EGAL’s 2024 Wrapped: A Year of Impactful Events🎉
By Emma Garcia
As we close out the year, the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership (EGAL) is reflecting on our events in 2024 through a Spotify Wrapped-inspired lens. This year was full of “greatest hits,” from inspiring conversations to collaborative competitions, all driven by our mission to cultivate Equity Fluent Leaders®. Let’s dive into the standout tracks and moments that defined our year!
🎵 Top Collaborations
This year, EGAL harmonized with incredible partners to amplify impact:
- Catapulting Talent DEI Progress Through Artificial Intelligence: A groundbreaking collaboration featuring thought leaders, AI pioneers, and DEI advocates. Together, we explored how artificial intelligence can amplify equity and inclusion strategies.
- Inclusive Digital Avatars Launch: Highlighting our Guide for Creating Inclusive Digital Avatars, developed in partnership with Meta Reality Labs, this evidence-based resource was created to support anyone looking to design inclusive avatars for virtual experiences.
🌟 Fan Favorites
These events moved attendees and reminded us why we do what we do:
- Women’s History Month Ask Me Anything: In partnership with Berkeley Haas’ Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Justice, and Belonging Office, we hosted a panel discussion featuring the empowering journeys and intersectional perspectives of our colleagues at Haas. An annual crowd favorite event!
- Bridging the Gap: Financial Literacy & Equity Fluent Leadership: In collaboration with Women in Leadership, this event brought together financial experts and leaders to explore the intersections of financial literacy, inclusion, and leadership.
🏆 Chart-Topping Competitions
In 2024, we hosted two amazing student competitions:
- Equity Fluent Leadership Case Competition: This year’s competition focused on developing unique ways to enhance inclusion and belonging in the workplace. 100 students collaborated in teams to present in front of a panel of industry professionals and UC Berkeley staff.
- Innovation & Entrepreneurship Case Competition: In partnership with UC Berkeley’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, this competition empowered 83 students to engage with innovation and entrepreneurship through a lens of inclusivity and diversity.
🎤 Most Streamed Event
EGALapalooza took the stage this year as our most-attended event ever, with over 180 people in attendance. Highlights included:
- The EFL Award presentation to Breona Jenkins, MBA ‘19
- A keynote from Alica Del Valle Rash, Global Head of Diversity and Belonging at Airbnb.
- A poetic performance from Jess Blackshaw, Haas MBA student
- A grand finale performance by an MBA student band, The Wardrobes.
This encore-worthy finale left the audience inspired and energized.
✨ A Quote That Stuck With Us
“Together, we are shaping a future where inclusion and leadership are not just ideals, but actions that drive lasting change.”
— Dr. Kellie McElhaney, Founder & Executive Director, Center for Equity, Gender & Leadership
From innovation to financial literacy, every event this year amplified our commitment to inclusion and leadership. Whether through deep discussions or dynamic performances, 2024 was a year of growth and connection.
Here’s to an even more impactful 2025 — stay tuned for the next chart-toppers!
