Consortium at Johnson
Johnson joined The Consortium for Graduate Study in Management in 2009 and continues to support its mission of enhancing diversity and inclusion in global business education and leadership. Consortium member schools, like Johnson, aim to reduce the significant underrepresentation and exclusion of African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans among their enrollment and, therefore, among the global business landscape.
The Johnson Consortium Family is made up of 69 individuals from all over the United States and Puerto Rico. Led by four Consortium Liaisons, the family spends a great deal of time engaging with each other and the larger Johnson community, supporting the mission of The Consortium. The family frequently hosts social gatherings, has impromptu meals in downtown Ithaca, gets together for career prep, studies for midterms and exams, as well as travels together during short and extended breaks.
The Johnson Consortium family has taken home the Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M.) Trophy for the past five consecutive years and for six years in total. The T.E.A.M. Trophy is awarded to a Consortium-member school for the following:
- supporting the mission of The Consortium
- representation of Consortium members as leaders of student organizations
- reaching 100 percent participation in the Class Gift Campaign
- volunteering within the community and for the school
- fundraising for causes that support the mission of The Consortium
- creating a community of care and support for career and academic preparedness
Become a Consortium Member
2023 Johnson Consortium Liaisons
Gideon Aderemi
Liaison ChairHometown: Nigeria/NYC
Undergrad institution: New York University
Undergrad major: Mechanical Engineering
Other post-secondary degrees: Master of Engineering- Manufacturing Systems Engineering from UW-Madison
Pre-MBA Industry/Functional Area: Operations/Manufacturing
Current areas of Career Interest: Strategy consulting
Leadership Positions at Johnson VP Admissions & Education – BGBA, VP Alumni Affairs – JABS, and Chair, Consortium.
Why did you choose Johnson? I chose Johnson for three reasons: its people, the small- to mid- class sizes, and the scenic environs of Ithaca.
What does Consortium mean to you? To me, Consortium is my point of primary support within the Cornell Johnson community. If I have concerns, issues that require discussion, or need for general support academic or otherwise, I see Consortium as my starting point. Stating and abiding by this requires trust, camaraderie, and belief in being able to reciprocate when my peers require same. In all, Consortium, to me, means union.
What are you most looking forward to in this role?: In this role as Chair, I am most looking forward to working with my current classmates to solidify bonds vital to success within Cornell Johnson and in the industry, post-graduation. I am convinced that this effort is central to creating an environment that attracts talented underrepresented minorities and allies to Johnson in line with the goal/mission of The Consortium. Lastly, I am looking forward to retaining the T.E.A.M. Trophy!
Diana Pierre
Admissions LiaisonHometown: Waltham, MA
Undergrad: Florida Agricultual & Mechanical University (FAMU)
Undergrad Major: Accounting
Career before Johnson: Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry/ Sales Representative
Current career focus: Consulting
Leadership Positions at Johnson: VP of Community and Belonging, and Consortium Liaison
Why did you choose Johnson? I choose Johnson because it was small enough where I could get to know many in my class but also their support and placement in consulting. I also wanted to be involved with student council and other organizations like Big Red Microenterprise (BRM) to help bridge Johnson resources to promising underserved business owners around Ithaca.
What does Consortium Mean to you? The Consortium is a growing network to enhance diversity and inclusion of underrepresented minorities in business school such as Johnson and in the ranks of global management across various sectors.
What are you looking forward to in your Consortium Liaison role?I’m looking forward to speaking with prospective students, especially African Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans on how Johnson resources and the network are helping me land my dream job. But most importantly, the professors and students that helped stretch me and skills I’m able to not only share with my classmates but take into my summer role and beyond.
Angel Gonzalez
Career LiaisonHometown: Pomona, CA
Undergrad: Cal Poly Pomona
Undergrad Major: Accounting
Career before Johnson: Corporate Accounting in the cross-cultural marketing and advertising space
Current career focus: Consulting, specifically in private equity and media & entertainment
Leadership Positions at Johnson: Consortium Career Liaison, HABLA VP of Admissions, SAGE Treasurer
Why did you choose Johnson? You will hear this often from Johnson students and alum, but I chose Johnson for the people. I wanted to spend my time in an intentionally small community where I could build genuine, lifelong relationships and develop as a leader.
What does Consortium Mean to you? To me, the Consortium means opportunity. I am a first-generation college student and the thought of navigating the higher education space was intimidating at first. I have felt supported and inspired during the entire process from both my Consortium family and the organization itself.
What are you looking forward to in your Consortium Liaison role? My experience so far would not have been possible without the efforts and guidance of faculty, administration, and my peers. In this role I hope to continue those efforts and ensure that the Consortium family is well equipped to reach their career goals
Pilar Resendez
Academic LiaisonHometown: Alice, Texas
Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin
Undergrad Major: Finance
Career before Johnson: Consulting
Current career focus: Brand Management & Corporate Strategy
Leadership Positions at Johnson: HABLA President, Wine Club President, Consortium Academic Liaison, Big Red Ventures Associate
Why did you choose Johnson? I chose Johnson for the opportunity to explore several different career paths. Through the immersion program as well as the extracurricular activities available, I knew I would be able to learn more about marketing, strategy, and VC. Additionally, I was drawn to the tight knit community and networking opportunities that are available on a more personal level.
What does Consortium Mean to you? Consortium provides a community of students, alumni, and professionals who value the diverse experiences that we each bring to the table as well as an understanding of the support and learning needed to be successful in business school and beyond.
What are you looking forward to in your Consortium Liaison role? I’m looking forward to supporting our Consortium students through their studies and using my previous experience to provide more tutoring opportunities to ensure everyone’s success through the Johnson core curriculum.