Jump Start Your MBA Journey: Top Reasons to Attend Diversity Conference

January 8, 2025 | Shabnam Popal ’25S (MBA) 
and Lan-Huong Nguyen ’26S (MBA) 

Diversity Conference is right around the corner here at Simon Business School! Shabnam Popal ’25S (MBA) and Lan-Huong Nguyen ’26S (MBA), admissions ambassadors and former Diversity Conference attendees, share their biggest takeaways and reasons why you should plan to attend this year's conference on January 31–February 1. Don't wait: register by January 16!

Shabnam:

As a first-generation college graduate and a non-traditional candidate from a healthcare and pharmaceutical background, I found the MBA recruitment process quite daunting. However, after a discussion with an alumnus from Simon, I was persuaded to attend the Diversity Conference. I’d like to share three compelling reasons why you, as a prospective student, should consider attending as well:                                               

Networking opportunities with current students and alumni.

A major highlight for me at Diversity Conference was the chance to delve into why Simon ranks so highly for diversity among full-time MBA programs. Engaging with current students, I gained insight into their unique journeys to success. Each student brought a rich tapestry of personal and professional experiences, and through open dialogues, I gleaned valuable perspectives on student life and Simon's vibrant culture. During the conference in 2021, I had the fortune to meet an alumna who landed a dream marketing position at a renowned luxury cosmetics firm, inspiring me to think, “If she can achieve that, so can I!” Connecting with peers who faced similar aspirations and hurdles was crucial. Moreover, interacting with accomplished alumni gave me a glimpse into the possible career paths post-MBA and how Simon had scaffolded their professional growth. The alumni at Diversity Conference offered a treasure trove of insights, opening doors to understanding the myriad career trajectories that an MBA could unlock.

Meet other prospective students.

The networking at Diversity Conference extends beyond engaging with Simon’s professional community—it also offers the opportunity to connect with fellow prospective students who are navigating the same application journey and can become valuable allies throughout your career. I continue to keep in touch with many individuals I met at Diversity Conference, and it's thrilling to see them now thriving in various programs, expanding my network across multiple business schools. Moreover, as a first-generation applicant, it was incredibly rewarding to meet others who shared my background. Encountering prospective students with similar dreams and aspirations, all aspiring to transform their own and their families’ futures through business education was truly inspiring.

Get a feel for a Rochester-ian lifestyle.

Originally from the Bay Area in California, I wondered how I’d adapt to life in Rochester. Diversity Conference not only allowed me to explore academic opportunities but also to immerse myself in the local culture and community.  The conference provided a well-rounded glimpse into the day-to-day life of a Simon student in Rochester, demonstrating how this new setting could become a fulfilling home away from home. I left feeling confident that transitioning to Rochester would not just be about pursuing an MBA but also about growing personally in a supportive and dynamic community.

Lan-Huong:

As a woman of color and a first-generation college student, I always seek spaces that affirm my identity while helping me grow professionally. Simon’s Diversity Conference made it clear that this is a place where I could do both. I attended the Simon Diversity Conference in 2023, which solidified my decision to join Simon. Here’s why this conference is a must-attend for prospective students:

A powerful alumni network that shows up.

Simon brings in an impressive lineup of alumni to share their experiences, and I was blown away by how many returned to engage with prospective and current students. Their diversity stood out most—not just in identity markers but also in perspectives and career paths. Speaking with alumni gave me a clearer picture of how Simon prepares its students for the corporate world while honoring their unique identities.

Candid conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

It was clear early on that Simon’s Diversity Conference was an event where I would have an invaluable opportunity to see firsthand how the school supports its students and champions diversity in meaningful ways. The conference wasn’t just about recruitment—it was about fostering meaningful dialogue, creating a sense of belonging, and preparing future business leaders to navigate diverse work environments confidently. Additionally, the conference provided a space to ask honest, sometimes challenging, questions about DEI in corporate settings. During a student panel, I asked how individuals from different identities should approach attending conferences that may not be specifically for them and how we can build allyship across differences in the workplace. Instead of brushing it off, Simon's students and staff engaged in an open, thoughtful discussion about privilege, opportunities, and Simon’s commitment to inclusivity.

Shabnam Popal ’25S (MBA) is a member of Simon's MBA Class of 2025 and an admissions ambassador.

Lan-Huong Nguyen ’26S (MBA) is a member of Simon's MBA Class of 2026 and an admissions ambassador.

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