Dear friends,

As we wrap up the fall semester and look ahead, I’m reminded of the incredible community we foster here at the Carson College of Business. This December issue of eDividend highlights our commitment to diversity and inclusion in education, empowering students to become innovative, socially conscious business leaders. Our college thrives on diverse perspectives, providing students with frequent opportunities to learn from industry experts who speak at our events throughout the year. Our event roundup feature provides a sample of the tools we impart to help students navigate and excel in a globalized business environment.

In this issue, we spotlight Tracy Dao, a recent graduate who minored in aging business management. She aims to support Vietnam as an increasing portion of its population enters older age, creating new challenges and opportunities for senior care. Her focus on the senior-living industry demonstrates how our college is preparing students to meet the world’s evolving needs.

We’re also excited to share that the Bank of America Charitable Foundation has awarded a grant to support tribal outreach in the WSU Everett campus service area. This initiative is another important step toward strengthening our ties with tribal communities and expanding opportunities for collaboration.

In an impactful international collaboration, Chris and Rebecca Cooney hosted workshops in Armenia focused on “Building a Stronger Media in Armenia: Exploring the Potential of AI and Social Media.” This effort is part of a $1.3 million partnership with the American University of Armenia, emphasizing the importance of AI and social media in media development. Their work underscores our commitment to global engagement and illustrates the importance of cross-cultural learning and development in the business world.

We also feature critical research revealing that workplace evaluators may inflate performance feedback for women to avoid appearing prejudiced. While well-intentioned, this practice can hinder women’s professional growth, prompting us to reconsider evaluation methods for fair and constructive feedback.

This issue also highlights Online MBA alum Carol Pérez, who is making strides in human resources at the University of Washington’s Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies. Perez Carreras’ active leadership in DEI committees demonstrates how our programs prepare graduates to lead with purpose.

Additionally, we feature Online Executive MBA alum Octavia Graham, an equity, diversity, and inclusion manager for Seattle Rep, a theater featuring productions and programs that reflect and elevate diverse cultures and perspectives. Graham’s dedication to advancing inclusive values in the workplace is a powerful example of the impact our graduates have in their communities.

As we celebrate these initiatives, let us continue to cultivate an inclusive environment that fosters innovation and supports the aspirations of our students.

Warm regards & Go Cougs!

Debbie Compeau, Interim Dean