Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging 
We are all different. We have different backgrounds, experiences, and ways of thinking.
In the College of Business we celebrate diversity and intentionally learn from, and with, each other.
Building cultural competence as individuals and an organization is a lifelong journey. We both welcome and enjoy the challenge of continuous learning and view this work as critical to our success.
Below find information about learning opportunities, affinity groups, and other initatives that help us make progress toward our goal of every student, faculty, and staff member experiencing equity, inclusion, and belonging in the College of Business.
Especially for incoming freshmen:
Get ahead this summer before college starts to be prepared for the rigors of university classes, meet friends for life, and interact with companies!
KOMPASS
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Multicultural Academic Program Success (MAPS)
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- 3.5 days - August 13-16th, 2023
- $1000 scholarship
- Early move-in to your assigned Residence Hall
- Industry visit with our corporate sponsor, Koch Ind.
- Learn more and apply now! Space is limited to 15 business majors.
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- 1 month - Friday, June 2 - Friday, June 30, 2023
- $1500 scholarship award freshman year, and potential to renew scholarship based on continued program participation and GPA
- Free Public Speaking course
- Paid room and board in K-State's Residence Halls during the program
- Industry tours and visits with our corporate sponsors, including Phillips 66 and Cargill
- Learn more and apply now! Space is limited to 10 business majors, 10 engineering majors, and 10 agriculture majors.
- Application deadline: May 10, 2023. Apply now!
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For incoming and current business students:
Meet your goals with our diverse community. Rise Up provides accessible resources & world-class leadership training, grounded in celebrating diversity, for underrepresented future business leaders.
Rise Up
Rise Up propels students to a successful career while celebrating diverse identities and cultures. All are welcome who seek to build belonging in a diverse community. The program is designed to serve business students who identify with a systemically marginalized and underrepresented group. This may include students who identify as Black/African American, Indigenous/Native American, Hispanic, Latino, Asian, multiracial, LGBTQ+, and/or as having a disability. Scholars receive perks including scholarships, leadership training, and corporate trips.100% of Rise Up Scholars have a full time job offer before graduation.
Application Deadlines:
Priority Deadline: Monday, August 21, 2023 @ 11:59 pm
Semester Deadline: Friday, September 15, 2023 @ 11:59 pm
Being new to college can be challenging for anyone. Finding folks who identify similarly can help build community and belonging.
K-State has over 300 clubs and organizations where students of all different interests and backgrounds can connect.
No matter how you identify you can thrive here! Below we feature some of our award-winning student affinity groups and programs.
Affinity groups are communities of people who share a common interest, identity, or purpose. These groups provide a safe space for individuals to connect with others who understand their unique experiences and perspectives.
K-State has the following Affinity Groups. We encourage your participation and engagement! Learn more here.
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Alianza - Alianza is a faculty and staff organization that advocates the advancement of Hispanics and Latinos at Kansas State University.
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Black Faculty and Staff Alliance - The Black Faculty and Staff Alliance is an organization that strives to bring together individuals who have an active interest in promoting racial equity at Kansas State University.
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CATabilities - CATabilities is a new affinity group for faculty and staff with disabilities or chronic diseases.
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The Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance - The Indigenous Faculty and Staff Alliance is K-State's affinity group for Native American, First Nations, and Indigenous peoples.
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LGBTQ* Faculty and Staff Alliance - The purpose of LGBTQ*FSA is to support and advocate for sexuality and gender identity based issues on the Kansas State University campus.
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Pan-Asian Coalition - The Pan-Asian Coalition supports faculty and staff who identify with with Asian heritage and cultures.
Here are some reasons why you might want to join an affinity group:
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Networking: Affinity groups provide an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share similar interests or experiences. This can lead to valuable networking opportunities and the potential for professional development.
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Support: Affinity groups can offer emotional and practical support to their members, particularly if they are going through a challenging time. This can include advice, resources, and an understanding ear.
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Advocacy: Affinity groups can be powerful advocates for issues that affect their members. By joining together, members can amplify their voices and advocate for change.
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Education: Affinity groups can provide educational opportunities for their members, such as workshops, training sessions, and guest speakers. This can help members deepen their understanding of their identity or interest and become more informed advocates.
Office of Student Financial Assistance:
The Office of Student Financial Assistance helps all K-State students navigate paying for college. Their step-by-step guide provides important dates and other relevant information for incoming and continuing students. This office should be your first stop to explore paying for college.
Scholarships: Scholarships are financial aid that do not need to be repaid and are awarded to students based on merit (academic, leadership or civic accomplishments) or other specific criteria.
- K-State Scholarships - All incoming and current students should apply for K-State Scholarships here. The deadline is March 15th and you must apply every year. No late applications are accepted. This application will apply business students for certain business scholarships.
- Departmental Scholarships - Students who have declared a major in business should be in contact with their department about any major-specific scholarships.
- DACA or Students without Status Scholarships - DACA business students or students without status should meet with Dr. Law-DelRosso to discuss their needs (olivia@ksu.edu).
Other K-State Scholarship Opportunities:
Olivia Law-DelRosso, PhD

