The Tippie College of Business is committed to educating its students to meet cultural competency that today’s corporations expect of their employees. During Black History Month, the college is reflecting on how far it’s come, yet how far we have to go to achieve equity and inclusion in the field of business.
“It takes a daily commitment of time and energy to learn from and understand those who have different backgrounds, experiences, and cultures from us,” said Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship, Michele Williams, who in September 2020 was named the college’s first DEI Faculty Fellow. “And to work with a diverse group of people, you have to first take the time and effort to understand and respect each person on the team and what they bring to the table.”
In honor of the unique contribution of Black people in the field of business, the Tippie social media team is sharing stories of current Tippie student centered around the question: “What does it mean to be Black in business?” The social media campaign launches on the college’s Instagram account today and runs through the rest of the month.
On February 4, the college is also hosting a virtual alumni panel webinar, “The Business of Inclusion—Insights into Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives.” Michele Williams will moderate the event.
On February 19, Managing Director Jason Howard and Chief Operating Officer and Chair of the D&I Governing Committee Francis Idehen from the asset management firm GCM Grosvenor will present on investing in private equity with women and minority-owned firms to Tippie faculty and staff. GCM Grosvenor, having funded and supported small, emerging and diverse managers since 1999, has nearly $7.5BN committed with diverse managers. The firm has staff from many backgrounds and identities; currently 60 percent of employees are women and/or under-represented minorities. Journalists with interest in attending the virtual meeting may reach out to the media contact below.
Media contact: Rebekah Tilley, rebekah-tilley@uiowa.edu, 319-335-1554