Diversity & Inclusion
The Carlson School is dedicated to welcoming a diverse student body and helping each student thrive. In the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, we provide programming, services, and support to first-generation, students of color, and other historically underrepresented students. All are welcome to engage with our team's programs and initiatives.
Upcoming Carlson Events and Initiatives
Global Scholars and THRIVE events, please reach out to your mentor for details.
Heritage Months: Snacks & Crafts in the Hub
Ready for Success
The Carlson School of Management has partnered with Ready for Success, a local non-profit organization that provides professional attire to job and internship seekers at no cost to the student. The Student Life and Career Design team can secure an appointment for you with this organization. If you are an undergraduate student enrolled in at Carlson and have financial need, please complete the form below.
Student Spaces
Take What You Need Closet
We recognize that college life often comes with financial challenges, and not every student can afford all the necessities. In an effort to support our students we have established a "take what you need" closet, located in the EBI Hub (2-180 Hanson), with basic supplies for all Carlson School students to access when in a time of financial need.
Toiletries (toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, shampoo, conditioner, menstrual supplies, etc.)
Household supplies (laundry detergent, dish soap, sponges, cleaning supplies etc)
Sewing and shoe shine kits
School supplies such as pens, notebooks, folders, etc.
Nonperishable lunches that are quick to make (mac and cheese, ramen etc)
Items that could be used during interviews/mentoring opportunities
Water bottles, lunch boxes, etc.
Stop by whenever you need.
Donations are welcomed anytime. Please make sure that all donations are in good shape. New or clean lightly used items are greatly appreciated.
Want to support financially? Click here to donate
EBI Hub
The Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Hub is a community-based space for students of underrepresented identities in business to connect with peers, relax, and create community. This space is open to everyone with a focus on creating a space to engage in dialogue around topics involving their respective communities.
We validate the multiple dimensions of identity our students hold and recognize the unique barriers and challenges they will encounter within predominantly white academic spaces. Our work aims to equip students to navigate this reality in meaningful ways.
Come to hang out, play a game, color, do a puzzle, connect with resources, or just chill.
If you or your student organization wants to host a social, cultural or community event, you can request to reserve this space at z.umn.edu/EBIHub
Want to support financially? Click here to donate
Reflection Room
Creating an inclusive physical campus means accommodating the spiritual needs of the campus community through spaces that can balance a diversity of religious, spiritual, and meditative practices. Intentional spaces allow individuals to exercise those expressions without disruption.
1-222 Hanson Hall can provide a calm and private space for individuals to exercise expressions of their religious, spiritual, and meditative practices.
The reflection rooms are available for use by all students, instructors, and staff of the Carlson School, and include rugs, pillows, and chairs. These spaces are technology-free areas and are not for individual or group study. Learn more about guidelines here.
Want to support financially? Click here to donate
Force for Good - Student Stories
Chloe Ng - Student Athlete - Carlson Class of 2026
Mia Vue Jennings - Hmong American Artist - Carlson Class of 2026
Meet Our Team
Geida Cleveland (she/her/ella)
Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Enrollment
Angie Murray (she/her)
Assistant Director of Diversity Transition & Retention Initiatives
Jeff Williams (he/him)
Coordinator for Diversity Pathway Initiatives & Community Partnerships
Veronika Paprocka (they/them)
Academic Advisor
Jontue Austin (he/him)
Academic Advisor
Jenay Manydeeds-Park (she/her)
Academic Advisor
Lisa Folch (she/her)
Academic Advisor
Student Positions
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Intern
THRIVE Mentors
Emerging Leaders of Color Mentors
Global Scholars Mentors
Outreach Ambassadors
Current Student Programming
Lunch Connections
The DEI team hosts regular lunches for students to connect. These include:
Community of Color
LGBTQI2S+
First Gen Student
Power Lunches for Undergraduate Women
Keep an eye on the calendar for all of these events!
Carlson THRIVE
Select incoming first-generation and/or historically underrepresented students are invited to join the THRIVE cohort, in which they take Carlson courses, participate in community building and leadership retreats together, and receive peer mentorship. President's Emerging Scholars recipients are also part of THRIVE.
Learn more about the program at z.umn.edu/CarlsonTHRIVE
Global Scholars
The Global Scholars Program is an initiative to better educate and equip incoming, degree-seeking international students to be successful in their academic, social, and professional endeavors. All Carlson School international students are invited to Global Scholar events throughout the year and provided resources to help build community, develop professional skills, and get questions answered in a safe space.
Questions? email intlbsb@umn.edu
Equity & Leadership Conference
Students will explore the current business landscape, opportunities in business, and the importance of equity in the workplace. The conference will empower students to challenge the status quo, navigate challenges to equity in the workplace, and build a network of mentors.
This bi-annual conference is free and open to all University of Minnesota students.
Pre-College Programming
Business Innovation Academy
The Carlson School offers a week-long Business Innovation Academy for rising 7th and 8th graders. The camp includes short courses in finance, marketing, leadership, and presentation skills, and gives students plenty of time to work together on a case, taking advantage of the Carlson School’s strong relationships in the business community.
Emerging Leaders of Color (ELOC)
An 8-month pathway program for underrepresented high school students, including:
Business classes, faculty, and career options
Professional development
Networking with professionals
Mentorship from a current Carlson School student
College preparation activities
Learn more about the program at z.umn.edu/ELOC
Analytics U
Analytics U at the Carlson School of Management is a week-long pathway program for underrepresented high school students, introducing them to how data science can play a critical role in solving real world problems that impact our everyday lives.