Smith Hosts Annual Diversity Roundtable

Sensitivity to others is more important than ever in a globally networked economy where every day you may work with people whose culture and backgrounds differ from your own. Jack Jetmund, the vice chair of Booz Allen Hamilton’s GLOBE (a forum for gay, lesbian and bisexual employees), found that out for himself when he wore a pink shirt to a client meeting, only to be greeted with a disparaging remark about his sexual orientation.

This was just one of the many issues discussed during the Annual Diversity Roundtable hosted by the Black MBA Association, the undergraduate Black Business Association, the Smith Pride Alliance, and the Smith Association of Women MBAs last Thursday, February 16th. More than 40 students, faculty and staff came together to have honest discussions about how they value all manner of diversity -- age, culture, education, gender, national origin, physical appearance, religion, sexual orientation, and physical abilities – both in their workplaces and lives.

Among the many attendees was Julie Inlow, a second-year MBA student, who had participated in a program focused on helping young people with disabilities enter the workforce, prior to embarking on her MBA program. Without much knowledge about "hidden disabilities" such as learning disabilities until she became involved with the program, Inlow felt that the diversity roundtable was an excellent platform for her to raise unique issues with respect to disabilities in the workplace, including discrimination, Web accessibility and relevant federal legislation.

“The diversity roundtable was a great opportunity for me to talk about workplace realties with people of all ages - from undergraduates just entering the workplace to people on their second or third careers. I truly hope that the Diversity Roundtable will become a Smith tradition,” said Inlow.

Shruti Chandrasekhar, a second-year MBA student, agreed, saying, “It was wonderful seeing students from different cultures and backgrounds taking the time off to attend such event. Some of the topics that we discussed were defining diversity, diversity at workplace and the necessity for social interests' clubs. Listening to others during the session has certainly helped broaden my perspectives on diversity.”

Catherine Sheehy, another second-year MBA student, also felt glad to have participated in the discussion. “I think we often talk about ‘diversity’ without really talking about what it means to us. I was gratified to learn so much from everyone and impressed with how many people joined in the conversation,” said Sheehy. On her breakout session topic, “Out in the Workplace," Sheehy sensed that many of the leading organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton are way ahead of other sectors of society on addressing lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender workplace issues.

▓ Smith Media Group, Kenneth Ng, MBA Candidate 2006