Pillar 1

• Lead, Engage, Align, Perform (LEAP) – a new 8-month program designed to engage nominated and selected high performing staff members 
• LEAP mentoring and connection with deans and leadership 
• Cool Off and Connect (connecting faculty, students and staff) 
• Pi Day lunch  
• Rice Business Gives Back (fall and spring service days with faculty, students and staff) 
• Rice Business Night Out at the Astros (two events) 
• Staff Awards Committee/ceremony  
• Staff Appreciation Day - Cidercade 
• Supervisor Appreciation via Dean’s token of gratitude 
• Performance on Purpose, support and roll-out (staff) 
• Personal coaching offered to staff 
• New employee socials (two times a year) 

Support of Rice Business Staff Council for all major and small events:

• Step Challenge
• Thanksgiving/Christmas/Month of Gratitude
• Town Halls
• Zoo Lights
• Budget/bi-weekly meetings etc

• Highlighting Employee Appreciation Day  
• Staff Awards Ceremony, recognizing organizational values and years-of-service recipients 
• Capturing recognition and appreciation preferences of all staff to encourage recognition at all levels 
• Supervisor appreciation gift 

• Focus groups yearly to ensure staff feedback is captured
• Rice Business Network professional development and social support (8 events)
• Rice Business Staff Council to garner feedback and encourage employee engagement
• Milestone celebrations: birthday mailers/posts on slack/cookies sent for one-year anniversaries
• 90+ Coaching/Employee Engagement meetings to discuss development, employee challenges, etc.
• Supervisor support: monthly emails highlighting professional development and other resources
• OWL welcome program to introduce new employees to different departments
• New employee socials (two times a year)
• Introduce remote employees to each other as resources

• Eighteen staff-wide workshops including Excel, Toastmasters, leadership and career development 
• Eight supervisor workshops including hosting effective meetings, providing effective feedback, leading teams and virtual teams (4-part series) 
• Supervisor peer coaching sessions 
• Nine LEAP programs including Growth Mindset, Resilience, Executive Presence and Influence, Wellbeing and Purpose, Design Thinking and group coaching 
• Individual coaching opportunities for staff 
• Collaborative offering of Executive Education opportunities for supervisors to take Management Incubator and Leadership Accelerator courses at no cost 
• Birkman Assessment (self-awareness and strengths) for LEAP participants 

• One hundred seven new employee check-ins occurring 1st week, 2 months, 6 months and 1 year
• Summer meeting-free Fridays and flex options

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Golden Worlds: The Portable Universe of Indigenous Colombia, Spring 2023 
  Arts Club students learned about the diversity of ancient Colombian cultures in the Museum of Fine Arts Houston exhibition of Golden Worlds: The Portable Universe of Indigenous Colombia Drawing on contemporary Indigenous collaborators, Golden Worlds infuses these stunning works with life, meaning and relevance for today. 
• Ragamala Dance Company, Spring 2023 
  Arts Club students learned about South Asian traditions through a performance by the Ragamala Dance Company, described as a call to “experience the mystical city of Varanasi through an elaborate ritual where you leave the mundane and merge with the divine. Bharatanatyam choreographers Ranee Ramaswamy and Aparna Ramaswamy present to you "Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim."   
• Cambodian Rock Band, Spring 2023 
  Hosted at Alley Theatre, Arts Club students attended the Cambodian Rock Band play and learned about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge.    
• Love and Southern Discomfort, Fall 2022 
  Arts Club students attended Love and Southern Discomfort at The Ensemble Theatre, founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community.  

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Asian Business Communication Workshop, Fall 2022 
  The communication workshop focused on assertiveness within the context of American-Asian cultural intersection. This event was co-hosted by the Rice Business Indo-American Association.   
• Lunar New Year Partio – Sponsored by ConocoPhillips, Spring 2023 
  Students celebrated the Lunar New Year: Year of the Rabbit.  

Featured event hosted by this organization:

