At UNC Kenan-Flagler, we believe that a diverse classroom leads to a stronger learning experience. We’re dedicated to ensuring that our graduates are equipped with the inclusive leadership skills required to recognize and manage bias in the workplace, lean into challenging conversations, and harness the power of diverse thought, experiences and perspectives.
This isn’t something we can do alone. That’s why we’re proud to invite prospective MBA students to join us for Diversity Week. This interactive, online event includes a week of robust programming to give you insight into our Full-Time MBA program and participate in important conversations about inclusion in business, while also engaging with current students and alumni through interactive panels, workshops and social activities.
Registration for Diversity Week 2021 is now closed. We encourage you to check out our events calendar for other opportunities to connect with our admissions team and UNC Kenan-Flagler community.
"During Diversity Day, I fell in love with the beautiful campus, and Chapel Hill was the community I was looking for. UNC Kenan-Flagler is collaborative, and everyone here genuinely wanted to help me achieve my aims.”
2021 Keynote Speaker: Fabrice Houdart
Fabrice Houdart is the Managing Director of Global Equality Initiatives at Out Leadership, responsible for leveraging the power of more than 80 member companies in pushing for social change through “quiet diplomacy,” legal action and philanthropy.
Fabrice also serves on the 2021/2022 L’Oréal Global Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board as well as the Editorial Board of the Women’s Forum. In 2019, he received the Golden Gate Business Association Award, the IGLTA Pioneer Award and the Alan Turing LGTBIQ Award for his work on LGBTI rights.
2021 Event Agenda
Can’t attend every session? No problem. We invite you to participate in as many sessions as you are interested in or are able to attend.We will provide closed captioning for all sessions. All times are in EDT.
Monday, October 25, 2021
| 7:00 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. | Diversity Week Kickoff Presenters: Danielle Richie, Senior Associate Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions & Student Recruitment Doug Shackelford, Dean of UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School |
| 7:15 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. | Keynote Address: The Private Sector as an Agent of Social Change Moderators: Ryan Fleer (MBA '22), Pride Club TJ Scott (MBA '22), Pride Club Keynote Speaker: Fabrice Houdart, Managing Director of Global Equality Initiatives, Out Leadership |
Tuesday, October 26, 2021
| 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Living and Learning in the U.S. Moderators: Patricia Collins, Associate Director of Global Programs Tim Flood, Clinical Associate Professor of Management and Corporate Communication Panelists: Jyostna Kamat (MBA '23) Paula Manuel (MBA '23) Iza Noor (MBA '23) Kolade Ogunsola (MBA '23) Sanjit Vallabhaneni (MBA '23) Arthur Wungkana (MBA '23) The International Student Support Team is a dedicated group of UNC Kenan-Flagler staff who are here to help international students from application to enrollment and beyond. Tim and Patricia will discuss the resources available to international students, including career guidance, academic planning, immigration, and more. Bring your questions! Tim, Patricia, and a panel of current international students are ready to answer them. |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Mini Session: Navigating Graduate School as a First-Generation College Student Presenters: Joseph Alp (MBA '23) TJ Scott (MBA '22) Pursuing an MBA is an exciting step for your career, but can bring many questions. Hear from first-generation MBA students about their experience, why they chose an MBA at UNC Kenan-Flagler, and what to expect as a Full-Time MBA student. There will be an opportunity for you to have your questions answered – ask us anything! |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Mini Session: Beyond the Carolina Family Presenters: Emily Holloway, Director of Activities, Kenan Connection Emily McMillin, Director of Internal Communications, Kenan Connection When you join the Carolina family as an MBA student, we're also welcoming your partners, spouses, and supporters. Hear from Emily McMillin, Director of Internal Communications, and Emily Holloway, Director of Activities, for Kenan Connection, to learn about this supportive organization for the partners and supporters of Full-Time MBA students. You are encouraged to invite your partner, spouse, or supporters to attend this session with you. |
| 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | Celebrating our Community: Exploring Personal Identity in the Context of Race, Ethnicity, and Culture Moderator: Jill Toner (MBA '22), MBA Student Association Panelists: Alexandra Alfonzo (MBA '22), Latin American Business Association Marc Prieto (MBA ‘22), International Business Association Rose Telus (MBA ‘22), Black Business Student Association Carol Zhang (MBA '22), Asian Business Club The MBA program at UNC Kenan-Flagler reflects a rich, diverse community of students from across the U.S. and the world. During this interactive session, you will hear from student members of UNC Kenan-Flagler diversity clubs. These students will explore their personal identities in the context of race, ethnicity, and culture and how they have cultivated a community within the larger MBA community. |
