Each voice is a resource that becomes a true strength when everyone’s perspectives are valued. With diversity in spades, George Mason University has plentiful resources. Now, the School of Business Alumni Chapter’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee relentlessly pushes for every Patriot to feel welcomed and included so that the school can continue ascending to new heights.
Founded by Jason Howell, BS Accounting ’97, and Inaugural Chair David Atkins, BS Decision Science ’90, the Committee’s mission is stated as “Foster a culture of inclusion and proactively leverage diversity to enhance alumni engagement.” Jennifer Rhodes, EMBA ‘05, is currently serving as the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee on the School of Business Alumni Chapter Board. “I chose Mason because I saw strong women students and leaders, professors who cared, and diverse perspectives from students being raised in thoughtful classroom discourse,” she says. “Now, I’m giving back to ensure diversity and inclusion remains a pillar of strength for the Mason School of Business.” Her voice is a critical addition to the Board in ensuring that alumni businesses exhibit the inclusion that they preach.
Paramount to the Committee’s objectives are open communication and collaboration. “Leaders at Mason want to include everyone’s input, but many people don’t know who to ask or talk to,” says Jason Howell. The central relationships that the Committee develops are with Mason’s alumni chapters— Black Alumni, Latino Alumni, and Lambda Alumni Chapters. "The Committee even works to collaborate with student chapters to foster diversity and inclusion in the day-to-day goings of any chapter so that every Patriot feels welcome in any student organization," says Committee member Michael Ly, BS Accounting ’12, MS Accounting ’13.
Within the School of Business, inclusion is advanced through personal outreach. It consists of engaging with alumni about board leadership positions and other recognitions, interacting with future business alumni, and encouraging alumni to participate in school events. “Personally, attending those events and interacting with my peers opened my eyes on new perspectives in life,” says Committee member Ava Nia, BS Marketing ’19. “We should embrace our differences and celebrate them—something organizations at Mason thrive to do.” When every member of the School of Business community contributes their time and ideas, it pushes everyone involved to be more effective leaders and to think more critically.
The Committee encourages businesses to challenge themselves in the ways they operate by being more inclusive. You do not have to be a Committee member to give valued feedback. “We are always considering new ideas, new perspectives, and asking if we heard from every group,” says Rhodes. The members like to repeat a mantra that resonates with them and their mission: “What makes us unique is diversity, what brings us together is inclusion.” If you have any suggestions or questions, please contact Marketing Manager of Advancement and Alumni Relations Greg Johnson who will make sure the Committee receives it.