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Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Belonging olivia@ksu.edu 785.532.6986 Make an appointment: calendly.com/olivia-delrosso
How I identify: She/They, EurAsian, immigrant, mom, and an inclusion enthusiast Where I call home: New Zealand and Randolph, KS Hobbies: I love camping, hiking, riding horses, and traveling
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Brooklyn Fondaw

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DEIB Social Media & Marketing Intern bnf@ksu.edu
How I identify: She/Her/Hers, Lesbian Major: Marketing Where I call home: Kansas City, KS Internships & career plans: I am seeking an advertising internship and am passionate about diversity and inclusion MAPS/Kompas class: Kompas Class 2021 Student organizations: Multicultural Business Student Association (MBSA), Rise Up Hobbies: Working :) |
Francisco Cruz

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DEIB Peer Mentor Intern ficruz1998@ksu.edu
How I identify: He/him, Hispanic, First-Generation Major: Marketing Where I call home: Junction City, KS Internships & career plans: Summer 2022 I interned at Hormel Foods. For Summer 2023 I am seeking a marketing internship where I can expand my skills MAPS/Kompas class: MAPS 2021 Student organizations: Multicultural Business Student Association (MBSA), Rise Up Hobbies: Soccer |
Lexie Burke

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DEIB Corporate Relations Intern lexieburke@ksu.edu
How I identify: She/her/hers, Asian and Black
Major: Marketing and Finance
Where I call home: Olathe, KS
My internships & career plans: Summer 2022 I interned at 9-Round Fitness and the Black Entrepreneurs of the Flinthills through K-State's CBA Entrepreneurship and Innovation internship. I'm seeking an internship for Summer 2023 in digital marketing.
MAPS/Kompas class: MAPS 2021
Student organizations: VP Women's Club Volleyball Team at K-State, Kappa Alpha Theta, Rise Up, MBSA
Hobbies: Volleyball, volunteering, hanging out with triends and shopping
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Manuel Aguero

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DEIB Peer Mentor Intern maguero@ksu.edu
How I identify: He/him, Hispanic/Latino
Major: Management Information Systems
Where I call home: Liberal, KS
My internships & career plans: Summer 2022 I interned at Centralized Supply Chain Services in KC as a Data Systems Analyst. Summer 2023 I will be interning at ConocoPhillips in Bartlesville, OK
Student organizations: President MBSA, Vice President & Social Media Chair Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Rise Up, Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO), Management Information Systems Club
Hobbies: Volunteering, mentoring, and hanging out with friends
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Shreya Chillara

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DEIB Peer Mentor Intern shreyac@ksu.edu
How I identify: She/her, Indian
Major: Management Information Systems
Where I call home: Kansas City, MO
My internships & career plans: I have interned at two law firms. I am currently seeking a MIS-related internship for Summer 2023.
Student organizations: Founder and President KSU Kahani
Hobbies: Crocheting
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Tram Pham

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DEIB Office Manager phamt@ksu.edu
How I identify: She/her, Vietnamese, First-Generation
Major: Accounting & Finance, MAcc
Where I call home: Garden City, KS
My internships & career plans: I will be interning at Koch Summer 2023 and completing my Masters in Accounting May 2024. Student organizations: Multicultural Business Student Association (MBSA), College of Business Ambassador, Student Union Ambassador, SGA Treasurer, Vietnamese Student Association
Hobbies: Shopping and traveling
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Rosa Cano

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DEIB Peer Mentor Intern rcano@ksu.edu
How I identify: She/her, Latina
Major: Human Resources
Where I call home: Kansas City, KS
My internships & career plans: I am seeking a HR internship for Summer 2023.
Student organizations: President of Latinas United Powerful and Educated (LUPE), Connected Cats Presidential Initiative Representative, Hispanic American Leadership Organization (HALO)
Hobbies: Hanging out with family and working with children
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Students at graduation May 2021
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