WHU Diversity Day 2024

A sensitive approach to diversity and inclusivity is one of the core values at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. And to promote an awareness of diversity and integration, both at its campuses and beyond, the school has once again hosted its annual WHU Diversity Day in Vallendar.

On Friday, September 13, a varied agenda awaited participants at this year's event. First on the docket was Jean-Luc Vey, board member and co-founder of the PROUT AT WORK Foundation, who gave a presentation on “Awareness: LGBTQ at Work – Challenges and Opportunities.” The goal of the foundation is to create a space for members of the queer community at their respective places of work in order to increase visibility and make equal opportunity standard practice. Ulrich Kineke, Innovation Manager at Goathaer (the event's sponsor) then held a presentation called “Live Your Potential – Drop the Diversity Filters.” Following a short break, later that afternoon, Jochen Beutgen, Founder of Identity.vc—Europe’s first LGBTQ+-focused venture capital firm—appeared on stage to present “DE&I in Practice: Measures to Install Diversity in Business” later that afternoon. And WHU alumna Laura Meyer-Höper, Global DEI Lead at Crayon, spoke of unconscious bias. After the guest talks, attendees had chance to come together and network.

Lucas Roschel, General Manager of Diversity at WHU, noted the positives that came from the event. “WHU Diversity Day strongly demonstrated how important it is not only to advocate diversity and inclusion, but to actively live it,” he said. “This event served as a reminder for us all that a culture of belonging and exchange is essential for success in the business world today.”

Student club Diversity at WHU first began organizing the school’s Diversity Day back in 2015. The group’s goal is to establish a culture of inclusion and belonging, allowing people to share their personal experiences openly. The regularly occurring event acts as a platform to advance diversity within the business world on all fronts, as well as to continue one’s personal and professional development.

Diversity Day is not only open to members of the WHU community. Anyone who wishes to attend can sign up here. Participation is free of charge.