• Black Business Student Association Honor Gala, Fall 2022 
  The Black Business Student Association (BBSA) Honors Gala gathered current students, alumni, faculty, staff and prospective students to honor the legacy of BBSA at Rice Business and beyond. The Honors Awards are given to BBSA alumni who have exhibited a commitment to excellence in their careers. This year’s gala honored Ope Amosu ’11 and April M. Frazier ’14, Rice Business and BBSA alumni. 
• BBSA and Arts Club Trek to the Museum of Fine Arts 
  The BBSA and Arts Club viewed two exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power; and The Sugar Shack. This event was co-hosted by Arts Club. 
• Black History Month Celebrations, Spring 2023 
  From Nigeria to Seattle, from Jollof to red beans and rice, students celebrated the past, present and future of Black History! The BBSA hosted the following in celebration of Black History Month (BHM): BHM Kick-Off Luncheon, BHM Trivia Night, BBSA Photoshoot and BHM Partio. 
• ADULT-ISH: Preparing for Life after Rice Business, Spring 2023 
  The Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the BBSA student group piloted a series designed to assist graduating MBAs with foundational strategies for career and life success. This series focused on aspects of financial, career and interpersonal management as a complement to the knowledge and skills acquired at Rice Business.
  • Session 1 – Real estate: Brandy Downey-Wade ’11, a seasoned real estate broker, centered the presentation on different types of real estate available in the Houston metropolitan area as well as various aspects of real estate including factors to consider regarding the pros and cons of home ownership and/or renting. The audience also engaged in discussion about real estate as a vehicle for wealth-building, tax savings and extra income in addition to learning about current and future market forecasts.
  • Session 2 – Career Advancement Rayna Anderson-Crier, associate director of career education and advising, Career Development Center, Rice Business. Rayna presented Using Social Capital to Advance at Work: How to build the kind of network that will help you succeed at work and for years to come. Students learned how to connect with other Rice Business alums, network throughout their city and leverage those relationships for career success!

Featured event hosted by this organization:

• Hispanic Heritage Month Partio, Fall 2022 
  The Rice Business Student Association celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month in collaboration with the Latin Business Student Association! This was a great opportunity to celebrate Hispanic culture in the U.S. and enjoy Latin American cuisine, beverages and music.  
• Dell Latino Connection, Fall 2022 
  Dell's affinity group, The Latino Connection, went over Dell and the Latino Connection and transitioning to tech from a non-tech background.   
• Rice All-Stars, Spring 2023 
  Latin Business Student Association partnered with the Latin America Graduate Students Association (LAGSA) in a social gathering to get to know other Latinxs/LAGSA members from the Rice community. This event was co-hosted by Latin American Graduate Student Association and Latin Business Student Association.   
• Exploring Diversity at Microsoft, Spring 2023 
  Black Business Student Association (BBSA) and Latin Business Student Association (LBSA) talked to ERGs (Employee Resource Group) in Microsoft and explored how they promote Diversity at Microsoft.

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Jones Christian Fellowship hosted Lunch ‘n Learn events featuring the following: 
  • “Balancing conflicting obligations: Reflections and lessons from 35 years as an energy analyst, banker and investor.” Phil Pace, energy specialist at Pace Family Interests.   
  • “Five Reasons to Say Yes.” Jane Nodskov, senior partner at ICO Commercial. 
  • Greg Brenneman, executive chairman of CCMP and a member of the firm’s investment committee. Mr. Brenneman plays an active leadership role in executing the firm’s overall strategy while remaining actively engaged in completing transactions, developing strategies and coaching the senior management of CCMP’s portfolio companies.
  • No Borders and True Works. Students learned about opportunities to serve and grow with two amazing non-profits. For more information:  nobordershouston.com and trueworkshouston.org
• Leadership and Faith, Fall 2022 
  JCF members learned from Ruth Reitmeier, director of coaching at Rice Business, and Brian Akins, associate professor of accounting, about their experiences in developing their leadership and faith. Ruth Reitmeier also discussed the new Leader as Coach: A Rice Business Leadership Certificate Program designed specifically with MBA students in mind. 

Featured event hosted by this organization:

• Partners and Families Support Lunch, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 
  This event was regularly held throughout the academic year as a dedicated time to talk, support and network with other club members over lunch. 

Featured event hosted by this organization:

• Inclusivity in Finance, Fall 2022 
  Goldman Sachs Global Markets Speaking and Recruiting event featured an information session and panel speakers. This event was co-hosted by the Finance Association, Men as Allies and Out & Allied.   

