Creating a Culture of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

Pitt Business EDI Task Force Launch

The Office of the Dean established in 2020 the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Steering Committee, the EDI Student Task Force, and the EDI Staff and Faculty Task Force with the intent of bringing together diverse perspectives to facilitate the development of new initiatives for Pitt Business. The steering committee and two task forces completed their foundational work in 2021. The members asked important questions, identified opportunities, and contributed to the creation of the Pitt Business EDI Website, faculty and staff professional development opportunities, and future Pitt Business EDI initiatives.

EDI Student Organizations

Support for Undergraduate Student Organizations. In addition to striving for good grades, student participation in business student organizations is an essential part of the undergraduate experience; one that diversifies their Pitt experience and offers hands-on leadership skills essential to a career in business.

Amnesty International

Amnesty International is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) focused on human rights research, advocacy, and action, independent of any political party or ideology. With over 7 million members around the world, Amnesty is one of the oldest and largest human rights organizations in history. The Pitt chapter’s mission is to connect the undergraduate student body with activism in a way that is accessible for every person to make a difference in human rights issues around the world.

Enactus

Enactus is a community of student, academic and business leaders committed to using the power of social entrepreneurship to enable human progress. Members apply business concepts to develop community outreach projects that transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. Enactus engages in several different projects in the greater Pittsburgh region and around the world, and have been recognized at regional and national Enactus competitions.

Roberto Clemente Multicultural Business Association

The Roberto Clemente Multicultural Business Association (RCMBA) is a key resource for minority students within Pitt Business. RCMBA sponsors a number of programs and activities with corporate partners that help diverse students take their knowledge from the classroom, to the city, to the world. The RCMBA is dedicated to academic excellence, visionary leadership, diversity, and service to the Pittsburgh community and the world.

Society for International Business

The Society for International Business (SIB) is a student-run organization, sponsored and funded by the International Business Center at the University of Pittsburgh. Throughout the course of the year, members have the opportunity to participate in the World Quest Competition and to attend an international business panel, information sessions on the Certificate for International Business and Study Abroad, and monthly international dinners.

Women in Business

Women in Business is a social, professional, and community service-based organization focused on helping young women grow as business professionals. Women in Business is a great way to get to know other women in Pitt Business, gain valuable leadership experience, and enhance oneself as a business professional.

Smart Woman Securities

Smart Woman Securities is a new organization at Pitt Business that focuses on female investment education and networking skills. Our club was formed to provide the women at Pitt who are interested in finance with a forum to learn more about the various careers in the industry and gain valued capital markets and investing skills.

Women in Sports

Women in Sports and Events (WISE) is a Collegiate chapter of the National organization of WISE. Our mission is to enhance the position of women in the industry of sports and events. We achieve this mission through ongoing meetings, special events and mentoring programs in order to help our members gain valuable insights and connections that can provide them a competitive advantage in their current position and as they advance in their careers.

Support for Graduate Student Organizations. At Katz, graduate student organization serve an integral role in developing leadership skills, building community, and growing professional networks.

Katz Student Executive Board

The Katz Student Executive Board (SEB) exists to serve the Full-Time students and enhance the student experience at the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business.

In this capacity, the SEB acts as the primary interface between the Full-Time Masters students and the faculty and administration. However, the SEB is more than just a student advocate. The SEB also works to support student clubs, enhance career management, improve facility resources, organize community service projects, plan social events, and boost alumni relations. Contact the SEB at seb@katz.pitt.edu.

Professional Student Executive Board

The Professional Student Executive Board (PSEB) is an elected body of Professional MBA students at Katz with diverse academic and professional backgrounds. The PSEB primarily operates through its committee’s governance – each Committee is Chaired by a PSEB member and is actively seeking involvement from PMBA students. Our committees and the full Board seek to actively represent, engage, and support the PMBA student body by aligning their needs with Katz leadership efforts to enhance the MBA experience. Learn more about our committees, get involved, provide your insights and experience, and get even more from your time at Katz!  Current and former Professional MBA students – join the new LinkedIn group just for us!

Katz Alliance

Katz Alliance is dedicated to providing a network for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) business students and the allies who support them. We strive to foster and maintain an open and inclusive environment at Katz; provide guidance to LGBTA students through mentoring, cooperative volunteer efforts, and other events; establish relationships with the top employers on the Corporate Equality Index to provide professional networking opportunities; and engage with our LGBTA Alumni.  Membership is open to all students. Meetings are conducted in “safe zones,” and members may ask to be placed on a private list.

Additional Katz Graduate School of Business Organizations focused on EDI:

 International Business Association

Katz Military and Veterans Association

National Association of Women MBAs

Roberto Clemente MBA Association

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

I am involved in many student organizations that make diversity and inclusion a priority through meetings, events, and social activities. After each of my study abroad opportunities, in various countries with unique cultures, I also began to appreciate the importance of diversity and inclusion in both personal and professional aspects of life because it encourages growth, empathy, and reflection.

Alex McCurdy

BSBA '22

Last semester, as part of the Certificate Program in Leadership & Ethics section of Managerial Ethics and Stakeholder Management, I was able to participate in a project to develop a diversity & inclusion training recommendation for Pitt Business faculty. We uncovered that this can be best incorporated with the inclusion of student organizations, building conversations regarding EDI in curricula, and encouraging celebratory workshops on the milestones of LGBTQA+ inclusion and equity.

Hailey Hunter

BSBA '24