Smiths Commitment to Diversity Highlighted at Kaleidoscope Event

On Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007, the Smith School hosted its Sixth Annual Kaleidoscope: Women & Diversity at Smith event. Kaleidoscope provided a unique opportunity to expose prospective members of underrepresented groups to the rich diversity of the Smith MBA community and culture, and experience at large. The event was co-hosted by the school's Black MBA Association, the Hispanic MBA Association, the Smith Association of Women MBAs, and the Smith Pride Alliance.

The day began with a warm welcome from G. John Bullock, MBA candidate '08 and VP of Student Affairs for the MBA Association, and Assistant Dean Christine La Cola. In her remarks, La Cola specifically mentioned how future business leaders can't successfully market a product or service without having a diverse group of perspectives and experiences.

During the general morning session, students were treated to keynote remarks from Dargeelyn Loftin '80, MBA 90, president of Loftin Management Consulting, and Miguel Dieguez, MBA candidate 08. Loftin vividly discussed her post-MBA experiences managing her own unit at GE and her decision to form her own successful strategic management consulting firm. The Smith MBA program is what you make of it, stated Loftin. You cant be complacent you have to take the onus yourself. Dieguez spoke about how Smith provides a safe environment for students to take chances and experiment. He went on to advise students to never fall into the trap of trying to fit into a mold or conform to a particular way of thinking."

Following the keynote speakers, the prospective students had their choice of breakout workshops, which included admissions information sessions for full-time and part-time applicants, a tour of Van Munching Hall, and a GMAT overview session conducted by Camille F. Leverett, director of Diversity Initiatives for GMAC.

After lunch, students were treated to a presentation from LaVern Chapman, director of MBA career programs, on career exploration and resources; an engaging discussion of the Smith academic experience led by Professors Hank Boyd and Judy Frels; and "The Real Deal" panel discussion featuring current MBA students and alumni. At the end of the day, the prospective students departed with a significant wealth of insight into the important role of diversity at Smith and the MBA experience at large.

▓ Pete Baird, MBA Candidate 2009