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Pride Partio, Spring 2023 
  The Rice Business Student Association celebrated LGBTQ+ Pride in collaboration with Out & Allied.   
• Love is Love is Cake, Spring 2023 
  Modeled after Netflix's "Nailed It!" competition show, this event featured surprises, failures and laughs as contestants attempted to recreate a professionally designed cake. The winning team won a $200 gift card, and O&A donated $200 to Houston-based LGBTQ+ organization, The Montrose Center. This cultural hub of Houston's LGBTQ+ community hosts dozens of social and civic organizations providing opportunities and resources for community members to realize their full potential. This includes therapists, educators, lawyers, and more.  Learn more: montrosecenter.org   
• Trans Awareness Week/Mental Health, Fall 2022 
  This trans-awareness event was an opportunity to get creative and have a mental health moment with tie-dye. Out & Allied invited the Normal Anomaly Initiative to talk to attendees about their work towards forward mobility of black queer+ people in the community. The event also highlighted trans artists, musicians, authors and social media influencers to connect students with the trans community and to support their art.   
• Allies at the Ballot Box, Fall 2022 
  Out & Allied hosted a two-part event to learn about opportunities to vote as an ally. At the Lunch & Learn portion of the event, Ozoemena Nnamadim, Odyssey Oakengrove and René Mendiola of the Houston LGBTQ+ Political Caucus and Preston Knight of the Human Rights Campaign led a discussion of intersectional issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community at the national, state and local levels. Attendees learned how businesses, community leaders, and allies can support community members and their rights.   
• Pre-ROMBA Conference Alumni Panel + Networking, Fall 2022 
  Alumni shared their ROMBA conference stories, experiences and outcomes. 
  Please note that the ROMBA conference is for members of the LGBTQ community but allies were encouraged to network with Out & Allied alumni from different industries.   
• ROMBA Conference 101, Fall 2022 
  Attendees learned what to expect and how to make the most of the 2022 ROMBA conference in Washington DC. 
  Please note the ROMBA conference is intended for members of the LGBTQ community. 

Featured event hosted by this organization:

• Diwali Partio Sponsored by Phillips 66, Fall 2022 
  Diwali is a festival that celebrates the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and wisdom over ignorance. This is symbolized in the fact that it is celebrated on a new moon day by lighting earthen lamps, burning firecrackers and decorating homes with string lights. Students celebrated Diwali with a night filled with lights, great food and lots of fun!
• Bollywood Movie Night

Featured event hosted by this organization:

• Veterans Business Battle, Spring 2023 
  Veterans Business Battle is the largest veteran-focused business plan competition in the country and serves as a forum to connect veterans with investors, advisers and resources. It's our goal to lead as many veteran-owned businesses to success as possible. 
• Veterans Day Partio Sponsored by EDF Renewables, Fall 2022 
  The Jones Graduate School of Business and the Rice Business Veterans Association invited the Rice Business community to recognize our military students, faculty, staff and executive partners for their patriotism and willingness to serve our country. Rice Business had 54 veteran or active-duty students enrolled across all MBA programs at Rice Business representing the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines Corps and Navy. We honor their service and value their unique contributions to our school.This event was co-hosted by the Rice Business Student Association co-hosted with Rice Business Veterans Association. 
• Defense and Deterrence on NATO’s Eastern Flank: Insights from Latvia, Fall 2022 
  A conversation and reception with Jānis Garisons, state secretary of the Ministry of Defense, Republic of Latvia.   
• Rice Business Veterans Association (RBVA) Lunch and Learn, Fall 2022 
  RBVA alumni covered general recruiting tips and MBA Veterans Conference best practices. Alumni are from various sectors and functions including consulting, tech and others. This session was a great opportunity to learn from vets who are now working in a variety of industries!   
• Rice Business Veterans Association Kick Off Event with Alumni, Fall 2022 
  Attendees socialized and networked with current and past RBVA members.   

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Women’s History Month Partio, Spring 2023 
  This event was hosted by the Rice Business Student Association and co-hosted with Rice Business Women's Organization   
• Women’s Open Circle, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 
  The mission of this group is to create a space for the women of the Rice MBA to come together to share experiences and difficulties during their time here. We want to foster new connections and relationships between all programs and celebrate wins as we break new ground as women in business.   
• RBWO Networking Brunch, Spring 2023 
  This event was similar to the Women’s Open Circle and served as an additional forum to exchange ideas and build community   
• Women in Leadership Conference, Spring 2023 
  The 23rd annual Women in Leadership Conference was held in person on Friday, February 10. The conference has been a beacon of inspiration in the Houston community, empowering women to accomplish their career goals.   
  In panel discussions and interactive workshops, attendees heard from leaders across different industries, explored various approaches to leadership, and discussed future opportunities for success.   
• The Business Case for Reproductive Health Part 1 and Part 2, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 
  In collaboration with Rice Business Women's Organization, Men as Allies, Healthcare Association, Out and Allied and the Finance Association:this panel discussion with experts addressed the challenges to reproductive healthcare in Texas and the USA. 
  • Part 1, Fall 2022
    Part 1 of this educational series set up the context for further discussion of the implications of restrictive abortion laws for businesses and the economics of reproductive healthcare. 
  • Part 2, Spring 2023
    Part 2 discussed the role of corporate America in advocating for reproductive rights in the U.S. Panelists with a wide range of expertise answered questions about the effects of abortion bans on businesses and the responsibility of business leaders as advocates.   
• Forté Fellows Lunch and Learn: Own the Room, Fall 2022 
  Forté Fellows learned how to make a powerful impact from a webinar led by Jodi Glickman, sponsored and presented by Forté Foundation. Attendees learned about Forté Fellows’ benefits, including accessing learning resources and job opportunities.    
• Women in Energy Happy Hour, Fall 2022 
  Attendees in the Energy Association and the RWBO networked with female alumni working in energy! This event was hosted by the Energy Association, co-hosted by RWBO and CleanTech.    
• Women in Finance Panel, Fall 2022 
  This panel featured guests surrounding finance careers, including how to jump start a career in finance and succeed in the industry. This event was hosted by Rice Business Women’s Organization, co-hosted with the Finance Association and Men as Allies.   
• Deloitte Women’s Happy Hour, Fall 2022 
  Deloitte invited all Rice Business women to join an evening of cocktails and conversation. Students chatted with Deloitte women practitioners of a variety of levels about Deloitte culture, life as a consultant and work-life balance.   
• Women’s Org Industry Panel: Consulting, Fall 2022 
  Students had consulting questions answered by female practitioners with over 3+ years of experience! Companies represented were BCG, EY-Parthenon, McKinsey, Accenture and Deloitte.  This event was hosted by Rice Business Women’s Organization and co-hosted with the Consulting Association.   

