Community / February 3, 2017

Attend Office of Diversity Initiatives Launch Events

At the Smith School, we believe everyone’s voice matters. Our community of learning is enriched when we embrace those with different backgrounds, viewpoints, experiences and interests. This is not always easy or intuitive.

Introducing the Office of Diversity Initiatives (ODI). Created to advance a culture of diversity at Smith, here’s how ODI is leading the charge to ensure inclusion at all levels: 

  • Advising, programming and targeted coaching
  • Building relationships with industry partners
  • Hosting events and initiatives that promote the mission of diversity and inclusion at Smith
  • Leading outside recruitment and retention efforts
  • Offering workshops, training and diversity dialogues
  • Supporting undergraduate and graduate student affinity clubs

The Office of Diversity Initiatives invites you to celebrate diversity at Smith. Visit us at rhsmith.umd.edu/diversity and join us this semester for the following events:

Erika Irish Brown, Bloomberg L.P.’s Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion, joins Smith School Dean Alex Triantis for a one-on-one conversation to discuss what drives Bloomberg’s global strategy and approach to diversity and inclusion. At this annual forum, change agents who have reached positions of power and influence share their personal and professional testimonies.

PRESENTED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Now in its sixth year, Women Leading Women continues its tradition of celebrating women in business through the testimonies of trailblazers. This year’s moderated discussion features a candid conversation with Marguerita (Rita) Cheng ’93, founder and CEO of Blue Ocean Global Wealth in Rockville, Md. Cheng launched her business in 2013 to help families better manage their resources and plan for the future. As a Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) ambassador, she helps educate the public, policy makers and the media about the benefits of competent, ethical financial planning.

Hosted by the Black MBA and Latin MBA student associations, the Bradford Banquet is one of Smith’s most important student-led events focusing on diversity and inclusion in the workplace and global economy. This year’s speaker is Lobna “Luby” Ismail, president and founder of Connecting Cultures, Inc. This year’s theme, “Perception vs. Reality: Bridging the Gap,” focuses on the existence of cultural differences and seeks to answer the question of how leaders can be culturally proficient as they navigate the business world. MBA students, alumni and their employers are encouraged to attend.


ALL EVENTS HOSTED BY THE OFFICE OF DIVERSITY INITIATIVES

Media Contact

Greg Muraski
Media Relations Manager
301-405-5283  
301-892-0973 Mobile
gmuraski@umd.edu 

About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and flex MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, business master’s, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia.

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