Thank you for joining us on campus for our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium on Friday, November 15. During this half-day event, you'll have the opportunity to discuss, learn, and share experiences related to equity, diversity and inclusion and other trending topics within this space including neurodiversity, mental health, and intersectionality and hair bias. You'll also be able to connect with attendees from across our community, including current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 1:00PM - 5:45PM CST
Location: Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management
401 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Closing Reception
Friday, November 15, 2024 | 6:00PM - 7:00PM CST
Location: Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management
401 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Event Schedule & Details
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Symposium
| FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | |
|---|---|
| 1:00PM - 1:30PM CST Lobby | Check-In Check in and get your day started with snacks and coffee. Current students and staff will be in attendance to welcome you to campus. |
| 1:30PM - 1:45PM CST The Great Room | Welcome Remarks We will start with a welcome and introduction of Keynote. Sylvia Boyd, Program Manager, MBA Recruiting & Admissions Jalen Brown, Assistant Director/Lead Diversity Recruiter, Recruiting & Admissions |
| 1:45PM - 2:30PM CST The Great Room | Igniting Creativity: Innovating Together In Teams Join Owen Alumna and Microsoft leader Brittany “Britt” Hunter, MBA '20 for words of welcome and insight. |
| 2:30PM - 3:15PM CST See session for location | Exploring EDI and Neurodiversity Choose one of the following: EDI 101 (Classroom 214) Join MaKaila Knight, Owen’s Assistant Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, for a crash course in EDI. This session will provide some foundational skills and tools to engage in discourse about honoring identities, navigating conflict, and creating welcoming environments. In this space, you can be vulnerable, ask all kinds of questions, and get meaningful answers. Neurodiversity Talk (Classroom 209) Hear Tim Vogus, Brownlee O. Currey, Jr., Professor of Management and Deputy Director, Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, speak on recognizing neurodiversity and making organizations more neuro-inclusive whether you’re a neurodivergent or neurotypical leader/manager, mentor, coach, or recruiter. Neurodiversity is often overlooked as an “invisible” form of diversity. Discover how to better cultivate, lead, manage, and support a neurodiverse workforce. |
| 3:15PM - 3:30PM CST Lobby | NETWORKING BREAK An opportunity to casually network with the current students, student leaders, and fellow attendees, and tap into our Owen culture. |
| 3:30PM - 4:15PM CST See session for location | Student and Alumni Sessions & Panels Choose one of the following: Breaking the Silence: Creating a Culture of Wellbeing in the Workplace (Classroom 214) Join James Edward Murray (MBA'17), mental health advocate and Founder & CEO of Therify, as he shares insights on transforming workplace culture to prioritize mental health and wellbeing. Drawing on Therify’s work with global clients like Indeed, DoorDash, and Angi, James will discuss the future of workplace wellbeing and outline steps for creating supportive, inclusive environments that break down stigma and allow people from all backgrounds to thrive, find meaning and purpose, and do their best work. LGBTQIA+ Perspectives (Classroom 209) This panel brings together diverse LGBTQIA+ voices to share their stories, experiences, and insights to foster understanding and promote dialogue and connection. Veterans Panel (The Great Room) Join us for a powerful and inspiring panel discussion featuring veterans from diverse backgrounds who will share their unique experiences and insights on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the military and beyond. This engaging session aims to illuminate the intersection of military service and social equity, highlighting how the values of honor, respect, and camaraderie can enhance DEI initiatives in various sectors. |
| 4:15PM - 4:25PM CST | BREAK |
| 4:25PM - 5:10PM CST See session for location | Exploring EDI and Intersectionality Choose one of the following: EDI 101 (Classroom 214) Join MaKaila Knight, Owen’s Assistant Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, for a crash course in EDI. This session will provide some foundational skills and tools to engage in discourse about honoring identities, navigating conflict, and creating welcoming environments. In this space, you can be vulnerable, ask all kinds of questions, and get meaningful answers. Intersectionality and Hair Bias/Crown Act (Classroom 209) Hear Maria Triana, Professor of Management and Cal Turner Chair for Moral Leadership, speak on intersectionality, hair bias, and its effects on Black women in organizations. Women of color face potential bias on the basis of both their sex and race. Hair bias is pervasive enough that almost half of the 50 US states have passed the CROWN Act prohibiting hair bias. |
| 5:10PM - 5:20PM | BREAK |
| 5:20PM - 5:45PM The Great Room | EDI at Owen and Beyond: Alumni Perspectives This session will highlight the stories and experiences of several Owen alumni, sharing stories from their time at Owen and how they have navigated EDI in their post-MBA careers. James Murray, MBA '17 Britt Hunter, MBA '20 Emma Dodi, MBA '23 |
| 6:00PM - 7:00PM Lobby | Closing Reception Join current students, faculty, staff, and other EDI attendees in the Owen Lobby for drinks and bites. Partners are welcome! |