Spring 2025 DEI Digest
Spring Forth
We made it! Quince, daffodils, magnolias, tulips, and of course our beloved Quad cherry trees are blooming. So can we. We have opportunities to bloom and grow the benefits and the wonder of living, learning, and working in a school whose intention is that everyone belongs. Let us take time to feel the sun on our faces, put on a hood or grab an umbrella to take in the smell of a spring rain, and be grateful for our natural beauty.
First, a huge thanks to all of you who completed the Nurture Our Community Survey! Elba Moise, Elizabeth Umphress, and I are eager to delve into the data and plan to publish a report to the community in May. Stay tuned for news on who will win one of the eight $100 gift cards.
Other happenings…the annual fundraiser hosted by Undergraduate Women in Business, a Listening Session for graduate and specialty masters students, and a fireside chat hosted by the First-Generation Business Leaders and Diversity in Business you can read about below. This past weekend, Undergraduate Diversity Services hosted the UDS Admit Dinner for high school students and families who have received their admissions letter. Their excitement was palpable!
Please enjoy reading good news about our community.
Go Foster!
Michelle Purnell-Hepburn
Associate Dean for Inclusion & Diversity
Paving the Way Fundraiser
Center for Urban Horticulture – University of Washington
Wed., April 9, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
The 18th Annual Paving the Way Fundraiser: Floral Fête put on by the University of Washington’s Undergraduate Women in Business will highlight the work that has been and can continue to be done to pave the way for successful female business leaders.
The fundraiser event will include a delicious dinner catered by Bay Laurel Catering, a silent auction featuring items from several women-owned businesses, an opening speech conducted by our Faculty of the Year award recipient, a keynote address by UWiB’s 2025 Woman of the Year. More info.
Graduate and Specialty Masters
Foster Listens session
PACCAR Hall – Gamble Room 456
Tues., April 15, 2025
4:30 – 5:30 PM
Foster Listens is a comprehensive listening program that helps Foster students, faculty, and staff understand the channels and opportunities that they have to share their thoughts and experiences with Foster leadership. Join Associate Dean for Inclusion & Diversity M. Michelle Purnell-Hepburn to share your thoughts. All are welcome.
First-generation Fireside Chat
Douglas Forum
Thurs, April 17, 12:30 – 1:30 PM
Come hear how the first-generation leaders are navigating the unique challenges of being the first of their family to hold senior positions in the business community. Prior panelists have touched on topics including “imposter syndrome,” navigating personal finances and more. All are welcome.
Building Networks graduation
Anthony’s Forum
Fri., April 18, 2025
3:00 – 6:00 PM
Building Networks is a 3-month mentorship program hosted by the Undergraduate Diversity Services team at the University of Washington – Foster School of Business. This most recent cohort served 45 undergraduate students from pre-business and community college backgrounds. Program participants had been matched with a current Foster School of Business student who also underwent the Foster admission and/or transfer process. During the three months, the cohort engaged in weekly sessions with their mentors to create a community in a renowned business program and networked with countless industry professionals. The mission of this program is to equip participants with essential skills, resources, and connections to prepare entry into business fields, with many of these students considered first-generation and/or economically disadvantaged.
Building Networks will be concluding their program this month to commemorate the community they built the past three months, and for their mentors to highlight the hard work their mentees have put into growing their path to business.
Celebration of Black Achievement Recap
Foster alumni, students, faculty, and staff gathered for a lively and festive Celebration of Black Alumni Achievement, coming together for an uplifting and jubilant event.
Boeing Director Yophtahe Seyoum (MBA 2016) received the Emerging Leader Award, while Kelvin Westbrook (BA 1977), President & CEO of KRW Advisors, was honored with the Thaddeus Spratlen Legacy Award.
Dean Frank Hodge addressed the gathering with a stirring message, reaffirming the school’s unwavering commitment to diversity at a time when such efforts face increasing challenges.
“I want to make crystal clear that executive orders are not law,” Hodge declared to resounding applause. “We will follow the law. The law defines our guardrails, but it does not define our North Star. People do. Which is why our Purpose Statement begins with ‘Together.’ And during this storm, we will stay true to our North Star.”
Read a full recap.