Whitman Hosts Coming Back Together Panel

The Whitman School hosted a networking luncheon and real-talk panel discussion, “Being Black and Latino/a in Academic and Corporate Culture,” on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021, as part of Syracuse University’s Coming Back Together 2021 reunion.

Dean Gene Anderson shared updates on the Whitman School’s new diversity, equity and inclusion resources and programs that have been created and led by Diane Crawford, executive director of institutional culture, as well those lead by Associate Professor of Management Kira Reed. This lunch was followed by a panel discussion.

The panel was moderated by Tierney Bates, Ed.D., assistant vice chancellor for special projects and interim executive director for University Career Services, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Bates is a national speaker, networker, career coach and a leader who shares his voice on diversity and inclusion.

Bates posed a number of questions to the panelists, who included Grismeldys Beato ’22 (WHIT/iSchool); Jared Byrd ’23; Gisele Marcus ’89, vice president of operations and client engagement, One Stone Development Company LLC; and Jose R. Quiles ’19 MBA, senior vice president, senior global service manager, treasury and trade solutions, Citi.

The Whitman alumni and students on the panel shared their experiences—identifying and discussing solutions to overcome the barriers to success and ensure accountability—and explored how organizations can expand efforts to foster an inclusive culture while providing equitable opportunities for persons of color.

During the panel discussion my spirit was filled with pride seeing and hearing the accomplishment and potential of this gathering of multicultural and multigenerational exceptionalism and our common bond with Whitman.

Syracuse is in a very unique position to have with a broad network of diverse professionals, experiences and opportunities. I was approached by recent graduates and current students about their interest to have these types of discussions more frequently throughout the years. It is very important to me that we continue to care and share with each other.”

Mack F. Rice ’82
Managing Partner, Northstar Risk Solutions Group LLC