Celebrating Pride Month

Happy Pride Month! To celebrate, we are sharing the stories of members of the MBA student club Out&Allied. 

Pride Month provides a special opportunity to recognize and elevate the LGBTQIA+ community at the Tepper School, their professional excellence, and academic achievements.

Jonathan Li (he/him)
MBA Class of 2023
Hometown: Wuhan, China
Studying: Strategy

Give us your elevator pitch.

My name is Jonathan Li, my pronouns are he/him, and I am a rising second year MBA student at the Tepper School of Business from Wuhan, China. Prior to business school, I received my bachelor’s degree in biology and biochemistry from DePauw University and worked as a research scientist at a biotech startup in San Francisco for the last five years. I am currently the President of the Out&Allied club and the Executive Vice President of the Healthcare Club at Tepper. This summer, I will be interning at PwC Advisory in their Health Transformation practice in New York City. 

You are the first official DEI&B student worker in the school. How did you get involved and ultimately get the position? What do you hope to accomplish in this role?

I have always been interested in and worked to enrich the experiences for folx in any community, no matter if it's in school or the workplace. When Colleen McMullen announced the position during an affinity-clubs meeting, I knew I would apply. Not only did the position’s first task focus on international students, but it also expanded to and highlighted the concept of Belonging. As a Community and Inclusion Fellow, I hope to elevate and continue to build equity across all student experiences at Tepper.

Why does DEI&B matter at Tepper, and how can we do better?

DEI&B is important to Tepper because we are not as diverse as other institutions. We need more women and queer folx. In this environment, practicing proactive allyship is extremely critical for building and maintaining a supportive and inclusive community here at Tepper. Including pronouns and gender-neutral vocabulary for students, staff, and faculty is an easy first-step.

What do you like to do outside of school/work?

I enjoy exploring coffee shops in the city and trying out new studios to work out at with my ClassPass. I have become an avid goer to Mecke Fitness and have been successful bringing more classmates to their workout classes.

What are your summer plans?

This summer I will be interning at PwC Advisory New York City in their Heath Transformation practice. I look forward to leveraging my past experiences in biopharma to help PwC clients to achieve business transformation goals.

How can others be supportive of you as an individual and to the greater LGBTQIA+ community?

Self-education and practice allyship/advocacy.

What is one thing you want the world to know, acknowledge, or understand about the LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S.?

No country or community is perfect. Just like how America works the best for the straight cis white male, the LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S. focuses too much on the “G” and not enough on the “LBTQ+" - we especially overlook transgender people. Trans rights are truly human rights.

What is your current favorite TV show, podcast, book, or other form of entertainment?

Recently, I went to see Japanese Breakfast perform with my roommates. The lead singer, Michelle Zauner, a Korean American, is also the author of "Crying in H Mart," a book on The New York Times bestseller list. Both her music and book are my current favorites.

What is your favorite sweet treat, beverage, or snack?

I really don’t like sweets, but I am a fanatic for boba. I would fly to New York City just to have authentic boba.

Cole Mysinger (they/she)
MBA Class of 2023
Hometown: Clifton, Virginia
Studying: Operations, Strategy, Data Analytics

Give us your elevator pitch.

I am community college proud and began my education at Northern Virginia Community College. I graduated from George Mason University with a bachelor of science in finance. I started my career at GEICO|BoatU.S. working on strategy through a competitive lense. From there, I became a financial analyst for a national construction company in Denver, Colorado. Now at Tepper, I am looking to pivot into operations. I am the VP of social for Out&Allied and am involved in DEI, Welcome Weekend Committee, and Communications Coaching. 

Why does DEI&B matter at Tepper, and how can we do better?

Whoa, this is a loaded question. I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this as the former DEI Chair of the Graduate Business Association. This is critical to Tepper as an employer, as a school striving to create safe environments for consumers, and for a business school who must develop strong and capable leaders. The Tepper tagline is “The Intelligent Future.” Well, the future is diverse. Future leaders must be fully equipped to lead diverse teams from a variety of backgrounds. Like many companies who have not previously centered DEI&B, Tepper has many growth opportunities. These were identified through the Tepper Together 5-Year Strategic Plan and I am excited to see it come to life. 

What do you like to do outside of school/work?

