Empowering Diverse Futures with Broad Graduate Programs Roundtable

On November 1, 2024, the Black MBA Association, Black & Broad, and the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Michigan State University (MSU) co-hosted the second annual Multicultural Business Futures Roundtable, an event designed to create opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to connect with industry leaders, university administrators, and their peers.

The business roundtable event featured a panel discussion of undergraduate and current MBA students and was opened by Ayalla Ruvio, associate dean for MBA and MS programs. The panels were both moderated by current Broad full-time MBA student, Lia Moore. Moore welcomed Broad undergraduate and graduate classmates Jai Kozar-Lewis, Mariana Flores, Andrew Li, Kennedi Bryant, Anna Lin, AJ Slaughter, Julian R. Sanders and Leo Dominguez for a thoughtful and impactful conversation about what student success looks like within Broad.

“Last year, I had the privilege of attending the event for the first time as an undergraduate panelist and returned the following semester as a moderator. On both occasions, the discussions were filled with insightful perspectives on leadership and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, particularly from the viewpoint of students.

The opportunity to come together and share not only knowledge but also personal experiences is a profoundly enriching experience—one that should not be taken for granted. The Roundtable provides a unique platform for students to showcase their intellectual capacity and leadership potential, and it is both inspiring and encouraging to witness the progressive actions being taken by Michigan State’s student body” – Moore.

Participants also listened to a presentation from Shelby Gai, professor of management, focused on navigating career strategies and effective approaches to networking and professional advancement.

Attendees could network with Broad College administration, including Kara Tripi, the director of admissions and enrollment for the Broad full-time MBA, ask questions of the panelists, and connect with other undergraduate and MBA students. Tripi said, “Events like these are crucial for fostering community and belonging, core values of Broad College’s DEI commitment. We look forward to continuing this series in the spring.”

The event provided an opportunity for students who identify as diverse and are passionate about advancing their careers in business. Whether students were looking for guidance on entering MBA or graduate programs, seeking mentorship from successful professionals, or hoping to connect with others from varied academic disciplines and backgrounds, the event catered to all those eager to build a strong and supportive professional network.

Events like these are a testament to Broad’s ongoing efforts to support MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan, specifically around increasing the participation of undergraduate students representing diverse identities and backgrounds in community-engaged learning experiences.

If you are interested in learning more or getting involved, please visit the Multicultural Business Program, the Black MBA Association, and Black & Broad.