Inspiring Programs in Business Award winners were selected by Insight Into Diversity based on efforts to inspire and encourage a new generation of young people to consider careers in business through mentoring, teaching, research and successful programs and initiatives.  

”Whitman has made tremendous inroads in supporting our students of all backgrounds over the past few years. We’ve provided financial support to allow our students to maximize their experience while at Whitman. We have impressive work in the community, and we’ve created new programs to engage, mentor and support our diverse student body. We also welcomed our most ethnically diverse and largest female incoming class ever this fall. This award from Insight into Diversity magazine is a tangible recognition that we’re developing a more inclusive environment at Whitman,” says Interim Dean of the Whitman School Alex McKelvie. 

Insight Into Diversity magazine selected the Whitman School’s Multicultural and First- Generation Student and Parent Resource groups for this award. The goal of these resource groups is to ensure that both students and parents are aware of all the opportunities available to them to help break down barriers and foster greater inclusion.  

The Multicultural and First-Generation Student Resource Group meets bi-monthly throughout the academic year to provide programming to our students. These include opportunities for community building, learning from and supporting each other and accessing professional development from faculty and alums of color. To further support students, Whitman launched the Parents Resource Group, which meets virtually once a month. Parents are presented with information on topics related to undergraduate advising services/tutoring information, career services, study abroad, financial aid, campus housing and health and wellbeing services. This helps ensure that parents are equipped to assist their students in navigating their academic journey.  

According to Diane Crawford, the executive director of institutional culture at Whitman, “These programs are beneficial for our underrepresented and first-generation students and their parents.  The resources provided assist the first-gen parents with necessary information and the knowledge to be able to coach and support their student. The students have an opportunity to build community and have access to professional development and mentorships in ways that help them navigate their academic careers and beyond. The programs help our student to overcome some of the knowledge gaps that might exist and to ensure equitable access to what the Whitman School has to offer.” 

“We know that many business programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication and mentorship for underrepresented students,” says Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future career in business. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.” 

A call for nominations for this award was announced in November 2023.  

For more information about the 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business Award and Insight Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.