Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Seen, Heard, Valued
The Gies Business Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is actively engaged in fostering an inclusive learning and working environment where all are seen, heard, and valued.
We provide leadership to units to implement data-informed strategies that empower future business leaders, faculty, and staff to be culturally aware, actively anti-racist, and equity-minded.
We support the College’s Commitments and Beliefs through our intentional and collaborative engagement with alumni, community members, and corporate partners to reduce inequity, expand access, and enhance belonging.
We believe that a more equitable future is necessary and becomes possible with the sincere investment of all.
Strategic Initiatives
Here’s how we put “Seen, Heard, Valued” into practice:
- Consultative guidance for enhancing equity and inclusion
- Training and development opportunities
- Faculty and staff affinity groups
- Student affinity groups
- Collaborative programming
LGBTQ+ Student Affinity Group
New in 2024, Pride at Gies, an LGBTQ+ student affinity group, is open to undergraduates pursuing a major or minor through Gies Business. Email inclusion@business.illinois.edu to learn more or receive sign-up information.
Faculty and Staff Affinity Groups
These faculty and staff groups strive to foster a supportive environment for participants, elevate their voices, and provide visibility and resources for others within the College.
They host workshops, webinars, member socials, guest speakers, and special student-facing events. Past events have included a Black History Month Mixer, a women’s speaker series, and a “Love Is Love” event, among many other engaging opportunities.
- Black Faculty and Staff at Gies
- LGBTQ+ and Allies at Gies
- Women at Gies
Email inclusion@business.illinois.edu to learn more or receive sign-up information.
Gies Business Resources
- Access & Multicultural Engagement for Undergraduates
- Embedded Counselor (assigned to Gies Business)
- Student Success
Campus Resources
- Counseling Center
- First-Generation Students
- Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Student Success, Inclusion, and Belonging, including information for cultural houses, gender and sexuality resources, international education, and more.
- Submitting a Campus Belonging Report
Engage with the Office of DEI
Our Team
Related Articles
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Seen, heard, and valued: DEI Director Tekita Bankhead leads with intent to include
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Twelve Gies faculty earn promotions for 2024
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