Ten Hollins University business and economics majors traveled to Richmond, Virginia, on October 11 to attend the 2024 Diverse Economics Conference (DivEc), hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond.
Recognized for its focus on diversity within the economics profession and for bringing together keynote speakers and panelists representing different industries, DivEc offers dialogue and network opportunities for college students across the region to engage with leading economists, policymakers, and industry experts to understand how skills in economics can translate into professional opportunities in a variety of industries.
“This experience not only broadened our students’ understanding of key economic issues but also inspired them to think critically about their role in fostering communication and more inclusive perspectives within the profession,” says Associate Professor and Chair of Business and Economics Pablo Hernandez, who led the trip along with Visiting Assistant Professor of Business and Economics Felicitas Adu-Acheampong.
Following a luncheon hosted by the Federal Reserve Bank in partnership with Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Business and the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business, Hollins students and faculty enjoyed opening remarks by Brian Brown, interim dean of VCU’s School of Business, and a keynote address from William M. Rodgers, III, vice president and director of the Institute for Economic Equity at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.
Previously, Rodgers served as professor of public policy and chief economist at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University. His influential research on compensation disparities, pay equity, diversity, and inclusion has helped shape labor policy discussions worldwide.
“Dr. Rodgers’ insights into the importance of finding meaning through personal mission, and the importance of identifying a professional or academic advocate to help one’s personal mission succeed, resonated deeply with our students,” Hernandez says.
Subsequently, Hollins students participated in the panel “Pathways to Impact in Economics,” featuring Sean Brazier, principal, EDai; Sara Dunnigan, deputy director, GO Virginia and Economic Development at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development; and Faraz Usmani, research economist with the Global Unit at Mathematica.
“Highlighting this panel was an interactive discussion on the importance of building a personal board of directors with whom one can debate goals or challenge preconceived notions or presuppositions ahead of charting a course of action to attain a desired goal,” Hernandez notes. “Students were given opportunities to ask questions and interact with panelists to learn more about their innovative approaches to socioeconomic challenges.”
The conference’s concluding event, a poster and speed networking session, “underscored the value of networking,” Hernandez said. “Our students eagerly engaged with professionals and peers, exchanging ideas and forging connections that could shape their future careers. The enthusiasm and curiosity of our students were evident as they asked insightful questions and shared their perspectives. Students connected with industry professionals, gaining insights into career paths and the importance of building professional relationships.”
Hernandez and Adu-Acheampong expressed their gratitude to Hollins’ departments of academic affairs and athletics for helping make attending the conference possible.
“Our students were delighted to have spent a day immersed in learning and meeting peers and professionals in a respectful, friendly environment,” Hernandez states.
