LSU Athletics Attends Regional Economic Inclusion Symposium

Soul

Sep 6

A team of LSU Athletics diversity officers and senior leadership represented the department at a recent Economic Inclusion Symposium sponsored by Dow Chemical and the Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce (BRAC).

The August 18 symposium at the Raising Cane’s River Center was part of BRAC's annual series of diversity-themed community events and the first to offer a full-day of panel and keynote speakers, breakout sessions and opportunities for local employers to meet potential job applicants and minority- and women-owned vendor partners.

"We wanted to showcase LSU Athletics' strong leadership in the University's overall economic inclusion efforts," said Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Health and Wellness, whose role within the department’s Diversity Supplier Initiative include supporting equity in hiring and minority business participation in the department’s procurement portfolio.

Joining Mullenix at the symposium were Matthew LaBorde, LSU Athletics Executive Associate AD/CFO; Michele Montero, CPO, Interim Assistant Vice President for Procurement & Property Management; and Tiffany N. Robinson, Supplier Diversity & Enrollment Services Manager.

"We were delighted to meet so many local minority and women-owned business representatives here," said Tiffany Robinson. "Their support in helping meet the material and service needs of LSU Athletics and Campus makes us a better neighbor and stronger member of the Baton Rouge community," she added.

Chase Clement, the former LSU starter at Tight End, was quick to find familiar faces at the LSU Athletics booth. Now a business development officer for Louisiana based and family-owned energy services provider Danos, Clement expressed excitement for the chance to represent his company. "I can tell it’s the beginning of plenty long lasting relationships," said Clement. "This type of symposium is a blessing."

The event, attended by hundreds of community and business leaders, also featured as panelist on the topic of “creating inclusive workplaces” Dr. Luz D. Randolph, Ed.D., LSU's Associate Vice Provost for Diversity.