Q&A: Madison Moore (MBA’24) on Advancing Inclusivity and Fostering Community at McDonough
During the month of February, Georgetown McDonough joins the nation in commemorating Black History Month. To celebrate, we are spotlighting several of our exceptional Black students in the McDonough community who are creating impact and exemplifying the Georgetown spirit through their academics, careers, and personal lives.
As co-president of the Black MBA Association (BMBAA) at McDonough, vice president of diversity, equity, and inclusion on the Flex MBA Student Government Association, and a student representative on McDonough’s Standing Committee on DEI, Madison Moore (MBA’24) has set her sights on creating a diverse and equitable community for Black students at McDonough.
Moore shared her experience as a student in the MBA program, her goals as a leader of various clubs across campus, and how she plans to use her time in the MBA program to advance her own career, while also creating a more inclusive environment for those who come behind her.
How has your involvement with the Black MBA Association shaped your overall experience at McDonough?
The majority of my involvement with the BMBAA began in the transition between fall and spring semesters when I assumed the position of co-president. Prior to that, I was excited to be part of an amazing group of Black students who are extremely supportive and eager to build our community within the business school. Having this community to lean on gave me the extra support I needed when I was first trying to manage going back to school, especially while working full time. I am very grateful for the friends I’ve made and I look forward to the new relationships I’ll create throughout the program.
What are you hoping to accomplish in your new role as co-president?
BMBAA is a safe space for students to socialize, collaborate, and learn. We are hoping to establish a greater sense of community for Black students, focusing heavily on professional development and fostering relationships with alumni. We also want to bridge the gap for prospective Black students looking to attend McDonough to increase the diversity within the incoming classes.
What kinds of programming and support do you aim to offer students through the BMBAA?
As co-presidents, Bruno Kabata and I look forward to hosting several social, cultural, educational, and service-related events to engage all McDonough students. For example, we are planning a monthly alumni speaking series to highlight former students who are making an impact in their respective industries. We also plan to work with other clubs and organizations to co-host events throughout the semester.
Are there any professors or mentors in the McDonough community who have made an impact on your experience at Georgetown?
Coming into the program I was dreading my statistics class because I do not come from a quantitative background. Professor Victor Jose did such an amazing job teaching the content that his class became my favorite course of the semester. He made the content manageable, which is not at all how I remember statistics from undergrad. Since this was my first semester at Georgetown, I was very grateful that his teaching style was so thorough and that he was extremely flexible when scheduling last-minute office hours. He definitely had a positive impact on my experience at Georgetown. Thanks, Professor Jose!
Why did you decide to serve as a student representative on McDonough’s Standing Committee on DEI? Has the work you’ve done for the committee influenced any part of your leadership in the BMBAA?
As the vice president of diversity, equity & inclusion on the Flex SGA, I am tasked with co-running the MBA Student DEI Board and Council as well as being a student representative on McDonough’s Standing DEI Committee.
I ran for this position because I wanted to have a greater impact on the student experience at McDonough. It’s important for Georgetown to be dedicated to creating a more inclusive learning environment for current and prospective students. I am particularly passionate about increasing the number of students who identify as underrepresented minorities here at McDonough. Sitting on the committee has helped influence my leadership in the BMBAA, as I am always looking through a DEI lens as we plan for the upcoming semester or when meeting with the rest of the executive board.
What is one of the most important lessons you have learned while at Georgetown?
Although I am just beginning my academic career here at Georgetown, I quickly learned to take advantage of the many resources, faculty, and staff made available for students to succeed and get involved. I am ultimately here to earn an MBA, but I plan to contribute to the progress and betterment of McDonough so the students who matriculate through this program once I’ve graduated can do so in a more inclusive environment.