Inclusive Excellence Champion Awards Bring Pride to Miller Hall
In a ceremony held at the Great Hall of the Wren Building on Thursday, April 27, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion presented the 2022-2023 Inclusive Excellence Champion Awards to outstanding community members who have significantly contributed to promoting diversity and inclusion.
We are thrilled to announce that five individuals affiliated with the Raymond A. Mason School of Business were among the nominees for this prestigious award. These individuals have been recognized for their exceptional work in promoting diversity and inclusion within their respective fields.
Brian Baines, Senior Business Services & Human Resources Administrator, received the award for his significant contributions to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion through his work assisting with the Faculty Hiring Pilot. He has been instrumental in identifying and recruiting highly qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to help create a more diverse and inclusive faculty. His commitment to promoting DEI initiatives has positively impacted the Mason School of Business and the wider community.
Michelle Harris, Human Resources Business Partner, and Phil Wagner, Clinical Associate Professor, Organizational Behavior, received the award for their efforts in organizing a workshop for Mason School staff that aimed to foster inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community. This event provided a safe and non-judgmental space for colleagues to learn from and with each other.
Carlane Pittman, Assistant Dean of MBA Programs, was awarded for her tireless efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion across the Education, Business, and Law schools. She has been instrumental in organizing and leading the Mason Women in Leadership Series and has organized various Anti-Racist Trainings for students, faculty, and staff. Additionally, she has been a driving force behind the Student of Color Alumni Association events and has played a vital role in establishing the Antiracism Book Club. Her work has been a shining example of how to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all.
For the first time this year, students were among the nominees. Pietro Marino, BBA '23, was awarded for his outstanding leadership role in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within his fraternity. He has also completed an internship at a nonprofit organization in Cambodia and is actively involved in the Global Research Institute (GRI). Additionally, he was part of a specially selected undergraduate team from W&M that traveled to Washington, D.C., to engage in a DEI consulting opportunity for the National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) annual leadership convention.
The Inclusive Excellence Champion Award is a testament to these individuals' dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in their communities. Their efforts have helped create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all, and their work inspires others to do the same.
The ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests, including President Rowe, Provost Agouris, the award recipients, their supervisors, and those who nominated the selected Diversity Champions. The event was a fitting tribute to these outstanding individuals' achievements, and we hope their work will continue to inspire others to make a difference in their communities.
On behalf of the entire community, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all of the winners of the 2022-2023 Inclusive Excellence Champion Awards. Your contributions are invaluable, and we are grateful for all that you do to make our community a more inclusive and welcoming place for all.
