With some of the most trusted and knowledgeable voices in diversity, equity, and inclusion, Johnson has the will, the means, and the commitment to support and empower a diverse student body.
The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) at the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management nurtures the success of all of our students by creating a community of belonging. We have broken down barriers and dismantled the systems that have historically prevented students from showing up as their authentic selves.
Our school, along with the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business, remains committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Our community promotes and practices respectful, civil discourse, and our immediate focus is on keeping the community safe. We echo Cornell University President Martha E. Pollack’s messages to support one another in standing against hatred.
Dialogue and education are essential now more than ever to dismantle systemic racism in our school, in business education more broadly, and in the organizations our students go on to lead. We’ve developed several initiatives to promote antiracism and enhance diversity and belonging throughout the school.
Our school, as part of the SC Johnson College, recognizes and honors the land on which we live, work, and learn. Cornell University is located on the traditional homelands of the Gayogo̱hó:nǫɁ (the Cayuga Nation).
“I know that whenever I walk in, I’m stepping in a space where I can be myself and my voice will be heard. The office has an open-door policy, and I’ve always felt welcome to stop by and share my thoughts on how to continue to foster an inclusive community for Black students and underrepresented minorities at the Johnson School.” —Kayla Menes MBA ’24
“We have the opportunity to shape the next class by leading various events for current and prospective students. I had the opportunity to partner with incredible students this past year. Students can expect strong second year and faculty support.” —Saurab Prabhakar MBA ’24
The Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management was one of the first top-tier business schools to have an office focused on supporting the rising generation of women, Black, Indigenous, Latinx/Hispanic, and LGBTQ leaders. The Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI), which opened in 1999, is a resource for all prospective and current students, faculty and staff members, corporate partners, and alumni.
As a university founded to be a place where “any person can find instruction,” we value diversity and inclusion, and we strive to be a welcoming, caring, and equitable community. The university mission complements our mission to “foster a diverse community of equity, inclusion, and belonging within the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management to promote psychological safety so that all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and external partners can show up as their authentic selves and thrive to build sustainable, shared prosperity.”
Founded in 1999 as the Office for Women and Minorities in Business, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024. The Johnson School was among the first top-tier business schools to create an office dedicated to integrating diversity and inclusion into the student experience.
We’re here to support applicants of any race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, religious affiliation, or sexual orientation through the admissions process. Our MBA program offers several signature events for prospective students including Johnson Diversity Hosting Weekend and Johnson Military Preview.
All across the Johnson School, you’ll find student organizations and clubs that bring communities and allies together to celebrate diverse cultures and provide learning and networking opportunities. Our office partners with these groups and other departments across campus to ensure we’re dismantling barriers and nurturing success.
We are committed to creating an equitable community that embraces students with disabilities and neurodiversity. We work closely with student support offices and campus groups to ensure students have access to services and other resources.
We celebrate awareness and allyship of Asian American and Pacific Island heritages in many ways. Participate in annual celebrations such as Lunar New Year and Diwali or attend an educational event hosted by the Asian Affinity Business Association.
ODI works closely with groups like the Black Graduate Student Association and the Johnson Africa Business Society. Annual student-led events include the Melanin Mixer, Jollof Wars, and a range of programming during Black History Month.
Johnson is a member of The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in global business education. Member schools aim to reduce the underrepresentation and exclusion of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans in their enrollment.
We strive to foster a community that respects the spiritual beliefs of everyone. Our office works with faith-based organizations and individual students to promote awareness of cultural and religious practices that are less understood in the United States and thereby marginalized.
Being the first person in the family to attend college is an accomplishment that can come with unexpected challenges. We support first-generation and low-income students in several ways, from financial support and career development to mentoring and networking opportunities.
ODI helps Indigenous students connect or reconnect with their full identities. We offer intentional support and resources, such as opportunities to engage with other Indigenous students at Cornell and with the nations on whose traditional lands we sit.
Our office collaborates with the Hispanic American Business Leaders Association and the Latin American Business Association. Student groups host events like Carnaval Latino and the Afro-Latinx Party.
We celebrate the many identities that make up our LGBTQ+ community at Johnson. Groups like Out for Business provide professional development programs. Student groups host annual events like the Drag Brunch and an LGBTQ+ welcome for incoming students.
We support women and help all students understand the implications of gender inequity. Student groups organize events for Women’s History Month and host networking and learning opportunities throughout the year.
Johnson offers a variety of courses that focus on difficult conversations and leading across differences. Our office supplements that with facilitated dialogues and training for the campus community focusing on identity, equity, privilege, oppression, and more.
Students can benefit from career development and conferences led by diversity-driven nonprofits and national organizations. Examples include Reaching Out MBA, the National Black MBA Association Career Expo, and the Empwr Disability in Business Conference.
Explore our event calendar for opportunities to learn something new, engage with our community, or participate in a celebration.
Supporting diversity and inclusion is a critical component of the accreditation standards of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). The organization’s guiding principles state: “Diversity in people and ideas enhances the educational experience and encourages excellence in every business education program.”
The Johnson School is proud to be among the less than 6 percent of business schools worldwide that have met AACSB’s rigorous requirements, which include creating a welcoming environment that fosters diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
Learn more about initiatives from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and other related news and stories from across our school.
Ekta Kumar, MBA ’25 recounts her experience meeting women leaders in the investing profession and connecting with students from across the country at the 15th annual MBA Women in Investing Conference.
Leaders in business and hospitality share words of wisdom for emerging leaders.
As a Park Leadership Fellow, Kielyn Jarvis, MBA ’23, developed a mentorship program that will match MBA students with Dyson Diversity Scholars.
