A Year of Celebrations and Growth
Empowering our Foster community
Reflecting on the 2023-24 academic year, one theme shines brightly: the vision of empowering our Foster community in a spirit of abundance, inclusion, and interconnectedness, i.e., belonging. At Foster, we continue to focus on creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported; we’re building community. Our efforts support the vision of a community that is inclusive and welcoming to all.
It’s my honor to share highlights of all the good things happening at Foster with you.
At Foster, we aim to cultivate an atmosphere where everyone can find their place. For example, we tailor support programs and events for veterans, recognizing their unique challenges transitioning from military to academic life. Our work to improve accessibility for people with disabilities includes steps to make our Foster footprint more navigable and our events more accommodating, ensuring full participation in our school’s life.
Building community is more than inclusion; it's about creating spaces for personal connections and support.
But building community is more than inclusion; it’s about creating spaces for personal connections and support. We partner with students, faculty, alumni, staff, and the business community throughout the year to organize events and initiatives to foster these connections. Whether through social gatherings, collaborative projects, or support networks, we offer opportunities for meaningful engagement.
Listening to and Learning From Each Other
At Foster, our emphasis on mutual respect and understanding encourages open dialogue and the sharing of diverse perspectives. By listening to and learning from each other, we’re creating a richer, more vibrant community where everyone can thrive.
Looking back at this year’s events, we have seen strong bonds formed both on campus and in the greater community. We’ve witnessed new friendships and collaborative projects. Our collective sense of purpose has grown. Our community has become more cohesive and resilient, ready for future challenges and opportunities.
As always, we remain committed to enhancing our community-building efforts and striving to ensure that every member of our community experiences a true sense of belonging.
Here’s to a future of building community and the many more connections and achievements to come. Let us continue to foster an environment where students, faculty, and staff feel at home and where they can contribute to our collective success.
Highlights of the Year
In October, we enjoyed our Latiné Alumni Celebration— with panelists — including Rosalinda Mendoza (MBA 2015, Aracely Godinez (MBA 2016), and Vanessa Osorio Brewster Laughlin (MBA 2007)—discussing big business’s role in the local Latiné community.
In November, we created the first of two First Generation Fireside Chats, co-sponsored by the First Generation Business Leaders Registered Student Organization (RSO). The event featured a panel of first-generation business leaders discussing how to navigate the business world. Read more.
Also in November, the Consulting and Business Development Center (CBDC) celebrated its annual UW Impact Awards, highlighting its work supporting companies in underserved communities across Washington.
In February, the Celebration of Black Alumni Achievement honored Professor William D. Bradford with the Spratlen Legacy Award and Skyler Brown (MBA 2019) with the Emerging Leader Award in a joyous ceremony. Read more.
Through the 2024 Building Networks cohort program, current Foster students helped underrepresented undergraduates from UW and Washington community colleges apply to Foster.
In April, the Masters of Accounting programs held their annual Fostering Inclusive Futures in Accounting, an event for underrepresented students from across the country that creates mentorship connections and
increases access to graduate education. Read more.