Past Events

The 2024 Case

For the 2024 DEI Grow the Good in Business™ Case Competition, the case addresses one aspect related to the much broader topic of DEI. Students participating in the Case Competition will be tasked with examining the rise of private equity in health care and its role in addressing health disparities and ultimately health equity. Mendoza recognizes that DEI involves meaningful steps toward implementing ideas for change, in partnership with stakeholders. To that end, the community-based research the students generate through the competition will be made available to Case Competition sponsors for their possible use.

Top 3 teams

Graduate

1st place: Hannah Darr, Caitlin Cruickshank, Katie Bardine (MNA)
2nd place: Nell Smircina, Michael Rihani, Josh Rodgers (Executive MBA)
3rd place: Ann Mary Biju (MNA), Kingsley Ukaulor (MBA), Henri Fabrice Ndayizeye (MGA)

UNDERGRADUATE

1st place: Eileen Lundblad (Finance), Renee Maslak (Physics in Medicine)
2nd place: Bernice Antoine (Business Analytics), Luzolo Mantandu (Political Science), Nada Alnagar (Political Science), Remy Finn (Finance)
3rd place: Rey Ortiz Bautista (Science-Business), Ainee Martin (Chemical Engineering), Mateo Tristan (Chemical Engineering), Alyssa Chin (Business Analytics)

Sponsorships

A special thank you to our corporate sponsors.

Platinum Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Strategic Partners

Speakers:

Kristen Collett-Schmitt

Associate Dean for Innovation and Inclusion and Teaching Professor of Finance

Kristen Collett-Schmitt is a Teaching Professor at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. She received her Ph.D. and Masters in Economics from North Carolina State University and her B.A. in Economics and Sociology from Bellarmine University. Dr. Collett-Schmitt teaches economics in the undergraduate studies, Executive Master of Nonprofit Administration (EMNA), Master of Nonprofit Administration (MNA), Master of Science in Management (MSM) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs in the Mendoza College of Business. Her current research focuses on education and literacy, encouraging students to develop an interest for economics through the use of real-world applications, and inclusive pedagogy. Dr. Collett-Schmitt's honors and distinctions include the Department of Finance James Dincolo Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award (2016), the Joe and Gina Prochaska Family Outstanding Undergraduate Teacher Award (2015), the Rev. Edmund P. Joyce, C.S.C Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2014), the EMNA Program Outstanding Professor Award (2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022), the MNA Program Outstanding Professor Award (2021), the Leo Burke Outstanding Professor Award for the Chicago EMBA Program (2021), and the Provost's Award for Academic Support of Student-Athletes (2022). In 2017, she was named to Michiana's Class of Forty under 40 and a Top 40 Undergraduate Business Professor by Poets & Quants.

Prior to being named as Chicago office managing partner in early 2023, Travis served as the Dallas Business Unit Partner in Charge of the Audit practice, providing Audit and business services to a variety of public and private entities across industries, with a specialized focus in healthcare. His audit experience ranges from public home health, hospice, long term acute care facilities, private integrated healthcare systems, end-stage renal dialysis providers, teaching hospitals, and diagnostic imaging centers in accordance with PCAOB, SEC, and AICPA requirements. In addition, he has many years of experience with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payor regulations, including cost reports, reimbursement rates and estimates, and statutory reporting.

Both inside and outside of the classroom, Kristen Collett-Schmitt is passionate about inclusion and equity. In 2022, she spearheaded the inaugural DE&I Grow the Good in Business Case Competition and piloted a professional development program that addresses the inequitable promotion of women to management positions. Dr. Collett-Schmitt helped establish the Notre Dame Chapter for MoneyThink, a student organization that seeks to promote financial literacy by placing college mentors in South Bend high schools to teach personal finance lessons, and is devoted to providing necessities for hospitalized premature infants through her family’s non-profit organization, “Wishes for Preemies.”

In 2022, Dr. Collett-Schmitt was appointed as the Associate Dean for Innovation and Inclusion in the Mendoza College of Business. Previously, she served as the Associate Dean for Specialized Master's Programs and oversaw accreditation for the College as Director of Special Projects.

