Pamplin office receives back-to-back Inspiring Programs in Business Awards
The Pamplin College of Business was recognized for its study abroad program, which contributes to Virginia Tech’s commitment to fostering global perspectives, cultural exchange, and inclusive excellence.
For the second straight year, the Pamplin College of Business Office for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) received the 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine, underscoring the college’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and opportunity in business education.
Insight Into Diversity magazine, the largest and oldest diversity and inclusion publication in higher education, recognized the Pamplin office for its DEIB Around the World program, an experiential learning program that expands international access and global opportunities for underrepresented undergraduate students.
“DEIB Around the World was created to offer diverse students the opportunity and access to experience learning abroad and all it has to offer,” said Janice Branch Hall, associate dean for the office. “Airfare, lodging, passport fees, and more were barriers many of these students faced with a traditional study abroad program. We will continue to advocate for life-altering programs that eliminate financial barriers and articulate global and societal impact.
“Students' lives will never be the same with transformative experiences such as these.”
Pamplin's DEIB office will be featured in the magzine's April issue. In 2023, the office received the Inspiring Programs in Business Award for its commitment to cultivating a sense of belonging for students and stakeholders using inclusive and innovative practices to elevate the human experience and develop culturally informed community leaders.
The Inspiring Programs in Business Award acknowledges institutions for their dedication to inspiring the next generation of business leaders through impactful mentoring, innovative teaching methods, groundbreaking research, and successful programs and initiatives. The award honors institutions that actively encourage students from underrepresented groups to embark on successful careers in business.
In collaboration with Virginia Tech’s Global Education Office and the Steger Center for International Scholarship in Riva San Vitale, Switzerland, the inaugural cohort of DEIB Around the World featured 26 undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds who embarked on a 10-day journey in May 2023. The initiative contributes to Pamplin's commitment to fostering global perspectives, cultural exchange, and inclusive excellence. The collaboration with international partners enhances the college's dedication to providing enriching opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and cultivate a deeper understanding of cultural humility and inclusion and diversity issues on a global scale.
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to have been a part of the pilot cohort for the program,” said Laura Powell-Portillo, an undergraduate student studying business information technology and finance. “Over 10 days in Switzerland and Italy, I gained a deep understanding of the significance of international business and tourism. This experience allowed me to broaden my cultural horizons and learn from individuals who have achieved great success internationally.”
The program expands international access for underrepresented populations while enhancing student cultural humility and practical skills in a global business context, aligning with goal three of Pamplin’s implementation plan for strategic initiative 5.6: Build a Model Inclusive Community. It is one of the first programs of its kind to offer underrepresented students the opportunity to travel abroad without the stressor of finances. All program fees including airfare, lodging, meals, and passport expenses were covered for students.
The program also supports the aims of Virginia Tech Advantage, a universitywide, multiyear commitment to dramatically expand support for students who have financial need. As students engage in study abroad experiences and faculty build new programs, the university is able to expand its impact on a global scale. This impact is foundational to Virginia Tech Global Distinction, a university commitment to strengthen our capacity to act as a force for positive change.
“Studying abroad in Switzerland is an enriching opportunity,” said Keven Turner, an undergraduate student studying accounting and information systems. “Switzerland's renowned institutions, landscapes, and cultural diversity make it an ideal destination. I gained a firsthand understanding of global dynamics in a top financial center.”
Turner continued, “The program's emphasis allows me to study diverse teams and multicultural environments. Switzerland's multicultural society and commitment to inclusivity provide an excellent backdrop. I immersed myself in new cultures, deepened my appreciation for perspectives, and built intercultural skills. Overall, studying abroad in Switzerland offered a transformative experience, expanding knowledge, providing a global perspective, and building a diverse network for an inclusive world.”
“We know that many business programs are not always recognized for their success, dedication, and mentorship for underrepresented students,” said Lenore Pearlstein, owner and publisher of Insight Into Diversity magazine. “We want to honor the schools and organizations that have created programs that inspire and encourage young people who may currently be in or are interested in a future business career. We are proud to honor these programs as role models to other institutions of higher education and beyond.”
For more information about the 2024 Inspiring Programs in Business Award and Insight Into Diversity magazine, visit insightintodiversity.com.
Written by A’me Dalton
