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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 Haslam inclusivity initiatives.

DAP ADVOCATES FOR THE 2024-2025 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.

Justin Deleon

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.


Sunniva Dough

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.


Cecilia Gerard

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.


Namrata Ghare

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.


Linh Nguyen

Linh Nguyen

Major: Supply chain management

For me, inclusion and diversity are important to creating a more inventive, fair and successful workplace and society.


Jade Owen

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Major: Finance

Being an inclusive leader is being someone who wants to lead others through influence and communication towards their goals without having bias towards their characteristics. 


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.


Sarah Mekonnen

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Major: Accounting

Inclusive leadership means to go out of your way to ensure everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered regardless of any factors.


Kiana Salazar

Hometown: Nashville, TN
Major: Marketing

Inclusive leadership is about welcoming multiple perspectives while ensuring every team member is heard and treated with respect. It recognizes and honors cultural differences in order to allow others to be their authentic selves. 


Hunter Tompkins

Hometown: Dickson, TN
Major: Economics and Philosophy

Inclusive leadership is the practice of crafting and maintaining an environment that promotes respect, open-mindedness, and equity. In doing so, an organization can provide everyone with opportunities to share their knowledge and achieve the greatest results.


Mali Tumusiime

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.