Outside of school you can catch me outdoors - backpacking, hiking, paddle boarding, and roller skating. I also enjoy thrifting, quality time with friends, and playing in a local LGBTQIA+ sports league. 

What are your summer plans?

This summer, I am working as a supply network operations intern at Procter and Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio. My projects are based around process improvement and automation for Pampers and Luvs brands. 

Do you have a Pride story you’d like to share?

This is my fifth year celebrating Pride. Each one is unique and powerful to me, but the Denver, Colorado 2020 Pride stands out. The pandemic was in full force, George Floyd had just been murdered, and many people in the country were freshly angry about police brutality. We did not cancel Pride though. Instead, we returned to our roots. Pride was a protest that year. Black Queer people were centered, just as it started. There were no queens or dancing. They were replaced by marches and signs. Collectively, we remembered Black and trans people. They paved the way for our rights and I am deeply grateful for their work. 

It’s important to me that as a community we remember how we got to where we are today. We wouldn’t have the privileges we do without the work of the Black community. I think these roots and LGBTQIA+ history are often forgotten during Pride. 

What’s been your favorite Tepper memory so far?

There are so many! My favorite memories are the laughs we have. Ridiculous dance moves on an empty floor, throwing colors at my first Holi, Professor Ales gifting a can of tuna mid-class, and being passionate, yet wrong, at trivia. The people here make the experience truly special. 

How can others be supportive of you as an individual and to the greater LGBTQIA+ community?

I think so many people are afraid to say the wrong thing, stumble, or leave their comfort zone. It’s a part of learning though. We learn so many skills as children and don’t take the risk to learn things as adults.

I think of sports and not running the play correctly or missing a shot, even though we know the play or made the shot 100 times before. You’re going to mess up and it’s going to be ok. As athletes we hear, "you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." You are a better athlete for having tried. Similarly, you are a better person for trying to be inclusive,  for stumbling over your words, and for continuously learning. 

What is one thing you want the world to know, acknowledge, or understand about the LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S.?

Just because we have marriage rights, does not mean the fight is over. The last few years, we’ve seen an uptick in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation. This is compounded with fewer donations to pro-LGBTQIA+ non-profits since the marriage equality act passed. Supporting the LGBTQIA+ community means voting for our rights to be human, donating, and speaking out.  

What is your current favorite TV show, podcast, book, or other form of entertainment?

I just finished reading "Crying in H Mart" and cried the whole way through. The book is about family, identity, and the food that serves as a symbol of love for so many of us. I cried the whole way through it. 

I am currently re-watching Umbrella Academy in anticipation of the third season coming out later this month. I am excited for the transgender representation and support of Elliot Page’s transition by Netflix.  

What is your favorite sweet treat, beverage, or snack?

My favorite snack is a toss up between peanut butter bananas and popcorn.

Mike Ibañez (He/Him)
MBA Class of 2023
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Studying: Marketing and Operations

Give us your elevator pitch.

I’m an Army veteran, a ROMBA Fellow, and a member of The Consortium at the Tepper School of Business. As a student, I’m a member of the Marketing Club, Tepper Veterans Association, DE&I Committee, and the vice president of admissions for Out&Allied. I have a supply chain-focused background, both in the Army and at Target. Now, I’m pursuing an MBA so that I can make a transition into brand management. I received my undergraduate degree in French from the United States Military Academy at West Point.

Why does DEI&B matter at Tepper, and how can we do better?

We hear the phrase "representation matters" quite a bit, but honestly, acceptance is crucial. There are so many policies in place at so many organizations and communities that cultivate a prejudiced culture. As a soldier in the Army during don’t ask, don’t tell, I can attest that the repeal of the policy didn’t erase the culture. DEI&B is important to any organization, including Tepper, so we can learn from our peers, faculty, and newfound communities. Only then can we exercise that empathy muscle and strengthen understanding.

What do you like to do outside of school/work?

I love traveling. This past school year, my partner and I went to Hawaii, Mexico City, Cancun, and Puerto Rico. I’m a big fan of RuPaul’s Drag Race and drag brunch. My favorite queens are Latrice Royale, Bob the Drag Queen, and Roxxxy Andrews. I also enjoy the occasional retail therapy session. I can’t wait to be in New York City this summer to have so many of my favorite brands just a few steps away.

What are your summer plans?

