Investing in Justice: The Adasina Social Capital Approach

Adasina Social Capital is a financial services firm that connects investors with social justice movements by integrating racial, gender, economic, and climate justice into public market investment strategies.

In this interview, I speak with Roberto Thornton, Adasina’s Managing Director of Investments and Impact, about how the firm is reshaping the role of capital in creating systemic change. Rob shares how Adasina builds public equity portfolios that reflect the priorities of social justice movements and mobilizes investors to push for large-scale impact beyond financial returns.

🔑 Key Insights:

• Why Adasina Exists: Traditional and even ESG investing often stop at surface-level impact. Adasina goes deeper—addressing the root causes of injustice and partnering directly with movement leaders to guide investment strategy.

• Social Justice-Aligned Returns: Rob explains the firm’s philosophy that financial returns and social impact are not mutually exclusive—and why redefining "return" is key to long-term sustainability.

• Who’s at the Table Matters: Adasina’s team reflects the communities it serves: 88% are women and gender-expansive, 53% are BIPOC, and 47% are LGBTQ+. 

• Investor Mobilization for Policy Change
  Through campaigns in partnership with social justice organizations, Adasina has influenced corporate practices and even federal policy—like helping to end forced arbitration for sexual harassment.

• Call to Investors: “Your economic power can advance justice—don’t let it sit on the sidelines.”

Quote to Remember:

🎧 Listen to the Full Interview
Don't miss this insightful conversation about how money, when aligned with justice, can be a tool for real, systemic change.