Martijn Cremers

Martin J. Gillen Dean and Bernard J. Hank Professor of Finance

K.J. Martijn Cremers serves as the Martin J. Gillen Dean and the Bernard J. Hank Professor of Finance at the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business. Cremers served as interim dean starting in 2018 before accepting the position in 2019; he was recently reappointed to serve a second term that will run through 2029.

Prior to joining Notre Dame in 2012, Cremers was a faculty member at the Yale School of Management from 2002 to 2012. His research and teaching areas are investment management, corporate finance, corporate governance, corporate law, business ethics, and Catholic social thought.

Cremers’ research currently has over 13,000 Google citations. His best-cited paper, “How Active is Your Fund Manager? A New Measure That Predicts Performance,” published in 2009 in the Review of Financial Studies, introduced Active Share, an innovative tool for determining the extent of active mutual fund management by measuring the percentage of stock holdings in a manager's portfolio that differs from the benchmark index. Active Share has become widely used in the financial industry and was incorporated in Morningstar Direct and FactSet.

His recent awards and distinctions include receiving an honorary degree in 2019 from Holy Cross College at Notre Dame, where he served as the 2019 commencement speaker.

Cremers has long-standing consulting relationships with various investment managers, including Touchstone Investments. He serves as an independent director at Ariel Investments, an investment company located in Chicago, since 2018.

A native of the Netherlands, Cremers earned his master’s degree from the Free University Amsterdam and his Ph.D. from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Cremers and his wife Liesbeth reside in South Bend, Indiana, and have six children.

Claudia Saran

U.S. Sector Leader, Industrial Manufacturing, KPMG US

Claudia Saran is a highly accomplished and recognized leader in the field of Industrial Manufacturing. With over 25 years of experience, she currently serves as the U.S. Sector Leader at KPMG LLP. She is also a board member of the National Association of Manufacturers.

Claudia's deep interest and passion for the evolution of industrial manufacturing has guided her throughout her career, as she works with leaders of automotive/mobility, aerospace and defense, and diversified industrial companies to drive change agendas and navigate their complex industry challenges.

As the U.S. Sector Leader at KPMG, Claudia brings practical client engagement experience in areas such as organizational culture transformation, functional performance improvement, growth strategy activation, and leadership team alignment. She is committed to ensuring clients have the best experience with KPMG in terms of capabilities, quality and overall satisfaction.

Prior to her current role, Claudia held various leadership positions at KPMG US, including Vice Chair of Culture and U.S. leader of the People & Change Practice. She also served on KPMG’s Board of Directors and the firm’s Women Advisory Board. From a technical perspective, she was the global sponsor of the firm's Behavioral Change Management Methodology/Framework, demonstrating her commitment to driving positive organizational change and development.

Her educational background includes a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Outside of her professional achievements, Claudia is a mother to 5 and 3 year old boys, and holds board positions at Skills for Chicagoland’s Future and HFS Chicago Scholars.

Final Round Judging Panel

Claudia Saran

U.S. Sector Leader, Industrial Manufacturing, KPMG US

Dinesh Sinniah

Partner, Tax, KPMG

Dinesh is a Tax Partner and Midwest leader for KPMG’s Global Reward Services practice. With 16 years of experience, he has worked closely with the firm's most prestigious clients in developing and executing intricate global strategies pertaining to global mobility and tax planning for their global rewards program. Dinesh has experience with a wide-range of clients across multiple industries with a focus on tax, global rewards, global mobility, and HR programs in the consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, financial services, technology, and automotive industry. Dinesh holds the responsibility of leading teams across 80 countries, providing tailored solutions to address cross-border tax and social security challenges, global rewards management, talent acquisition, M&A tax, international assignment policy, change management, tax technology implementation, and various other global HR matters for KPMG's Fortune 500 clients.

Dinesh holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and Bachelor in Business Administration in Accounting from The University of Notre Dame.

Holly McCune

Benefits Manager, 1st Source Bank

Holly McCune is an accomplished Benefits Manager at 1st Source Bank, renowned for her expertise in administrative support and payroll. Through her extensive background supporting staff at various levels, Holly has developed exceptional multitasking abilities coupled with meticulous attention to detail. She is highly regarded for her strong communication and problem-solving skills, making her an invaluable team member. With a Bachelor's degree from Bethel College and active participation in organizations like AFS Intercultural Programs and the American Red Cross, Holly brings a unique blend of professional expertise and community engagement to her career.

