olorado State University’s vision of global leadership is enhanced by its one-of-a-kind program, the Business Diversity and Leadership Alliance. Formerly the Student Network Program, BDLA provides education related to cultural competence and social justice issues to College of Business students, faculty, and staff. Through activities that blend understanding and respect with specific training, BDLA fosters an environment of acceptance to enhance student social and academic experiences.

Katya Stewart-Sweeney, adviser, and Shawna Strickland, a marketing student entering her senior year, are the BDLA coordinators. Mike Jaramillo, director of undergraduate programs, and Stewart-Sweeney teach a Social Justice and Leadership class required of all BDLA members. This class addresses social justice issues that are at the heart of the students’ future as ambassadors of cultural acceptance.

“There’s an experiential component of these classes as we learn about the “isms” that may shape how we see the world,” Stewart-Sweeney says. “We pair that with frank conversation about our own backgrounds.”

This cultural exploration may be challenging.

“Respect is the basis for dealing with cultural differences among us from an ever-growing international basis,” Jaramillo says. “For instance, some people may have differing perspectives on gender roles. While maintaining respect and awareness of assumption, we help students learn how to work with people who may hold very different viewpoints.”

Arriving at open and candid conversation requires a certain comfort level, Stewart-Sweeney says.

“BDLA’s year starts with a retreat in the mountains, where we tread mindfully, starting with safe group activities that lead to challenging conversations,” she says. “We set ground rules for respect and a place where we can all be honest. It can be scary at first to talk about personal issues, but no one is right and no one is wrong during these discussions.”

Discussions are designed to help students acclimate and grow, Jaramillo explains. “Our students learn to apply these theories to real-life situations. One of the top skills companies look for today is cultural competence in working with teams comprised of different perspectives. Because of this program, our students are already gaining this experience.”

Stewart-Sweeney says while it may sound strange for a business class to go in this direction, students soon realize the importance of what they’ve learned as it applies to their future. “Many tell us how powerful it is,” she says. “Once they’re out in the business world, what they learned here is definitely reinforced.”

Amy Del Castillo, now a senior credit manager at Wells Fargo Financial in Fort Collins, says the BDLA was a positive force in her life, teaching her skills that have contributed greatly to her success.

“One skill that has stuck with me is learning how to speak to different individuals and being able to relate to each person you speak with,” she says. “I deal with a lot of BDLA students bring potential change to the world. “Some go out to corporate America, and although they may find there’s not as much open acceptance of cultural difference, they can use what they’ve learned here to help influence corporate culture become more inclusive,” Jaramillo says.

Being a part of BDLA is a lifechanging experience, says Del Castillo. “It makes you a better person, which leads, I like to think, to a better world.” Del Castillo chose to stay with the group as a volunteer.

“I can honestly say that each member of BDLA was a true friend, not just people I met with because of club meetings,” Del Castillo says. “When I became student coordinator, I made it a point that everyone felt like they were genuinely part of the group.”

At the class’s end, students are ready for the course final in which they work in teams to present a half-hour workshop. “By then, they’re skilled enough to be co-facilitators at the College or at national conferences, putting what they’ve learned to good use,” Stewart-Sweeney says. “It’s exciting to see the growth and understanding of the issues they’re so passionate about.”

The program is expanding to the rest of the College’s students. “We’re beginning to guest-lecture about these issues in business and education courses. It’s a discussion that will help all business students in the future.”

Jaramillo says the globalization of business offers new opportunities for students with these communication skills. “What is great about BDLA is that we’re seeing students become business leaders who will go on to become world leaders,” he says. “There’s great hope in what they can teach.”

As student coordinator, Strickland says participation in BDLA was rewarding and influential.

“It allows students to not only explore societal issues in an encouraging atmosphere, it also gives students the tools to engage in conversation with peers, family, and friends. We are taught not only how to see but how to do,” she says. “BDLA has changed the way I look at this world for the better, and I feel that I am better able to communicate, interact, and positively work with anyone I come in contact with. (It’s) reinforced and classified my values for how I want to live my life and how I want to contribute to others through my career and leadership”

Strickland recently returned from a summer internship in Dublin, Ireland, where the skills learned in BDLA meetings enriched her experience.

“I felt at ease in an unfamiliar situation that was diverse in a broad range of ways, from the environment to my coworkers and our clients,” she says. “In short, BDLA gives its members the life lessons to enter the workforce with an advantage in communication and teamwork and an understanding of societal and interpersonal dynamics.”

Stewart-Sweeney says as instructors, she and Jaramillo also continue to learn.

“We certainly grow in our personal acceptance, viewpoints, and experience with each new group,” she says. “BDLA is forever changing. It’s always an adventure.” 

For more information on the BDLA contact Katya Stewart-Sweeney at (970) 491-6134 or katya.stewart-sweeney@business.colostate.edu.