The impact of inclusive excellence: Building thriving communities through educational accessibility

The 2024 Academy Award-winning documentary "Seeds of Change" spotlighted the transformative power of education in underserved communities. By chronicling real-life stories of individuals overcoming socio-economic barriers through access to innovative educational programs, the film inspired global audiences and highlighted the tangible benefits of inclusive education. Its message—that accessible education can foster thriving communities—resonated deeply with viewers across socio-economic and cultural divides.

This cultural moment aligns with the inclusive excellence that Thunderbird School of Global Management strives for—a critical aspect of the Arizona State University charter that ensures inclusivity and accessibility are not only valued but integrated as a critical driver of innovation. By fostering socio-economic diversity and accessibility, Thunderbird exemplifies how education and innovation can bridge economic and social divides, transforming lives and communities both locally and globally.

Accessibility and diversity in education: The Thunderbird model

At Thunderbird, inclusivity is more than a value; it is a transformative practice. Programs like the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative remove financial and linguistic barriers, equipping marginalized populations—including women, rural communities, and refugees—with tools to thrive in the global economy. For example:

• In Sub-Saharan Africa, the program has enrolled thousands of learners, particularly women, in courses focused on entrepreneurship and digital transformation.
• In the United States, Thunderbird collaborates with community colleges and organizations like the DreamCatcher Program, ensuring Native American students have access to culturally relevant, high-quality educational resources.

Diversity drives innovation and profitability

It has been well-documented that diverse teams are more adaptable and resilient, contributing directly to financial growth. For instance, Deloitte’s report, "The Diversity and Inclusion Revolution: Eight Powerful Truths," shows that organizations with inclusive cultures are twice as likely to meet or exceed financial targets and six times more likely to be innovative and agile—qualities essential for thriving in today’s fast-paced, global economy. Similarly, McKinsey & Company’s 2020 report, "Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters," found that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability, while companies with ethnic and cultural diversity outperformed their less diverse counterparts by 36%.

With inclusive excellence as a core value, Thunderbird immerses students in diverse environments, ensuring they are more adaptive, resilient, and prepared to lead inclusive, innovative workplaces proven to outperform others. Thunderbird’s approach to education equips graduates to embody these findings, translating data into real-world leadership and innovation.

Inclusive practices enhance competitiveness

The combination of social significance and financial benefits is essential. Inclusive practices help build trust among employees, customers, and communities, enhancing competitiveness. Harvard Business Review’s "Why Diverse Teams Are Smarter" underscores the importance of diversity in teams, pointing out that varied perspectives drive innovation and lead to improved outcomes.

Thunderbird’s programs embody this philosophy, creating platforms where collaboration bridges divide. For example, the Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative integrates diverse cultural insights to produce equitable and globally resonant educational content, addressing worldwide challenges effectively. Furthermore, Thunderbird’s commitment to accessible infrastructure, like the Global Headquarters in Phoenix, fosters inclusivity by creating community spaces for engagement and collaboration.  By incorporating multiple perspectives, our solutions are equitable and more effective in addressing worldwide challenges. This is exemplified in the solutions architectured by Global Challenge Labs in which teams of Thunderbird students from the US and around the world work on projects across the Globe for companies, municipalities, and communities.  Furthermore, our current Master of Global Management (MGM) cohort exemplifies our commitment to inclusivity, with 86 percent of students internationally based and representing 42 countries – the balance of U.S. and international students remains approximately 50-50 across all Thunderbird degrees with up to 54 different countries represented across all programs.

Inclusive excellence for a better future

Through many years and evolutions, Thunderbird has always understood that diverse leadership is essential for addressing complex global challenges. By ensuring inclusive excellence at all levels—diverse staff and student body, physical and technological accessibility, and a global presence in 15 countries and growing—Thunderbird advances its mission of creating global leaders equipped to drive sustainable and equitable prosperity worldwide.

At Thunderbird, we continuously ask, “Who is missing at our table?” This question fuels efforts to elevate underrepresented voices and create environments where everyone feels valued. Through mentorship programs, inclusive leadership platforms, and a curriculum reflecting diverse experiences, Thunderbird prepares graduates to navigate complex global landscapes.

The Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative is a timely example of how educational accessibility fosters cultural significance, financial success, and thriving communities. Thunderbird’s emphasis on inclusive excellence shows that representation, accessibility, and diversity are not just moral imperatives but strategic advantages for innovation and growth. By prioritizing these values, Thunderbird empowers students to become champions of an interconnected world, shaping a better future for all.