Jim Sperduto

President, Small Business, Retirement, and Insurance Services, ADP

Jim Sperduto is the President of Small Business, Retirement, and Insurance Services for ADP. In this role, he leads a team focused on helping ADP’s small business clients achieve their entrepreneurial dreams by providing them integrated solutions for payroll, HR, and benefits.

Previously, Jim served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of ADP Retirement Services. He was responsible for leading ADP’s Retirement Services business, which provides recordkeeping services for employers. He oversaw the client and plan participant experience, providing them with advanced technology, proactive service, and a range of investment options to meet their unique needs. His senior leadership team led areas including Operations, Service Delivery, Strategy and Marketing, IT, Finance and Sales. In addition, he was responsible for determining the next generation of product and services, leveraging technology and analytics to deliver intelligent, integrated Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions.

Since joining ADP in 1994, Jim has traveled a diverse path across the organization through his more than 25+ year journey with ADP. His career began in New York City where he was promoted from a sales associate to hold several regional leadership positions. As a Sales Operations leader, Jim spearheaded the development of the accountant channel strategy, extending ADP’s reach and market penetration.

Jim’s passion for driving associate engagement and talent development has served him well in a myriad of significant leadership roles in multiple areas of the business, including Senior Division Vice President of Sales for ADP Retirement Services and Senior Vice President of Sales for both Small Business Services and Major Account Services, where he led a sales transformational effort. Jim was also the Senior Vice President of Sales for ADP’s Global Inside Sales team. In addition, Jim’s support of talent development extends outside of ADP where he currently serves on the New York/New Jersey Advisory Board of America Needs You, a non-profit organization that provides mentorship and career development opportunities for first-generation college students.

Jim holds a Master of Business Administration from New York University’s Stern School of Business and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame

Daniel Windoff

Senior Analyst, Cambiar Investors

Daniel Windoff is a Senior Analyst at Cambiar Investors. Prior to joining Cambiar in 2021, Daniel worked at Crescit Asset Management, where he was a Portfolio Manager. Daniel began his investment career as an Associate with Macquarie Group Limited in London.

Mr. Windoff received an MBA in Investments from the University of Notre Dame and a B.Sc in Finance and International Business from High Point University.

Kimberly Green Reeves

Executive Director of Community Impact, Beacon Health System

Kimberly Green Reeves, MPA is a well-known thought leader on health equity and change theory, with a proven track record of driving process improvement and workforce development. She is currently the Executive Director of Community Impact at Beacon Health System, where she is responsible for managing health outreach efforts and ensuring effective, equitable, and sustainable models and processes are in place to prevent disease and promote health in communities. Kimberly has extensive experience in directing community health-focused operations, creating effective community-based health initiatives, and carrying out grant renewal and grant acquisition activities. Her expertise in exploring the underlying causes of socio-economic barriers makes her an invaluable asset to the healthcare community. Kimberly holds a Master of Public Administration from Indiana University South Bend and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Holy Cross College in Indiana. She is also a 2025 Executive Master of Business Administration candidate from the University of Notre Dame. Additionally, she has demonstrated her well-developed leadership skills and creativity by organizing, developing, and providing administrative guidance for program effectiveness in various roles.

Eugenio Acosta

Senior Associate Director, Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate

Eugenio Acosta serves as the Senior Associate Director for the Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate, as well as Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Minor in Real Estate. Prior to joining the Institute, he served as the Academic Advancement Director for Notre Dame's College of Engineering and the Director of International Alumni Programs for University Relations.

For 12 years, Eugenio worked as a senior engineer and a project manager for McCarthy Building Companies in southern California. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Business Administration from California State University.