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• DEI Brunch, Fall 2022, Spring 2023  
  The Rice Business Student Association for Professionals hosted the DEI brunch. Students enjoyed great food, drink and conversation about different topics related to DEI.   
• Rice Business Student Association for Professionals DEI Fireside Chat, Spring 2023 
  Topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion can be uncomfortable for some, but they are a learning opportunity for all. Rice Business Student Association for Professionals DEI representative and fellow MBA students held an intimate fireside chat to discuss various topics. The purpose of this event was to hear each other’s stories, learn from various experiences and leave knowing why advocates for diversity, equity and inclusion are needed.    

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Rice PRIDE x Rice Business Society Queer Career Panel with GBA Equality Foundation, Spring 2023 
  Rice PRIDE and RBS collaborated to host GBA Equality Foundation ambassadors in a panel during Pride Week to support queer students with information and perspectives on professional development. GBA Equality has since changed its name to Q+ Equality Foundation and is a national nonprofit that connects queer students with internships and job opportunities.    
• Rice Business Society Diversity Recruiting Information Session, Fall 2022 
  Rice Business Society held an information session for students with racial, ethnic, gender and LGBTQ+ diverse identities interested in pursuing consulting, investment banking and private equity summer and full-time analyst programs. Programming focused on highlighting respective industry timelines and firms along with outlining interview components and engaging students in mock interview environments.  
• Rice Business Society x Girls Who Invest Information Session, Fall 2022 
  Rice Business Society held an event to spotlight the national Girls Who Invest program by introducing undergraduate freshman and sophomore women at Rice to programs that Girls Who Invest hosts that distribute resources and internships to women interested in investing. The event brought Rice Girls Who Invest alums Tina Wen, Sonia Baig, Caroline Mazur-Sarocka and  Nikita Tripurana to share experiences and involvement with the organization.  

Featured events hosted by this organization:

• Women Speaker Events, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 
  Rice Women in Business members collaborated with various consulting, finance and other local firms to bring C-Suite level Rice alumnae to speak to students interested in pursuing a career in business. Speakers included Kim Cotner David (senior vice president and CFO at Baylor College of Medicine), Kiri Katterhenry (associate partner at Bain & Company) and Keri Macaluso (senior manager at Accenture). 
• Mentorship Program, Fall 2022, Spring 2023 
  The mentorship program matched underclassmen with upperclassmen to provide mentorship through the recruiting process and beyond. Mentors’ industries included consulting, entrepreneurship, banking, private equity, marketing and asset management Mentee interest industries included consulting, entrepreneurship, banking, private equity, marketing, asset management, venture capital and human resources. 
• Socials, Fall 2022 
  Students hosted multiple socials and bonding events for their members in order to help foster a sense of community among the undergraduate women interested in business. Women in Consulting, Introduction to Consulting and EY-Parthenon 

Women in Finance and Investing hosted several events between June 2022 - June 2023 that were focused on introducing various opportunities in private equity and wealth management to the undergraduate and MBA programs. We held an information session with Lionstone Investments (Fall 2022), a real estate PE firm based in Houston, and Quantum Energy Partners (Spring 2023), an energy PE firm based in Houston. We also hosted a roundtable talk event with senior women leaders from UBS to share their experiences in financial services and breaking into private wealth management.  

Beyond career events, we have dedicated energy towards building a female community in the business undergraduate and MBA programs. We held an end-of-year networking lunch open to all undergraduate and MBA women who were interested. We have also created an annual MBA mentorship program, where an MBA candidate is matched with an undergraduate who has similar career interests for guidance and advice. 

UBS Roundtable –Spring 2023