![atrium interior](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/eGlocker-int-pano.jpg)
Office of Access & Community Connections Diversity Advancement Program
The Diversity Advancement Program (DAP) is a selective program that provides students with the opportunity to hone their leadership and interpersonal skills while expanding their personal network and advancing diversity initiatives in Haslam.
DAP ADVOCATES FOR THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
DAP Advocates are responsible for representing the OACC at corporate visits and community events. They facilitate alumni panels, assist with conferences and host student engagement events. They help drive student engagement and foster a welcoming and inclusive environment in the college.
![Sunniva Dough](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Sunniva-Dough.jpg)
Sunniva Dough
Hometown: Smyrna, TN
Major: Accounting
Diversity, equity and inclusion are essential because they promote fairness, respect and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their background or identity. A diverse and inclusive environment fosters innovation, creativity and collaboration by bringing together different perspectives and ideas.
![Ashanti Moore](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ashanti-moore.jpg)
Ashanti Moore
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Major: Marketing & Supply Chain Management
Diversity and Inclusion means ensuring people of all backgrounds feel comfortable to grow within their environment. Having diversity and inclusion allows those in the workplace to learn about other cultures and become aware of different perspectives.
![Linh Nguyen](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Linh-Nguyen.jpg)
Linh Nguyen
Major: Supply chain management
For me, inclusion and diversity are important to creating a more inventive, fair and successful workplace and society.
![Namrata Ghare](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/namrata-ghare.jpg)
Namrata Ghare
Hometown: Franklin, TN
Major: Management
Diversity and inclusion are about recognizing our differences, learning from each other and using those differences to create a stronger, more knowledgeable community. I want to help empower people who feel their voice is not heard.
![Cecilia Gerard](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Cecilia-Gerard.jpg)
Cecilia Gerard
Major: Finance
Diversity is such an important aspect of growth in any environment by promoting a broad range of perspectives, experiences and ideas. Inclusion creates a more equitable and welcoming environment which in turn helps boost productivity.
![Kendall Williams](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/kendall-williams.jpg)
Kendall Williams
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Major: Marketing with a concentration in International Business
Diversity is important because everyone should feel comfortable to be able to express themselves freely. Diversity and inclusion are needed in a workplace to foster a group of different people willing to grow and understand each other.
![James Owen](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/james-owen.jpg)
James Owen
Hometown: Wichita, KS
Major: Business Analytics, Hispanic Studies minor
Inclusion in business means giving everyone a few seats on the board. An organization with many eyes from many backgrounds has few blind spots and can better deal with issues too complex for a homogeneous group.
![Justin Deleon](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Justin-Deleon.jpg)
Justin Deleon
Major: Accounting and finance collateral
Diversity and inclusion are vital because they create a sense of belonging and equal opportunity for individuals from all backgrounds, fostering innovation, empathy and a richer, more dynamic community.
![](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Diamond-Maria-Clark.jpg)
Diamond Maria Clark
Major and Collateral: Finance major with a collateral in business analytics
Diversity and inclusion are the lifeblood of societal progress, fostering innovation and propelling humanity forward. Together, they form the cornerstone of a promising future for the next generation.
![Mali Tumusiime](https://haslam.utk.edu/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Mali-Tumusiime.jpg)
Mali Tumusiime
Major: Supply chain management with a concentration in business analytics
Diversity and inclusion are important to me because they foster an environment in which people can be themselves. In other words, they foster a sense of belonging.