Jessica McManus Warnell

Rex and Alice A. Martin Faculty Director of the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership; Teaching Professor of Management & Organization

Jessica McManus Warnell teaches undergraduate and MBA courses in business ethics, sustainability, inclusive leadership, managing early career employees, and business and culture in Japan. Jessica is a past recipient of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME) North America Chapter Award for Teaching Excellence. Her current research explores business students' values orientations, inclusive business and business education, and sustainable businesses and communities, including community and economic recovery in the wake of natural disasters. She served as a visiting teaching and research fellow at Reitaku University near Tokyo, and continues to collaborate with scholars and business executives in Japan. Jessica is a Faculty Fellow of the Liu Institute for Asia and Asian Studies and of the Pulte Institute for Global Development, and Affiliated Faculty of the Environmental Humanities Initiative, the Gender Studies Program, the Initiative on Race and Resilience, the Environmental Change Initiative (ND-ECI), the Poverty Studies Minor, the Sheedy Family Program in Economy, Enterprise, and Society, and the Sustainability Minor. By advancing thought leadership, applying scholarly research, and engaging students, the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership informs, equips, and inspires values-based business leaders who work toward just, resilient, and flourishing communities. We invite you to connect with us at ethicalleadership.nd.edu.

Amanda McKendree

Arthur F. and Mary J. O'Neil Director of the Fanning Center for Business Communication, Teaching Professor Management & Organization

Dr. Amanda G. McKendree teaches crisis communication, strategic communication, and corporate communication at the University of Notre Dame, where she is a Teaching Professor of Management & Organization in the Eugene D. Fanning Center for Business Communication. She also holds the Arthur F. and Mary J. O’Neil Directorship at the Fanning Center and serves as academic director for undergraduate studies in the Mendoza College of Business. Professor McKendree's research examines crisis communication, conflict communication, and the influence of rhetoric on organizational identity.

She received her BA in Global Policy Studies from Chatham University and MPA in Nonprofit/Public Management from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She was awarded a one-year fellowship in public affairs at the Coro Center for Civic Leadership and Carnegie Mellon University, and earned her Ph.D. in Rhetoric at Duquesne University.

Helenna Xu

Co-CEO, Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI)

Helenna is a senior from Chicago, Illinois majoring in the Program of Liberal Studies and Political Science at the University of Notre Dame. She is actively engaged in policy research, law, and volunteer work, utilizing her skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in her community.

As the Chief Executive Officer at the Jubilee Initiative for Financial Inclusion (JIFFI), she leads the organization's efforts in empowering the South Bend Community through microfinance and combating predatory payday lending. Alongside her academic pursuits and professional responsibilities, she has also served as the President of Circle K International at Notre Dame, actively engaging in service, leadership, and fellowship opportunities. Outside of JIFFI, she is a Director of Projects for SPN, a fellow of the Tocqueville Fellowship, and a part of the Strike Magazine.

John Wagle

Pat & Jana Eilers Associate Athletics Director, Sports Performance, University of Notre Dame

John P. Wagle is the Pat & Jana Eilers Associate Athletics Director, Sports Performance at the University of Notre Dame. With a background in player development and sports performance, he maximizes support for student-athletes through collaborative efforts in areas such as Sports Medicine, Strength & Conditioning, Psychology, Nutrition, and the Notre Dame GLD Center. John's expertise in technology and analytics drives data-driven decision-making to enhance the health, development, and performance of each student-athlete.

John's educational background includes double majoring in Physics and Business Management at Augustana College, where he was an All-American baseball player and was inducted into their Hall of Fame. He holds an MBA from Loyola University-Chicago, an MNA from North Park University, and an MS in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University. Additionally, John has completed post-graduate certificates in Applied Statistics and Exercise Rehabilitation for Sports Injuries from Penn State University and Australian Catholic University, respectively.

The 2023 Case

For the second annual DEI Grow the Good in Business Case Competition, participants were tasked with examining access to and quality of financial services in underserved markets and proposing a business solution to financial exclusion.

Top 3 teams

Graduate

1st place: Tenga | Chiyedza Chinake (MNA 2023) and Simba Mubvuma (MBA 2024)
2nd place: KTM Consulting Partnership | Travis Williams and Michael Williams (MSM 2023)
3rd place: Team YOUnique: Palm Luckom, Larissa Nogueira Hallack, Chaeyoung Gu, Celeste Rodriguez (MBA 2023)

UNDERGRADUATE

1st place: CMG Consulting | Cleveland Sellers IV (Business Analytics) and Mateo Acosta (Finance and Economics)
2nd place: Team Rocket | Billy Micard (Finance and Psychology), Trey Lane (Mechanical Engineering), Chase Dixon (Computer Science), Robert Fitzpatrick (Sociology and International Development)
3rd place: Coins for Care | Bernice Antoine (Business Analytics and Global Affairs) and Luc Gelin (Finance and Economics)

Sponsorships

A special thank you to our corporate sponsors.

