Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

We empower people of all backgrounds to thrive in business and make businesses thrive.

Progress requires embedding values of diversity, equity, and inclusion into the DNA of our community.

Precollege programs

Explore business majors and careers while gaining life skills through on-campus workshops and activities. Designed for diverse high school students with strong academic records.

Business Emerging Leaders Scholarship Program

The Business Emerging Leaders Program (BEL) Scholarship Program provides a community of support, academic resources, and at least $10,000 a year. The competitive merit-based scholarship program is for diverse students with strong academic records.

WSB Multicultural Center

This intentional space supports students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, helps build an inclusive community, and fosters a sense of belonging in the School. Explore the WSB Multicultural Center.

Student Organization: D&I Council

Student leaders from various student organizations focus on building an inclusive community.

DEI Advisory Committee

Faculty, staff, students, alumni, and corporate partners help achieve DEI goals and vision by affirming existing efforts, identifying areas of opportunity, and sharing best practices.

Skill building for faculty and staff

Sessions, workshops, and training are provided to all WSB community members. Course content focuses on inclusive leadership and cultural competency.
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Diversity

The range of experiences, identities, and perspectives of individuals within and outside the WSB community. Core to diversity is any characteristic, visible or invisible, that influences the way a person or a group is perceived and treated.

Equity

Promoting impartiality and fairness within the procedures, processes, and distribution of resources at WSB.

Inclusion

Every individual feels welcomed, respected, and a sense of belonging. They feel like are an integral member of the WSB community and are supported by WSB and its community members to do their best work.

Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The staff of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provide leadership and assistance to students, faculty, and staff. Reach out with any questions or concerns or to learn more about the School’s robust DEI strategy and activities.

Binnu Hill

Binnu Palta Hill

Chief Engagement, Culture, and Organizational Effectiveness Officer

Binnu (she/her) guides DEI strategy to foster an inclusive culture and enhance diversity among students, faculty and staff. Her approach combines academic research and lived experience to address DEI issues.

Binnu is a frequent conference speaker throughout the U.S. and Europe. She has served as a consultant for more than two dozen private corporations on DEI and her work has been featured on NBC, Cap Times, and Biz News. Binnu also teaches inclusive leadership in the Wisconsin MBA Programs, and serves as the program director of DEI education in the Center for Professional and Executive Development.

Siri Pairin

Sirinda Pairin

Engagement and Communications Manager

Siri (she/her) helps develop and implement DEI strategy and initiatives to cultivate an inclusive culture. She also serves as a DEI resource and liaison for stakeholders across the School. Her focus on multiracial and multicultural identity brings a nuanced perspective to DEI work relating to identity and belonging.

Siri completed the Center for Professional and Executive Development’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Certificate program in October 2021.

View the office's DEI blog

An ongoing commitment

Photos of WSB faculty members against a molecular grid design background

WSB Scholars Awarded Competitive Grants To Explore the Intersections of Business and Diversity Science

September 5, 2024
Amber Epp speaks to an audience in Grainger's collaborative learning classroom.

Same-Sex Couples Find Challenges in a Wedding Industry Still Married to the Script

June 25, 2024
Logo of the wsb newsroom indicating a news update or announcement.

Unbreakable Ceilings: (WSB) Study Reveals Startling Truth Behind Sluggish Progress on Gender Equity

May 13, 2024
View all DEI articles

To prepare trusted leaders, we embed diversity, equity, and inclusion in the curriculum.

Students working in Learning Commons

Undergraduate students learn about social identities and cultures, as well as inclusive engagement, through an inclusive Leadership Badge.

Learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the undergraduate program
Weikel speaker Deanna Singh (MBA '12) speaks to a host of women MBA students

Graduate students receive inclusive leadership training as an integral part of orientation programs and diversity training is woven throughout the curriculum.

Learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion in the graduate programs:
Full-time MBAExecutive MBAProfessional MBAMaster’s

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Executive Education offerings include a DEI certificate with programming focused on DEI leadership values, DEI in team building, and building a culture of inclusion and belonging in organizations.

Certificate in Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

Partnering with other committed organizations and programs continues to advance our progress.


The Consortium

WSB is a founding member of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management (CGSM), which advances historically underrepresented individuals by assisting in recruiting efforts.

Forté Foundation

WSB works with the Forté Foundation to increase the number of women in leadership positions in business.

PhD Project

The PhD Project was founded on the premise that advancements in workplace diversity can be propelled forward by increasing the diversity of business school faculty.

Partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)

Partnerships with HBCUs—such as faculty and student exchanges—advance diverse relationships.

Creating a place where inclusive leaders grow and thrive

Hart Posen
“DEI is not only a moral imperative, but also a business imperative. I ask students to consider the conditions under which DEI can be a source of competitive advantage.”
Hart Posen
Professor | Richard G. and Julie J. Diermeier Professor in Business
Teaches business strategy in the evening and full-time MBA programs
Joann Peck
“Exposing students to both conscious and unconscious factors that are influencing them increases the chances of them making decisions that benefit them and their organizations.”
Joann Peck
Associate Professor, Marketing Irwin Maier Professor of Business
Teaches consumer behavior in the evening executive and full-time MBA programs
Tim Buhl
“DEI is an important component of today’s marketing mission with immediate industry application. It is also a priority of the part-time MBA programs.”
Tim Buhl
Lecturer, Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management, Marketing
Teaches marketing management in the part-time MBA programs
Daniel Wangerin
“The earlier our students understand how to become inclusive leaders, the more prepared they will be to rise through the ranks and help others around them raise the bar. The bottom line is that inclusive leaders are the best business leaders.”
Dan Wangerin
Associate Professor | David J. Lesar Professor of Business
Incorporates DEI in the undergraduate and master’s accounting programs
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Embracing the need for diversity is just a first step. It must be accompanied by systemic attention to fostering equity and inclusion. Everyone must feel a sense of belonging, empowerment, and ownership.

Goal 1

Enhance diversity— particularly with underrepresented minorities and women—among students, faculty, and staff.

Goal 2

Develop skills related to inclusive leadership and cultural dexterity for students, faculty, and staff leading to greater inclusion and increased retention.

Goal 3

Ensure equity and inclusion in all systems and processes, including student and faculty recruitment, admissions, promotions, resource allocation, and decision-making for all stakeholders.