Meet a Booth Student: Jasmyne Gorrell
Meet Jasmyne Gorrell, an Evening MBA student and co-chair of the Coalition of Minorities in Business. She tells us why she chose Chicago Booth and how she helps support diversity initiatives at Booth and beyond.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
At Chicago Booth, we have a steadfast commitment to building a more diverse and equitable world and leading change within our own community.
Diversity and inclusion are central to our mission. We vehemently reject racism and discrimination, and we believe that the best ideas emerge from a community of diverse backgrounds and multiple perspectives. We are determined to create an inclusive environment that empowers each individual to fully participate in the exchange of ideas and perspectives that is foundational to the Booth experience.
At the same time, we recognize that we must continue to work to build a more equitable community, and we are taking a number of concrete steps to strengthen our diversity and inclusion efforts. For example:
- Our new Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan outlines specific steps we will take to support diversity in student recruitment, faculty hiring, internal communications, the MBA curriculum, and more.
- A new student group, the Deans’ Diversity Advisory Committee, meets regularly to ensure that students play an integral role on a full range of diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- We are raising funds for diversity and inclusion efforts as a focus area of the Chicago Booth Annual Fund.
- Through partnerships with Management Leadership for Tomorrow and other national organizations, we are helping to build a strong pipeline of diverse MBA candidates.
- We have formed a staff diversity and inclusion committee with the purpose of enhancing awareness and understanding of diverse perspectives, identities, and experiences to promote engagement and learning across all backgrounds.
- Career Services and Corporate Relations regularly engage with corporate partners on their approach to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We advocate regarding recruiting practices, advancement opportunities, and professional development. We empower students and alumni to explore corporate D&I practices through programs, educational events, and research resources.
In a conversation with student Morgan Franklin, Dean Rajan discussed the genesis of the school’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan and outlined the school’s vision for taking meaningful action and measuring our progress going forward.
Celebrating Women’s History Month
In honor of Women’s History Month, we will be spotlighting stories throughout March celebrating the bold, trailblazing women within our community. Explore their stories below and in our section covering Booth women.
Prescribing Whole-Person Care at NowPow
A cross-campus collaboration has given rise to a thriving woman-led tech startup and a new vision for health care in the US.
Sipping Sustainably at Brewer AB InBev
Ezgi Barcenas, ’13, reflects on how the skills she learned at Chicago Booth help her drive impact at scale at global brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev.
Strengthening Our Work
Booth’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan serves as the cornerstone of our efforts to build a more inclusive community and address racism and internal biases. The plan addresses student concerns, acknowledges that we have work to do, and reaffirms our commitment to doing that work.
The plan supports diversity and inclusion initiatives across Booth programs and services, from recruiting a diverse student body to developing global leaders to building relationships with inclusive employers.
Explore Programs and Resources
We welcome and embrace individuals from all ethnicities, cultures, genders, sexual orientations, religious beliefs or no religious beliefs, and we actively recruit and support students from communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in business schools. From diversity dinners to women’s leadership programs to our annual Pink Party, we celebrate diversity in all its forms.
Learn more about our cultural, regional, religious, and personal affiliation groups, and the diversity and inclusion initiatives they host throughout the year.
Underrepresented Students of Color
Learn about professional, social, and educational opportunities available to underrepresented students of color at Chicago Booth.
Resources for Women
Chicago Booth has a deep commitment to supporting women students in their journey through business school and beyond.
LGBTQ Students
At Chicago Booth, we’re committed to fostering a strong LGBTQ student community through partnerships, student groups, events, and more.
International Students
We welcome students from around the world, and we’re committed to offering the support our global students need to thrive.
Members of the Military
We value your experience, perspective, and maturity as a military veteran, and we’re committed to supporting your success.
People of Faith
Learn about the many professional, social, and spiritual opportunities available to students of faith at Chicago Booth.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives for Alumni
We invite all of our alumni to engage with us in building a stronger, more inclusive community. From listening sessions with Black alumni to identity-based alumni networks and a new series of dialogues on issues such as social justice and equity, Chicago Booth Advancement is dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected.
A Tradition of Inclusion
Since 1929, when Booth was the first university to grant a PhD in business to a woman, we have broken barriers in diversity and inclusion. In 1964, we were the first business school to establish a minority scholarship program. In 1970, Booth students founded the National Black MBA Association. In 1985, Chicago Booth became the first elite business school with an office dedicated to the support of underrepresented student populations.
In 2014, we partnered with the Chicago Urban League to create the IMPACT Leadership Development program, which connects up-and-coming professionals with senior Black leaders throughout Chicago. And in 2020, Booth hosted the Management Leadership for Tomorrow Pre-Application Seminar, welcoming Black, Latinx, and Native American students interested in business school for two days of virtual learning and networking.
Stories from Our Community
IMPACT that Endures
Chicago’s first leadership development program specifically for African American professionals, created in partnership with Chicago Booth, is training the next generation of civic and corporate leaders.
How America’s Employers Can Pave the Way for Social Change
A Booth professor’s call to action is already moving companies to give paid time off for voting as one way of addressing racial inequities.
NBMBAA's Founders on Paving the Way for Change
Fifty years ago, a group of Booth students started what has become the leading business organization for black professionals in the United States. Two founding members reflect on that historic time.
Engaging with Our Latinx Community
In honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we want to help you explore the resources available to Latinx students, as well as the ways in which all Booth students can learn more and celebrate the diverse cultures that comprise this heritage.
Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in Economics
As economists reflect on the lack of representation in their field, a Booth professor is collaborating with his peers to fight for change.
Veterans and Active Military: Valued Members of Our Community
With a longstanding commitment to applicants from all walks of life and industry backgrounds, Chicago Booth values those joining us from military services around the world.
Share Your Ideas
Help us lead change and create a more diverse and inclusive community. Submit the form below to share your thoughts on what we can do better.
Contact Us Directly
Booth Diversity and Inclusion leadership welcomes your questions and comments. Here’s how to reach us.
Diversity and Inclusion
Email Us
Jessica Jaggers
Dean of Students and Associate Dean, Student Life
773.702.6803
Email Jessica Jaggers
Explore Our Programs
Wherever you are on your journey, Chicago Booth will help you reach the next level. Learn more about our top-ranked degree and Executive Education programs.
MBA Programs
Achieve more with an MBA degree from Chicago Booth. Offered in four formats—including Executive MBA programs based in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong—to suit your personal and professional goals.
PhD Program
Explore your research interests and earn a PhD from one of the best business PhD programs in the world.
Executive Education
Choose from nearly 50 open-enrollment programs worldwide, or create a custom program tailored to meet your organization’s unique challenges.
Engage Further in Why Booth
Explore Our Collaborative Community
We believe that ideas compete and people collaborate. At Booth you’ll learn in a diverse, supportive community that challenges you to expand your thinking.
Explore Leadership Education at Booth
As leadership education has transformed, Booth has been at the forefront, driving new ways of thinking about and teaching tomorrow’s leaders.