Platinum Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Strategic Partners

Speakers:

TRAVIS C. HUNTER, JR.

Managing Partner, Chicago, KPMG LLP

Travis is office managing partner for KPMG’s Chicago office where he leads more than 3,000 professionals in providing Audit, Tax, and Advisory services to our clients. Beyond Chicago, Travis collaborates with eight Midwest markets as the Chicago market Hub Leader. He has more than 20 years of strong operational leadership and business and people development, in addition to his experience providing financial statement audits to both public and private companies.

Prior to being named as Chicago office managing partner in early 2023, Travis served as the Dallas Business Unit Partner in Charge of the Audit practice, providing Audit and business services to a variety of public and private entities across industries, with a specialized focus in healthcare. His audit experience ranges from public home health, hospice, long term acute care facilities, private integrated healthcare systems, end-stage renal dialysis providers, teaching hospitals, and diagnostic imaging centers in accordance with PCAOB, SEC, and AICPA requirements. In addition, he has many years of experience with Medicare, Medicaid, and private payor regulations, including cost reports, reimbursement rates and estimates, and statutory reporting.

Travis serves as a board member for the Civic Committee of Chicago; The Executives’ Club of Chicago; United Way of Metro Chicago; and World Business Chicago. He is also chairing the American Cancer Society’s 2023 Chicago Discovery Ball. Travis previously served as a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dallas Board of Directors, the Board of Directors for Hargrave Military Academy and the Texas Christian University Neely School of Business Inclusive Excellence Board. At KPMG, he served as a member of the KPMG Board of Directors Nominating Committee and is currently a member of the Women’s Advisory Board.

JOSEPH P. LACHER

President, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Kemper Corporation

Joseph P. Lacher, Jr. has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors of Kemper Corporation since November 2015. He was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in May 2021.

Joe has a long and successful history of helping insurance businesses achieve their full potential. Prior to joining Kemper, he was President of Allstate Protection, where he led the company’s property and casualty offerings, serving more than 17 million American households. Before Allstate, Joe spent 18 years in various leadership roles at the Travelers Companies, one of the nation’s leading independent agency franchises. As Executive Vice President of Personal Lines and Select Accounts, he grew these businesses significantly, representing about half the corporation’s operations.

Joe earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Property Casualty Insurance Association, a member of the Board of Directors for JDRF International, an At-Large Executive Committee Member for JDRF Illinois, and a member of the Board of Trustees for the Field Museum.

Final Round Judging Panel

AMANDA MCKENDREE

Arthur F. and Mary J. O'Neil Director of the Fanning Center for Business Communication, Associate Teaching Professor

Dr. Amanda G. McKendree teaches business communication, strategic communication, and corporate communication at the University of Notre Dame, where she is an Associate Teaching Professor of Management in the Fanning Center for Business Communication. She also holds the Arthur F. and Mary J. O’Neil Directorship at the Eugene D. Fanning Center for Business Communication in the Mendoza College of Business. Professor McKendree's research examines crisis communication, conflict communication, and the influence of rhetoric on organizational identity. She is published in the SAGE Encyclopedia of Identity, Business Communication Quarterly, Teaching Ideas for the Basic Communication Course, Journal of the Association for Communication Administration, and Review of Communication. She is a coauthor of Conflict Between Persons: The Origins of Leadership (Kendall Hunt Publishing Company, 2nd ed., 2018).

She is a member of the Arthur Page Society, Management Communication Association, National Communication Association, Eastern Communication Association, and Pennsylvania Communication Association. She currently serves as the 1st Vice President of the Eastern Communication Association. She is a past Chair of the Communication Ethics Division of the National Communication Association and a past President of the Pennsylvania Communication Association. She is also a member of the executive committee for the Midwest Regional Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Consortium. She is the recipient of the 2018 Carroll Arnold Distinguished Service Award from the Pennsylvania Communication Association and the 2019 Faculty Service Award from the Department of Management & Organization, Mendoza College of Business.

