Michigan Ross BBA Team Finishes Near the Top at National Diversity Case Competition

The Ross School of Business sent a team of four BBAs to Indiana University for the 2020 National Diversity Case Competition, where they placed third out of 42 teams from other business schools across the country.

The annual competition challenges students to propose creative solutions to a diversity-related business issue. This year's case, sponsored by 3M, asked students to develop a strategy addressing how 3M can increase STEM education in underrepresented communities in the U.S. 

The Michigan Ross team consisted of Kenneth Daniel Jr., BBA ’20; Johanne Vincent, BBA ’21; Ayesha Mohan, BBA ‘22; and Rashmita Gandhe, BBA ’23. 

“Throughout all of December and January we researched, brainstormed ideas, and created a slide deck to convey our ideas,” said Vincent. “Then we presented two rounds in front of a team of judges.” 

The case competition also gave students the opportunity to network with a number of corporate sponsors — including Boston Consulting Group, EY, P&G, Amazon, and Microsoft  — and with students from other schools. 

“I’ve actually competed in this competition every year since my freshman year and I’ve loved it since the first time,” said Vincent. “It’s a really good way to meet more Ross students and faculty, and the topics (related to diversity, equity, and inclusion) are topics that I’m really passionate about. My first year I met some really amazing people and decided that it was something I wanted to continue to apply for."

For first-year student Rashmita Gandhe, the competition provided memorable new experiences and helped affirm her career interest.

“I was honored to be the only first-year on the team to represent Ross in the competition, and it was very exciting to be a member of the team that brought back third place,” said Gandhe. "The competition also allowed me to continue developing my critical thinking skills while in a team setting, which ultimately supports my interest in pursuing consulting."

Diversity and Inclusion at Michigan Ross