Promoting women-led leadership and gender equity in investing
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities — Addressing racial and economic disparities through investment choices
- SDG 13: Climate Action — Prioritizing environmental justice in portfolio management
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions — Driving corporate governance and accountability
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals — Collaborating with individuals, institutions, and communities for systemic change
NorthStar’s Roots and Vision for the Future
NorthStar’s story began in 1990 with a simple but powerful conviction: investing must serve people, not just profits. Starting with public equity and fixed income management, the firm quickly expanded its vision to include shareholder activism, community investing, and charitable giving. This evolution redefined what active portfolio management could be — a force for accountability, community uplift, and systemic change. Today, NorthStar continues to rise, proving that capital aligned with values can transform markets and create a more just and equitable future for all.