8:00 p.m. – 8:05 p.m. | Transition from Zoom to Gatherly Platform |
| 8:05 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. | MBA Student Diversity Clubs Networking Happy Hour Hosting Organizations: Asian Business Club - Carol Zhang (MBA ‘22) Black Business Student Association - Kelsie Carter (MBA ‘22) Carolina Disability Alliance - Claire Barnett (MBA ‘23) Carolina Women in Business - Gabriella Ferrari (MBA ‘23), Pranathi Mekala (MBA ‘23), and Smriti Ohri (MBA ‘23 International Business Association - Jyotika Keswani (MBA ‘22) Latin American Business Association - Alexandra Alfonso (MBA ‘22) and Kevin Ortiz (MBA ‘23) Pride Club - Bryant Adams (MBA ‘23), Carson Moss (MBA ‘23), and Yoona Shin (MBA ‘23) Veterans Association - Brady Powell (MBA ‘22) The MBA Student Association (MBASA) is comprised of over 40 active student-led organizations where students build community and connect over shared interests from career paths to sports and hobbies. Join us at the Diversity Clubs Networking Happy Hour to learn more about these organizations and meet current students. |
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | International Student Employment Presenters: Chad Collins, Associate Director of Career and Leadership for MBA and Alumni Jarrett Early, Associate Director of Employer Engagement & Recruiting Ever wondered how the internship search and recruiting process differs as an international student? Join staff as they explore considerations for international students seeking internships and full-time employment after graduation. |
| 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace Moderator: Sandra Chandler, Associate Director of Employer Engagement & Recruiting Panelists: Jackson Gillespie – Brand Director OLAY Innovation, Procter & Gamble Sheela Lal – US Diversity Program Officer, TCS Raphael Richard – Emerging Talent and Campus Channel Manager, Cisco Kelly Whelan – Investment Banking Associate, Morgan Stanley Join us for a critical conversation with a panel of Corporate Partners who will share how their companies approach recruiting diverse talent, celebrating diversity in the workplace, and fostering an inclusive climate for employees. |
| 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. | MBA Diversity Conferences Moderator: Linda Vo, Associate Director of Career and Leadership Panelists: Angelica Mae Cabunoc (MBA ‘23) Christine Pham (MBA ‘23) Ana Rodriguez (MBA ‘23) Did you know your MBA journey can begin before you start classes? In this session, you will learn about Forté Foundation, Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA), The Consortium, MBA Veterans, National Black MBA Conference, PROSPANICA, and how our Career and Leadership staff prepare MBA students to attend summer and fall conferences hosted by these organizations. |
Thursday, October 28, 2021
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. | Mini Session: Transitioning Military Experience to Business School Success Moderator:Karsen Spain, Veterans Affairs Specialist Panelists: Samuel Adams (MBA '22), U.S. Army Veteran, Veterans Association Jared Anongos (MBA '22), U.S. Navy Veteran, Veterans Association Michelle Kimbrough (MBA ‘19), U.S. Army Veteran, Senior Product Manager, Dell Paul Rothfeld (MBA ‘21), U.S. Army Reserves Veteran, Investment Banker, Goldman Sachs We are proud of our military veterans and service members in the MBA program. Hear from current students as they share insight on their transition to the MBA program, including finding community and utilizing resources, and how their military experience prepared them for success in and out of the classroom. |
| 11:50 a.m. – 12:35 p.m. | Mini Session: The Power of Accessibility Presenter: Kathryn “Katie” Sorensen, Clinical Assistant Professor in the Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy One of the many great resources at UNC-Chapel Hill is the Accessibility Resources & Service office that assists students with disabilities and medical conditions. You will have the chance to learn more about the resources and services available to Full-Time MBA students throughout your time in the program. |
Friday, October 29, 2021
| 9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Admissions Myth Busters Presenters: Lica Hertz, Assistant Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions & Student Recruitment Rickita Worrell, Associate Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions & Student Recruitment Does the admissions committee have a preference of GMAT or GRE? Does it matter if I come from a non-business background? Do they really read my essays? Join Admissions staff members as we bust common myths about the MBA application process and share advice for preparing your best application. |
| 9:45 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Building an MBA Class: Mock Admissions Committee Presenter: Danielle Richie, Senior Associate Director of Full-Time MBA Admissions & Student Recruitment In this interactive session, you will have an opportunity to take a seat at the Admissions Committee table and help build a class of MBA students. Here is your chance to learn firsthand the factors we consider in our admissions process and see what it is like to evaluate candidates for admission. |
| 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Closing Remarks Presenter: Sarah Perez, Managing Director of MBA programs |
Registration for Diversity Week 2021 is now closed. We encourage you to check out our events calendar for other opportunities to connect with our admissions team and UNC Kenan-Flagler community.