University of Michigan students, faculty, and community members gathered at the Ross School of Business this Thursday for OUTx, a powerful speaker series highlighting the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals within the business sector. The event, organized by the student group Out for Business (OFB), sought to provide a platform for Queer voices to share their personal journeys of self-discovery, professional growth, and the ongoing necessity of visibility in the workplace.
## Defiance and Visibility in the Modern Workplace
This year’s event centered on the theme “We’re still here.” Prashant Kandoi, OFB vice president of events, opened the evening by framing the theme as an act of resistance rather than an indicator that the fight for equality is over. “When we say we’re still here, we’re not saying everything is fine,” Kandoi told the crowd. “We’re saying something far more defiant: that visibility can survive attempts to erase it, that community can survive isolation and that joy can exist alongside resistance.”
For many students, the event served as a reminder that the corporate world is increasingly prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). As tech giants and global corporations integrate AI-driven data to track DEI progress and improve workplace culture, the human element of these policies—the actual stories of employees—remains the most vital metric of success.
## From Military Service to Federal Leadership
The keynote address was delivered by Shalanda Baker, the university’s vice provost for sustainability and climate action. Baker offered a candid look at her professional trajectory, starting with her time at the Air Force Academy. During the era of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, Baker made the courageous decision to formally come out, a choice that led to a military trial and an honorable discharge.
Baker shared how that pivotal moment forced her to realign her career with her values, pivoting from corporate law to a career in public service. Her path eventually led her to serve as director of the Office of Economic Impact and Diversity at the U.S. Department of Energy under the Biden administration. Her story illustrated the profound impact that personal authenticity can have on public policy and systemic change.
## The Power of Chosen Community
Throughout the evening, four business graduate students—Fuyuan Si, Camila Araya Mimica, Matt Janas, and JP Bongco—shared their own experiences navigating the professional landscape. Araya Mimica, who previously worked for LATAM Airlines, spoke about the fear of being open with colleagues and the eventual relief and connection that came from being her authentic self. “When you let people see you, you give them the permission to show themselves,” she noted.
Bongco emphasized the critical role of “chosen family” for Queer professionals, noting that finding a supportive network can radically alter one’s career trajectory and mental well-being. This sense of belonging is a key focus for student organizations like OFB, which aim to bridge the gap between academic life and the workforce.
As the corporate world continues to evolve through AI-driven HR platforms and global digital networking, the need for safe, inclusive spaces remains paramount. Attendees like Kanika Pillai, who joined as an ally, praised the event for its ability to foster empathy. “The energy of this school is that we want everybody to feel supported and to have a platform to speak their truth,” Pillai said. By prioritizing these narratives, the University of Michigan is fostering a new generation of business leaders who value transparency and human connection as much as bottom-line results.
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