Unique Background - Am I diversity?

I am currently a rising sophomore at a semi-target but have somewhat of a unique background.

I am technically a Pacific Islander. However more specifically I am Papuan, so if you are familiar that means I appear black and often get mistaken as such.

Would identifying as Black be seen as lying/misrepresentation?

Also, Are there any “diversity” type programs that are inclusive of Pacific Islanders? Or is there just not enough interest?

Have been able to get into some diversity type programs based on pestering organizers and explaining my situation, but want to take advantage of the flagship programs like MLT and SEO.

Finally, I do not wish to misrepresent myself as I am proud of heritage and don’t want to use an identity I don’t have.

5 Comments
 

I have not seen any. Bank DEI programs are usually African American, Hispanic, LGBTQ, and female. Looks like SEO also includes Native American. Pacific Islander falls into the Asian category for finance, which is a way overrepresented category hence no diversity programming.

First gen is another that is "diversity" for college and not a factor in bank recruiting. 

Up to you if you want to pretend to be African American, no one will call you out on it but if it's not true that is indeed lying... your story would also not make much sense if you go through African American programs and then proceed to talk about being from Papua

 

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