Georgia Tech’s Scheller College of Business places diversity and inclusion at the forefront of who we are, what we do, and the decisions we make. Fostering a diverse, innovative community of students, faculty, staff, and alumni is a fundamental pillar of Scheller’s strategic plan, and we are committed to generating more meaningful conversation and action.  

To that end, Scheller is pleased to announce two speaker series specifically designed to more fully examine the topics of diversity and inclusion for all of our communities. Dean Maryam Alavi and the Diversity & Inclusion Speaker Series will partner with the Institute for Leadership and Social Impact (ILSI) to host an impressive line-up of speakers who will center their discussion around race, social justice, equity, and inclusion. The talks provide students and the larger community off-campus with the opportunity to learn from notable leaders and entrepreneurs from the corporate and social sectors.

“We are hosting these sessions in order to elevate the voices of those who can educate and enlighten the community around vitally important issues. These events are open to the public, and our hope is that Scheller and Georgia Tech students, faculty, and staff, along the wider business community, will join together to engage in open, honest dialogue and learning around diversity and inclusion,” said Dean Alavi.

Several distinguished speakers include Dr. Beverly Tatum, President Emerita of Spelman College and the author of the best-selling book Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race; Lori George Billingsley, Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at The Coca-Cola Company; and Pearl Alexander, Executive Director, Staff Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

All events will be held on Wednesdays from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sessions are virtual and open to the public.

Calendar of Events

9/2 - Melanie Huet, Chief Marketing Officer, Serta Simmons Bedding LLC, Impact Speaker Series - Register

9/9 - Dr. Beverly Tatum, President Emerita of Spelman College, Author of "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? And Other Conversations about Race." Dean’s D&I/Impact Speaker Series - Register

9/16 - Archel Bernard, Founder, Bombchel Factory, Impact Speaker Series - Register

9/23 - Center for Civic Innovation Panel: Sagdrina Jalal (Senior Director of Programs at CCI), Akissi Stokes (Founder, WunderGrubs), Rachel Willis, Founder (Elevating Equity), and Mamie Harper, Founder (Carrie's Closet), Impact Speaker Series - Register

9/30 - Georgia Justice Project Panel: Senator Tonya Anderson (D), Representative Houston Gaines (R), Doug Ammar (GJP), and Lisa McGahan (GJP), Impact Speaker Series - Register

10/14 - Elizabeth McMillian, Director of Corporate Communications and Culture Development, Fiserv, Impact Speaker Series - Register

10/28 - Lori George Billingsley, Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer, The Coca-Cola Company, Dean’s D&I/Impact Speaker Series - Register

11/18 - Pearl Alexander, Executive Director, Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement, Georgia Tech, Dean’s D&I - Register