Diversity, Equity And Inclusion

Because sustainability only happens when everyone has a voice at the table

Our world is facing unprecedented challenges. And to tackle them, our societies need all talented individuals to be able to contribute their unique perspectives.

This is why we develop business leaders who welcome and represent diverse thinking and perspectives – and who go out into the world as forces for positive impact.

And it’s why we’re working at systematic, strategic levels to make our school a truly diverse and inclusive place and to inspire our community by developing DEI best practices.

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AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

Our DEI strategy promotes diversity, equity and inclusion at individual, leadership and organisational levels – empowering us to unlock the powerful benefits of becoming an ever-more inclusive organisation.

Our DEI committee is fostering an environment where courageous conversations can drive awareness and inclusion. It also supports different areas of the school to deliver their own sustainability initiatives.

Examples of our DEI-focused activities and initiatives

  • Integrating DEI awareness courses into programmes
  • Offering grants and scholarships to make our learning journeys available to people from diverse backgrounds
  • Recognising DEI initiatives with awards
  • Creating school-wide equity analytics dashboards
  • Using technology to reduce bias in the recruitment process
  • Investing in research that drives DEI understanding and implementation
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STRATEGIC PRINCIPLES

Our approach to DEI is based on two principles. First, we take an integrated and positive approach, valuing people for what they bring to the table, and the synergies they create.

Second, we all contribute to – and benefit from – DEI. We contribute by supporting allyship and addressing privilege, inequality and bias. And as we do so, we create a virtuous circle, where our contributions to DEI result in a more equitable environment which unlocks a range of benefits for everyone.

How we implement our commitment to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community

How we implement our commitment to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive community

Our purpose is to uplift communities through business impact. Professors Smaranda Boros and Andreea Gorbatai – who co-chair Vlerick’s DEI Committee – explain our three-fold approach to execute this vision. And they give examples of how we implement that commitment.

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OUR DEI COMMITTEE

Members of our DEI committee engage with business units and stakeholders inside Vlerick and in the communities we’re a part of. They spark, support and connect people, facilitating conversations that drive the DEI agenda across the school and beyond.

MORE INSPIRATION

Vlerick Alumni Women in Leadership Club

This club empowers women to reach their full potential by championing and promoting more inclusive business environments.

Vlerick Alumni Impact Club

This club wants to make sustainable impact by uniting people who are passionate about creating the positive change they want to see in the world.

Vlerick Alumni Fierce & Proud club

This club unites LGBTQIA+ alumni and their allies – and builds a safe space to celebrate differences in the business world, share insights and support one another.

Get in touch!