Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At Gies, inclusion permeates all of our commitments and everything we do. We believe in building meaningful connections with empathy and in fostering a community where all feel seen, heard, and valued.

Gies Business is committed to being a model for the university and the field of business education and to making diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) an integral part of its culture. We all are better when everyone’s voices are heard, and when we’re challenged to think differently.

Denise Loyd in virtual learning setup

“With hard work and creativity, I know we can make Gies a leader in equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism. Research shows how much we all have to gain by increasing representation and valuing the different perspectives and contributions each of us brings to the table. I look forward to working with all who identify with and love this College to create an even brighter future.” 

Denise Lewin Loyd, Associate Dean for Equity

Gies Business Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

  • To make Gies a model for a diverse, equitable and inclusive community
  • To be actively anti-racist and to train the next generation of business leaders to do the same
  • To engage the public and our corporate partners in our DEI efforts
  • To weave our DEI values and efforts into the fabric of our culture

Affinity Groups

Affinity groups are aligned to our beliefs of inclusive belonging and common humanity. Our affinity groups foster a supportive environment for participants, elevate their voices, and provide visibility and resources for others within the College.

Black Faculty & Staff at Gies

The purpose of Black Faculty and Staff at Gies is to provide visibility, support, and a sense of connection for our diverse, intersectional Black community at Gies. This group will also serve as a resource for the College in its recruitment efforts. All faculty and staff who identify as Black, Caribbean, African-American or African are invited to join the group. Sign up to learn more and be included in messages from Black Faculty & Staff at Gies.

Facilitators: 
Adam Cockrell, Clinical Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Hayden Noel, Clinical Associate Professor of Business Administration
Rochelle Minor, Office Support Specialist, Department of Accountancy

LGBTQ+ at Gies

LGBTQ+ at Gies provides visibility, empowerment, and a sense of community for our faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+. This group elevates faculty and staff LGBTQ+ voices to be seen and heard. It will be instrumental in creating a climate that is accepting and empowering, and it will also serve as a resource to LGBTQ+ students, the College, and our corporate partners. This group will be open to faculty and staff who identify as LGBTQ+ and to allies across the College. Sign up to learn more and be included in messages from LGBTQ+ at Gies.

Facilitators:
Lorena Nicholas, Director of Administration and Graduate Programs
Kari Keating, Teaching Associate Professor of Business Administration

Women at Gies

Women at Gies fosters an environment to support and elevate our diverse, intersectional community of women. It also serves as a resource to provide visibility and to attract and retain women at Gies. Activities include opportunities for connection, mentorship, allyship, and discussion forums. All faculty and staff who identify as women are invited to join. Sign up to learn more and be included in messages from Women at Gies.

Facilitators: 
Meagan Hennessey, Associate Director of IT Partners
Denise Maple, Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance

Recent DEI workshops

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion regularly sponsors workshops to enhance the commitment of all members of the Gies community to advocate for inclusion and equity, and to provide strategies for being a positive influence on workplace and community. Recordings of recent workshops are provided below. 

  • Blurred Lines: How to Navigate the Fluid Boundaries of Gender
    June 21, 2022 – This workshop provides clarity around different gender identities, as well as simple language that employees can use to build awareness and minimize unconscious bias. Event Recording.
  • Removing Invisible Barriers in Mental Health Through Ethical Entrepreneurship
    February 22, 2022 – Kevin Dedner, CEO and founder of Hurdle, an innovative digital mental health platform company in Washington, DC, that provides culturally intentional teletherapy to eliminate barriers that make it harder for people of color to get mental health care. In 2021 Hurdle raised $5 million in seed funding to accelerate expansion of its mental health platform. Event Recording.
  • Over the Rainbow: Tools to Be an Authentic LGBTQ+ Ally 
    June 29, 2021 – LGBTQ+ key terms and definitions, policies that affect the LGBTQ+ community, and tools to build allies – and be an ally. Event Recording.
  • Andre Perry on “Black Neighborhoods: What They Tell Us about Racial Equity” 
    February 23, 2021 – Our nation faces significant challenges addressing the racial wealth gap, a phenomenon of inequity amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. This gap leaves many Black families at a significant economic disadvantage. Less wealth also means Black Americans are underrepresented in the market for financial products and services. Andre Perry, Fellow in the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings Institution, provides insight into the profound intersections of race and wealth and the cost of continued racial stratification. Event Recording.