Episode 1: From Silos to Solidarity: Empowering All Voices and Allyship with Black Colleagues

In this episode of Belonging@Haas, Brittany Jacob hosts a conversation between MBA students Beyoncé Haseley-Ayende and Princess Adedoyin, who explore the significance of community and allyship among minority groups, particularly Black women, in predominantly white academic and social environments. The conversation delves into personal experiences of inclusion and alienation, the importance of safe spaces, and overcoming social barriers.

Brittany then gains insights from Dr. Merrick Osborne, a PhD in Organizational Behavior, who further unpacks the dynamics of racial identity, self-segregation, and steps toward genuine integration at Haas and beyond.

*Belonging at Haas Podcast is produced by University FM.*

Show Producer: Niveda Kumar, Race Inclusion Initiative 

Developed in partnership with the Haas MBA Student Government Association

Show Links:

• Brittany Jacob’s LinkedIn
• Brittany Jacob’s Instagram
• Beyoncé Haseley-Ayende’s LinkedIn
• Princess Adedoyin’s LinkedIn
• Merrick Osborne’s Faculty Profile at Haas
• Merrick Osborne’s LinkedIn
• Merrick Osborne’s Website
• Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?: And Other Conversations About Race
• Black Business Student Association
• Pew Research: Race Is Central to Identity for Black Americans and Affects How They Connect With Each Other
• Pew Research: A look at historically Black colleges and universities in the U.S.
• Structuring local environments to avoid racial diversity: Anxiety drives Whites' geographical and institutional self-segregation preferences
• Organization-level Inclusion Signals: Positive Effects for Both LGBT and non-LGBT Employees
• Does intergroup contact increase children’s desire to play with diverse peers and reduce experiences of social exclusion?

Episode Quotes:

Princess began finding ways to impact Black women’s lives as she embraced her identity

[8:36] Princess Adedoyin: When I was at Bain, my recruiting was specifically for Black women to get into consulting. Even though I do care about other people too, I think that's something that a lot of times you can fall off on those types of things. And so, I really try to prioritize that. When I joined [a] startup, all the work products were specifically for Black women or fems. My business prioritized Black women. And then the future businesses I want to delve into, I really want to prioritize Black women, especially within the beauty space, the textured hair care space. That's always something I'm thinking about, like, how ca