She received her BA in Global Policy Studies from Chatham University and MPA in Nonprofit/Public Management from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. She was awarded a one-year fellowship in public affairs at the Coro Center for Civic Leadership and Carnegie Mellon University, and earned her Ph.D. in Rhetoric at Duquesne University.

When not serving her students and the discipline, she dedicates her time to Strikeout PSP, an awareness and fundraising initiative for progressive supranuclear palsy, a degenerative brain disease. Based in southwestern Pennsylvania, Strikeout PSP was founded by Amanda in 2017.

SHELLI ALEXANDER

Regional President of the Bank’s Central Region at 1st Source Bank

Shelli Alexander, SVP, is the Regional President of the Bank’s Central Region at 1st Source Bank. The Central Region encompasses St. Joseph County, southwestern Michigan and Kalamazoo. Shelli holds a BS in Accounting and Business Administration from Indiana University, South Bend and an EMBA from Notre Dame. She has attended the Indiana Banker’s Leadership Program, serves on the Board of The South Bend Regional Chamber of Commerce, has previously been active with the South Bend Rotary Club, Indiana University South Bend Alumni Association Board, River Bend Cancer Board, and is a graduate of the Leadership South Bend/Mishawaka program.

CT MOBLEY

Division Vice President, Diverse Business Market

CT Mobley is a part of the Small Business Services (SBS) Sales team as Division Vice President, Diverse Business Markets. CT’s background includes over 20 years of executive experience leading cross-functional leadership teams, indirect and direct sales teams, strategic planning and execution in diverse markets. He joins us from the Better Business Resource Group, a boutique sales consulting and marketing firm, where he was Executive Director with a client roster that included T-Mobile and Verizon. In this role he built a new division while significantly contributing to the company’s top-line growth and expanding their client base. In 2020, CT began a financial literacy program, specifically targeting the Black and LatinX communities, inspired by the challenges that many began to face as the nation went deeper into the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program has been able to assign over $13 million in cash accumulation vehicles, life insurance and future income assets to people in the target communities and within the networks’ scope through group and one-on-one video meetings. At ADP he is responsible for the go-to-market strategy and execution for diverse channel growth and will lead the formation of alliances and partnerships with clients who represent URG, differently abled, veteran, LGBTQ+ and women-owned businesses. This new area of business is critical to the evolution of how we connect our clients, prospects and diverse communities to ADP’s product offerings and expertise.

BECKY BECKMAN

Principal and Director of Marketing at Gibson

Becky is a Principal and Director of Marketing at Gibson. She is responsible for all aspects of marketing, advertising, public relations, social media, event planning, corporate philanthropy, and branding. Relationship marketing and networking is her passion.

Prior to joining Gibson in 2018, she was the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Kelly Cares Foundation. Through this experience she honed her skills around community impact and the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility. Prior to Kelly Cares, Beckman was Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Retail Products at Carbon’s Golden Malted, a global food distributor. She has spent much of her career in branding, event planning, business development, sales, communications, and fundraising.

BETHANY HARTLEY

PRESIDENT AND CEO FOR FOR THE SOUTH BEND- ELKHART REGIONAL PARTNERSHIP

Bethany Hartley currently serves as President and Chief Executive Officer at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership, a collaboration of economic development partners in the South Bend - Elkhart Region, which encompasses 47 communities in northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. The organization serves as a single point of contact for regional communication and seeks to advance economic opportunities for all partner members through collaborative promotion, marketing, and capacity building efforts.

Bethany has over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, primarily focused on economic development and entrepreneurship. Bethany joined the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership in 2018, first as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion, and was promoted to Chief Strategy Officer in 2020. Prior to the Regional Partnership, Bethany held leadership positions with RISE | Regional Innovation and Startup Education, Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, Family and Children’s Center, and the Women’s Business Development Center in Chicago.

She has led a wide range of projects and initiatives including digital system transformations, organizational restructuring, large event management, and marketing and communications strategy. She has a BA from Loyola University Chicago and certificates from Notre Dame, Babson College and Catalyst Inc.