This summer I’m moving to New York City to work as an MBA marketing intern for Diageo. My focus will be on paving a new marketing strategy centered around technology for the company’s various brands. While in New York City, I will also take advantage of the opportunity to attend a few pride events: parades, drag shows, and concerts.

Do you have a Pride story you’d like to share?

My favorite pride event was a Latino Pride Dance Party in Washington, D.C. back in 2018. It was an amazing experience to see so many Latinx and Hispanic people come together in solidarity for our identity. We danced all night to Bachata, Merengue, Cumbia, Reggaeton, and Pop.

How can others be supportive of you as an individual and to the greater LGBTQIA+ community?

Come out and join us for Coming Out Stories, my15, drag brunch, Lunch and Learns, or any other activity Out&Allied hosts! We strive to host events that are hilariously fun and educational.

What is one thing you want the world to know, acknowledge, or understand about the LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S.?

The LGBTQIA+ community in the U.S. wakes up everyday reading about a new law or proposition submitted to local governments targeting their rights. Hearing about these initiatives across the country has an effect on everyone. It gives the impression that it’s ok to marginalize the community.

What is your current favorite TV show, podcast, book, or other form of entertainment?

"I am not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika L. Sánchez is an excellent book about the Hispanic culture. Biculturalism really disrupts the relationship between Hispanic children and their immigrant guardian(s). My parents and I struggled to communicate our cultural differences, and being bilingual couldn't bridge that gap. We couldn't translate our upbringing for the other to understand.

What is your favorite sweet treat, beverage, or snack?

My favorite ice cream brand is Blue Bell Ice Cream, and my favorite ice cream flavors from them are Pistachio Almond or Pecan Pralines ‘n Cream. However, I was just in Texas (they’re based in Brenham, Texas) and discovered they have a Cotton Candy flavor, too! It was ... chef's kiss. 

Duncan Murphy (he/him)
MBA Class of 2023
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Studying: Tech Strategy and Product Management

Give us your elevator pitch.

After graduating from Georgia Tech, I worked in engineering sales followed by manufacturing operations before coming to Tepper to move into tech strategy within healthcare. At Tepper, I am president of the Operations and General Management Club, and a board member of Tepper Partners Club and Out&Allied. I will be interning with Bristol Myers Squibb in their IT rotational development program this summer.

Why does DEI&B matter at Tepper, and how can we do better?

Since Tepper brings many engineers and international students who have never navigated the difficult landscape of American culture as managers, DEI&B training is a key component of creating Tepper’s future leaders. However, with increased Covid restrictions, all of the DEI&B material was cut from our orientation, called Basecamp. As a result , the online courses that addressed “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Students” and “Sexual Assault Prevention for Graduation Students”, which was assigned by and required of all graduate students attending CMU, were mostly ignored during the program. The message just didn’t stick. DEI&B should be at the forefront during Basecamp and regular training should be a requirement of the program. DEI&B should be officially integrated into CMU’s policies, especially when it comes to stronger official responses to address discrimination and harassment. Tying the core concepts of DEI&B to an individual’s long term success here and after, regardless of their past experience, is the best way to prepare our students to be the future leaders of tomorrow.

What do you like to do outside of school/work?

I have a lot of interests outside of school. The two I am best known for around school are my love of fashion and cars. I own a limited-edition MINI John Cooper Works GP, which I take on track regularly over the summer, and I love my walks to class in one of my Burberry trench coats, even during the winter.

What are your summer plans?

I will be working with Bristol Myers Squibb in their IT rotational development program. My project will be with their IT GPS team for the implementation of IT in a new manufacturing facility.

What’s been your favorite Tepper memory so far?

Coming Out Stories by far. I had never come out publicly before, and Tepper was my first opportunity to express myself and my experience to anyone. I received a warm welcome from 50 people in person and many more through Zoom.

How can others be supportive of you as an individual and to the greater LGBTQIA+ community?

I have seen a number of instances where my cohort has been hesitant to ask the questions they should, but wind up asking questions they shouldn’t. There’s no quick fix here, but I think bringing LBGTQIA+ reviews to the forefront is most important.

What is your current favorite TV show, podcast, book, or other form of entertainment?

I am addicted to the current F1 season. I am rooting for Lewis Hamilton to mount a comeback and always watching for what he wears to the paddock Thursday afternoons.