Ernst & Young and William & Mary’s University Host Student Diversity Symposium

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On February 16th, William & Mary’s Raymond A. Mason School of Business (W&M University) hosted the University’s inaugural Student Diversity Symposium. The transformative event was organized through the joint efforts of Ernst & Young and W&M University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion.

The goal of the symposium was to feature workshops and speakers to educate students and faculty on ways to effectively bolster inclusion and diversity in professional spaces.

Ken Bouyer, director of inclusiveness recruiting at Ernst & Young Americas, was one of the guest speakers. In his role, Bouyer ensures the progression and implementation of Ernst & Young’s diverse and inclusive talent recruitment strategy.

In a press release published on the university’s website, finance and marketing students shared their appreciation for Bouyer’s message, which encouraged students to “embrace the things that make us different.”

After Bouyer’s address, participants spent several hours in workshops on a variety of topics, such as “Making Space: Accessible Activism” hosted by W&M University’s Associate Director for the Center for Student Diversity Roxie Patton.

In her workshop, Paton introduced a term she called “The Platinum Rule.” In her words, “Treat others the way they want to be treated.”

Her approach to diversity and inclusion is grounded in more than “checking a box” or putting a certain mix of people in the same room together, Patton’s approach asks us to ensure that people feel welcome in such spaces.

To get the full scoop and insights from students and faculty members at W&M University, read the full release by Kristen Popham.

Photo credit:  Raymond A. Mason School of Business photo