JACK O'LEARY

CEO at JIFFI

Jack is a Senior from Stuart, Florida studying International Economics with Spanish and a minor in Data Science. Jack started as an Associate in the Credit Division his freshman year and has since worked as a Data Analytics project leader, and CPO overseeing JIFFI's loan and savings service offerings. Currently, he works as CEO of the organization managing JIFFI's staff of 50 student volunteers. Outside of JIFFI, Jack is a member of the St. Edward's Hall community and is writing a senior thesis in Economics.

GIA KVARATSKHELIA

HEAD COACH, UNIVERSITY OF NOTRE DAME FENCING

Guiorgie “Gia” Kvaratskhelia (GEE-uh KVA-ra-SKELL-ee-uh) became the seventh head coach in Notre Dame fencing history in 2014. Kvaratskhelia is a foil specialist, and is quickly building his legacy as one of the nation’s top collegiate coaches after leading the Irish to five national championships in 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022, and 2023 and earning national coach of the year honors by the United States Fencing Coaching Association in 2018. Prior to joining the Notre Dame coaching staff, Kvaratskhelia spent 10 years as coach of the Kanza Fencing Club in Salina, Kansas. In that time, Kvaratskhelia transformed Kanza from a small recreational club into one of the nation’s top foil centers.

Kvaratskhelia — who became a U.S. citizen in 2004 — immigrated to the United States in 1994 from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Noted for his tremendous communication skills, Kvaratskhelia is fluent in Georgian, English and Russian. He received his bachelor’s degree in physical education and sport in 1993 from the Georgian State Physical Training Institute in his hometown of Tbilisi. He also earned a sports journalism certificate from that institution (’92) and pursued graduate studies in journalism at Tbilisi State University in 1993 prior to coming to the United States.

Kvaratskhelia and his wife, Dani Edson, have one daughter, Maya, and one son, Alexander.

CHRISTINA KAMINSKI

Managing Director at KPMG

Christina is a Managing Director at KPMG that provides both audit and assurance services for real estate and gaming companies, as well as advisory services related to ESG. Christina is a licensed CPA and earned her BBA and MS in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Notre Dame Accounting department. Christina has an Executive Certificate in Advancing Sustainability from NYU and regularly speaks with organizations on how to define and implement ESG strategies in their organizations, with a focus on preparing for the SEC’s proposed climate disclosure rule. She resides in Chicago with her husband and two young daughters.

The 2022 Case

For the inaugural DEI Grow the Good in Business Case Competition, and in collaboration with the State of Indiana, case participants were tasked with examining the disproportionate impact of socioeconomic challenges on communities across Indiana and proposing a business solution to the wealth gap.

Top 3 teams

1st: Kelly Straub, Maria Schorr, Maya Dodson, Katelyn Derifield
2nd: Suyash Gupta, Nathan Simon, Sulaiman Noor, Nimoy Vaidya
3rd: Courtney Kroschel, Patrick Starner, Reghan Ward

Sponsorships

A special thank you to our corporate sponsors.

Case Sponsor

Diamond Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Strategic Partner

Speakers:

Karrah Herring

Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer for the State of Indiana

Karrah Herring, J.D. was announced by Governor Eric Holcomb as Indiana’s first-ever Chief Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity Officer. In this role, she works to improve state government operations as well as remove hurdles in the workplace and services the state provides. Prior to joining the Governor's team Karrah worked for the University of Notre Dame for a decade and served as the Director of Public Affairs in the Office of Public Affairs and Communications. She received her BA in Communications/Public Relations from Purdue University and her Juris Doctorate from Valparaiso University. Karrah serves on the Indiana Supreme Court's Commission on Equity and Access, chairing a Subcommittee that creates pathway programs that diversify Indiana's bench and bar.

