As a young girl and the only student of color, Cynthia Turner consistently was at the top of her elementary school class, but she remembers that when opportunities to be recognized as a student leader arose, she was always passed over. 

By high school, the odds moved in her favor, as she attended a school where other students “looked like her.” She continued to excel and became the valedictorian of not only her high school, but also her college class at North Carolina A&T State University.

Turner (MA ’95, PhD ’96), who serves as Fisher’s chief diversity officer and an EY Faculty Fellow, shared that story at Fisher’s 21st annual Diversity Awards as a stark example of why diversity, equity and inclusion are important endeavors and how the support of everyone is so critical.

The Diversity Awards recognize those who have furthered the college’s diversity goals through outreach efforts to diverse students including professional advancement opportunities, hiring and retention practices leading to a diverse workforce and innovative programs that support a more inclusive corporate culture.

“This event celebrates the individuals and organizations that partner with our college to create, support or scale the programs and relationships that mean so much,” said Anil Makhija, dean and John W. Berry, Sr. Chair in Business. “No matter the industry or line of business, everyone here contributes to our shared vision that meaningful, positive and lasting change starts with the principled leaders we’re creating at Fisher.”

At the 2024 ceremony, seven individuals and nine corporations were recognized for their commitment to embracing diversity and making a difference in student’s lives.

“Our strength lies in our ability to appreciate and understand our differences,” said Twhila Holley, program manager in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion Student Services and Corporate and Community Outreach (ODISSCCO). “We continue to embrace diversity and stay encouraged in order to make a difference.”

Erica Wicks, vice president and community manager at JPMorgan Chase, was honored with the Individual Diversity Award, and retailer Kohl’s earned the Corporate Diversity Award.

Individual Diversity Award: Erica Wicks

Wicks (BSBA ’07, MA ’09, MRP ’09) was recognized for her tireless outreach efforts to diverse students through a partnership with the Fisher FIRST (Focusing on Inclusion and Readiness for a Successful Transition) Program, which strengthens Fisher’s culture of belonging for first-year, first-generation college students or those who are economically underprivileged, through intentional holistic support.

She is committed to educational outreach, consistently demonstrating a passion for creating opportunities that empower students to thrive academically and professionally.

“For me, working with Fisher FIRST is about servant leadership, paying it forward and growing together,” Wicks said. “I’m proud to work for JPMorgan Chase because of its commitment to lifting up the next generation of leaders.”

Wicks actively finds ways for students to engage with professionals in the field, having facilitated an Investment 101 workshop with finance professionals providing valuable financial strategies and skills, as well as a site visit to JPMorgan Chase’s Polaris campus to help demystify the corporate environment for students who otherwise have limited exposure.

“Erica's multifaceted approach to diversity and inclusion goes beyond mere rhetoric; it is deeply rooted in action,” said Marlena Harper (EdD ’22), program manager of multicultural inclusion at Fisher. “For our students, many of whom are first-generation, going to JPMorgan Chase was inspiring ― it gave them the opportunity to see themselves in a professional setting.”

A champion of underrepresented college students, Wicks consistently makes sure they are equipped with the tools and knowledge necessary to pursue successful careers.

“I am very thankful for this recognition, but it is not about me. It is about the future of everyone in this room,” Wicks said. “Exposure. That is my thing. I am committed now, then and forever more.”

Additional Individual Diversity Award nominees included Nadia Alaudin, partner at PwC; Shannon Bradley (BS ’16, WPMBA ’23,) program manager at the Keenan Center for Entrepreneurship; Sangeet Brar (BSBA ’20), financial analyst at X, the moonshot factory; Jeff Cowgill (BSBA ’85), vice president and project manager at JPMorgan Chase; James Rich Lawrence (BS ’98), vice president at Bank of America; and Tiffany Stubbs (BSBA ’99), managing director and control manager at JPMorgan Chase.

Corporate Diversity Award: Kohl’s

Promoting opportunities and advancement through partnerships with two student organizations ― the National Association of Black Accounts (NABA) and Women in Business ― earned Kohl’s the Corporate Diversity Award.

This academic year, Kohl’s became a financial supporter of NABA , an organization expanding the influence of minority professionals in the fields of accounting and finance. With a shared vision for promoting equitable opportunities and nurturing the talents of students, Kohl’s sponsorship demonstrates a profound dedication to empowering the next generation of diverse professionals and supporting the broader objectives of diversity and inclusion in the industry.

“At Kohl’s we are deeply committed to diversity, equity and inclusion, and Ohio State plays a pivotal role in our journey,” Caila Hendrickson, human resources business partner at Kohl’s, said. “What are you doing to send the elevator back down to bring people up? So much of Kohl’s’ work is supporting others and bringing people up.”

Kohl’s also sponsors a variety of professional development and advancement workshops for Women in Business, an organization bringing together all students interested in empowering women.

The retailer supports Business Bootcamp programming focused on creating resumes, workshops on navigating internships and the job-hunting process, and the organization’s annual Charity Gala which benefits Junior Achievement of Ohio and its work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy programs for youth in K-12.

“With these workshops, our members feel more empowered in their professional development and their career readiness,” said Colette Jakubow, fourth-year student and president of Women in Business.

According to Hendrickson, Kohl’s will continue to expand their recruiting efforts through its dedication to community diversity outreach.

“We are more successful the more viewpoints we have around the table,” she said. “Our partnership with Ohio State is a testament to that. When we work with students, it helps to make a difference in their lives so that they too can make a difference.”

In addition to Kohl’s, Corporate Diversity Award nominees included Eaton, EY, KeyBank, Plante Moran, PwC, Victoria’s Secret & Company, The Wendy’s Company and Wemblr.

“As we can see with all the corporations and individuals honored here today, when DEI is done well and with excellence, organizations improve their performance, we all become more principled leaders, and communities thrive,” Turner said.