GS 2023 Possibilities Summit

As someone who has been chatting with candidates about this program, something that really bothers me is when candidates fake diversity. I know this is a hot take, but as someone who has probably chatted 20+ candidates in the past month, it's very obvious to see who is actually passionate about bringing their set of experiences and perspectives to the table and who just checked off the "LGBTQ" box when applying to get through the door. I mean fair move right, it's not like I can prove that you are or are not gay.

At the end of the day, this program is meant to truly give representation to traditionally under-represented groups. I look at some of these applications and they say Black/Hispanic but their last name is 'Wu" and grew up in Shanghai. I'm not saying it is impossible to have the last name of Wu and be Black/Hispanic, but if you truly are going to pitch to me that you are a mixed Asian child from overseas, please at least make the effort to have a story to back it up, or some sort of experience that qualifies you and your interests. Again, I hate the idea of making people "prove" anything as these are not questions that are truly professional or frankly any of my business. But when your actions directly take away opportunities from others, that is wrong. Glad I haven't come across any fake veterans yet, might just lose my mind.

I pressed one candidate to talk about how their experiences have impacted their choice in career interest, and he eventually just went with while he is not a part of the LGBTQ community, he resonates with their experiences as an ally and has done lots of research into their struggles. Therefore his diversity in his thinking makes him a good candidate. Been seeing a lot of this recently, candidates with zero regard for the point of the program and will say anything or write anything for an easier way in. Don't do it.