Tracy Graham

Managing Principal of Graham Allen Partners

Tracy Graham is the Founder and Managing Principal of Graham Allen Partners, a private equity firm that specializes in investing in, and building, technology and technology-enabled companies. He leverages his long history of successfully acquiring and operating businesses to provide strategic and operational support to a growing portfolio of small and middle-market companies. Tracy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Notre Dame and attended the Indiana University Graduate School of Education. He also has a long history of community service, currently serving on the boards of 1st Source Bank, Beacon Health System, Davenport University, the Regional Development Authority of Northern Indiana’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

Final Round Judging Panel

Zoe Thompson

Principal at KPMG

Zoe Thompson is a Principal in the Transformation Delivery practice at KPMG. She has more than 25 years of consulting experience working in a broad range of change management, operational, and organizational performance areas, including workforce improvement, corporate culture, and competency assurance. She leads the social strategy for KPMG IMPACT, the firm’s holistic Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) solution for purpose-led, sustainable business and co-leads the US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion practice. Zoe holds a BA in Economics and Religion from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She sits on the board of Holt International, a global humanitarian organization that provides services for vulnerable families and children.

Anthony Phillips II

Deputy Chief and Executive Director of External Equity in the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity at the State of Indiana

Anthony Phillips II is the Deputy Chief & Executive Director of External Equity for the State of Indiana. He spent his career in the data and analytics industry before receiving his MBA from University of Indianapolis. Prior to joining the Office of Equity, Inclusion and Opportunity, Anthony worked for KIPP Indy as the Director of Data and Instruction. He was a facilitating member of the KIPP Indy Equity Working Group, leading small group discussions designed to uncover unconscious bias and center the role of KIPP Indy in combatting systemic inequities and discrimination for the sake of its students, most of whom are BIPOC. Anthony also moonlights as an Adjunct Professor in the UIndy Evening MBA program.

Harold Swanagan

Director of Basketball Operations for Athletics at Notre Dame

Harold Swanagan is the Director of Basketball Operations for Athletics at Notre Dame. As director of basketball operations, Harold plays an integral role in the overall day-to-day operations of the Irish basketball program. Swanagan also serves as the director of the Notre Dame basketball summer camps. He works closely with Notre Dame’s marketing department and student welfare and development office in coordinating the team’s community service efforts. Previously, Harold served as the athletic department’s coordinator of student welfare and development from 2005-09. Harold earned his BA in sociology from Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters and received a M.A. in education from Indiana University-South Bend in May 2009.

JP Abercrumbie

Executive Associate Athletics Director for Culture and Engagement at Notre Dame

JP Abercrumbie is Notre Dame’s Executive Associate Athletics Director for Culture and Engagement. She joins the Irish after spending the past three years at Rice University. In her role at Notre Dame, JP stewards a culture of inclusive excellence in Notre Dame Athletics through leading the diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. The role will include active engagement and relationship building with student-athletes, staff, coaches, campus and industry colleagues, the local community and alumni. Prior to Notre Dame, JP served in a number of roles at Rice including her most recent as the Associate Athletic Director for SOAR/Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer. She graduated from Temple University with a BA in linguistic anthropology, from the University of California, Berkeley, a MA and completed several certificate programs from the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University and from Rice University.

Bethany Hartley

Chief Strategy Officer for the South Bend- Elkhart Regional Partnership

Bethany Hartley is the Chief Strategy Officer for the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership. She has over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, primarily focused on economic development and entrepreneurship. Prior to this role, Bethany held management positions with RISE (Regional Innovation and Startup Education), Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Joseph County, Family and Children’s Center, and the Women’s Business Development Center. She has led a wide range of projects and initiatives including digital system transformations, organizational restructuring, large event management, and marketing and communications strategy. She has a BA from Loyola University Chicago and certificates from Notre Dame, Babson College and Catalyst Inc.

Brett Beasley

Associate Director at the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership at the Mendoza College of Business

Brett Beasley serves as the Associate Director at the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership and is a Term Assistant Teaching Professor at Mendoza. He specializes in ethical dimensions of communication, language, and influence and teaches courses in both ethics and communications. He holds a PhD from Loyola University Chicago and has completed additional graduate studies in Christian Ethics at Notre Dame. His writing has appeared in scholarly journals, such as Renascence and Literature and Theology, as well as general audience publications, such as the Washington Post, Scientific American, and the Los Angeles Review of Books. He is co-author of the forthcoming book O’Hara’s Heirs: A Century of Business Education at Notre Dame.