Diversity in Business Symposium 2024
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The Scott College of Business Diversity in Business Symposium will occur Monday, February 19, 2024
at the Ken and Theresa Smith Magna Carta Courtroom in the Federal Hall Building from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
As a leading business school, we aim to provide a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff within our college. We believe that everyone is of value and strive to empower the respectful exchange of ideas, thoughts, and opportunities within business. The event will bring together a diverse group of students and professionals who will share their business experience, including opportunities and challenges they have faced in supporting a more inclusive work environment. The symposium will begin at 10:00 a.m. and culminate with a keynote address from Dr. Marcus McChristian.
Our Keynote:
Dr. Marcus McChristian is a Foreign Service Officer for the U.S. Department of State. He has spent his entire career focusing on global initiatives while completing tours of duty in multiple countries, including Africa, Asia, Europe, and South America. As an international business leader, he is responsible for developing financial strategies, coaching cross-functional teams, and managing U.S. Embassy operations for efficiency, innovation, and profitability. Prior to the U.S. State Department, Dr. McChristian held positions in the private sector as the Director of Finance and International General Manager for several multinational companies. He is also a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). Dr. McChristian completed his Doctor of Philosophy from Indiana Institute of Technology, Master of Business Administration from University of Central Florida, and Bachelor of Science at Indiana State University.
Other Speakers:
Opening Remarks by:
Mr. Brandon Sakbun
Mayor, City of Terre Haute
Mr. Sakbun was born and raised in Terre Haute. He graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School. Afterwards, he attended Indiana University where he received a bachelor’s degree in finance and became a distinguished military graduate through IU Army ROTC. He also has a master’s degree in public affairs from Indiana University O’Neill School.
In 2018, Brandon joined the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. He rose to the rank of Captain in the Army Rangers. He is currently a member of the Indiana National Guard.
Brandon is the 43rd Mayor of Terre Haute and the youngest mayor in the history of Terre Haute.
Panelist:
Ms. Makaela Denny
Talent Acquisition Specialist
Enterprise Mobility
Makaela is a Talent Acquisition Specialist at Enterprise Mobility. She graduated from Indiana State University in May 2020 during COVID, which was her first real world challenge to overcome. Her first job with Enterprise Rent-A-Car was in July of 2020 as a Management Trainee here in Terre Haute. She has since moved with the company four times, and gained six promotions throughout her short tenure. In October 2023, she started a new adventure as a recruiter which has allowed her the opportunity to grow in more ways than she thought possible. Makaela serves on a DEI plank within Enterprise and speaks at various events on campuses across the state. She is so excited to speak at this event at Indiana State as an alumnus.
Panelist:
Ms. Reema Lamichhane
Global Talent Acquisition Manager
Eli Lilly & Company
Ms. Lamichhane is a seasoned HR professional with expertise in Strategic Recruitment. She is also a passionate advocate for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belongingness. Reema was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. She came to the United States of America in 2006 to continue her educational journey. She holds Bachelor of Science in Corporate Finance from Minnesota State University and Master of Science in Human Resource Development from Indiana State University. After completing her MS from ISU, she has had the opportunity to work, learn and grow from the best employers in the world. Currently, she resides in Fishers, IN with her beautiful family and works at Eli Lilly and Company where she is able to integrate her fulfilling family life and professional endeavors well.
Panelist:
Mr. Darrell Morton
Sr. Manager Educational Programs & Diversity Partnerships
Republic Airways
Mr. Morton has extensive experience supporting sizeable k-12 school districts across Central Indiana for over 15 years. With a technology and professional communications background, Darrell has been on the front end with district-level leadership in planning, creating, training and delivering web-based instruction to engage student learning. As an Associate Instructor in the IU School of Education at Indianapolis, Darrell provided learning experiences for students on integrating technology into future classroom curricula. He has also taught online courses to students in Upward Bound programs at Case Western Reserve University, Lake Michigan College and IUPUI. As a UAS pilot, Darrell partners with the Girls Stem Institute of Indianapolis to teach flight and drone operation basics. Darrell is a published Children's Book Author and a baseball umpire who works at the collegiate level and in MLB's minor leagues. He served actively in the United States Army and obtained a Master's degree from Ball State University and a Bachelor's degree from Indiana State University. He is an alumni board member and a founder of the "Sycamore Alumni Legacy of Change" and "Indianapolis to ISU Blue Road" endowments that benefit ISU students. Darrell is a native of Indianapolis and manages educational programs and diversity partnerships for Republic Airways.
Welcoming Remarks by:
Dr. Deborah Curtis
President, Indiana State University
Panel Moderator:
Ms. Courtney Richey
Regional Director, West Central Indiana Small Business Development Center
Concluding Remarks by:
Dr. Chris Olsen
Provost, Indiana State University