The annual diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) conference from Rice University’s Jones Graduate School of Business is slated for Oct. 27 and will provide a forum for awareness, dialogue and skill-building, according to event organizers.
Rice Business aims to create rich learning environments in its classrooms and conferences. Mindsets that consider and appreciate a multitude of perspectives lead to enhanced decision-making — a critical leadership skill in today’s global and multicultural workplace, according to Rice Business Dean Peter Rodriguez.
What: Sparking Success: The Intersection of Business and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
When: Friday, Oct. 27, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Rice University’s McNair Hall. The event is free, but registration is required.
Who: Speakers and panelists include Constance Porter, senior associate dean of DEI and associate clinical professor of marketing at Rice Business; Antonio Neri, president and CEO at Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Peter Rodriguez, dean of Rice Business; LaMecia Butler, program manager at Meta; Jonathan Cary, director of talent acquisition at ServiceNow; Jessica Campbell, director of corporate and employer relations at Rice Business; Aruna Viswanathan, co-founder and chief operating officer at AlphaX; Michael Sklar, tech entrepreneur and lecturer at Rice Business; Megan Smith, senior consultant at EY-Parthenon; Ijeoma Nwaogu, CEO at Everlead; Alan Russell, executive director of the Disability Resource Center at Rice; Sonya Ware, CEO and strategist at Sonya Ware Executive Consulting; Sandra Wegmann, president of Wegmann and Associates; Regina Edwards, DEI specialist at Rice Business; Shelley Richard, associate director of career education and advising at Rice Business; Victoria Cowthran, sales and service HR business partner at Danaher’s Molecular Devices; Stanley Kazibwe, DEI manager at Cheniere Energy; and Chelsea Rose, senior strategy consultant at Accenture.
On April 14, Rice made history by hosting its inaugural Rice Day at the Capitol. More than 50 students, faculty and staff traveled to Austin for a full day of advocacy, education and celebration. The event served as a showcase of the university’s statewide impact in areas ranging from innovation to the arts and sciences.
"I chose the Online MBA because I needed the flexibility. I have a mortgage to pay and couldn’t afford to step away from work. Rice Business’ program gave me access to a top-tier education while allowing me to grow my career and remain financially independent."
Rice Business professor Vikas Mittal says that senior executives need to take greater responsibility in regards to the findings of business research rather than rushing to oversimplified conclusions.
