On building belonging and the power of showing up

Inside one of the nation’s only PRIDE EMBA group — and its impact on global leadership.
Written by:
Kellogg
6 minute read

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Three men standing in front of a colorful wall.
From left to right: Clinton, Carlos and Jake. Founding members of the EMBA Pride group.

What happens when visibility meets vulnerability? It opens the door to deeper connections, fuels personal growth and creates space for authentic leadership. Transformation is at the heart of what we do, and Executive MBA (EMBA) students Jake Camp ’26, Carlos Ortega ’26 and Clinton Snider ’26 aren’t just earning degrees — they’re helping build a thriving community. 

As members of the nation’s only PRIDE EMBA group, these EMBA students have created a space where authenticity sparks connection and global perspectives fuel inclusive leadership. In this three-part series, you’ll step inside their stories and discover how authenticity, connection and cultural awareness are transforming not only their careers — but the future of business. 

In this installment, hear from Jake on how becoming a new parent, navigating career change and embracing authenticity is shaping his approach to leadership and community building. 

Kellogg: Can you share the moment or experience that sparked your connection with one another? What drew you together initially?  

From the moment I met Carlos Ortega through our Miami cohort 143, it was an instant connection. We also quickly realized that while Kellogg has an incredible community, there wasn’t a dedicated space for LGBTQ+ EMBA students. 

When we started asking around, we were stunned to learn that, according to Reaching Out MBA (ROMBA), there wasn't a Pride group for EMBA students — not at Kellogg or any other business school.   

Yvonne Gonzalez, assistant director of admissions, connected us with Clinton Snider in Chicago, who had been thinking along the same lines. We jumped on a call and instantly knew we had to join forces.  

“I came into the program with a lot of questions and few answers. For once, I didn’t try to hide that — I leaned into it. I showed up willing to learn, ask for help and listen. That shift changed how I lead.”
Jake Camp ’26
Executive MBA Program


Kellogg: In what ways do you see yourselves paving the way for other LGBTQ+ professionals in executive leadership?  

I don’t really think of it as “paving the way.” It feels more like creating a space for something that was already there. There were already incredible LGBTQ+ leaders across the school’s EMBA programs — we provided a platform and a sense of community. 

ROMBA has been a huge source of inspiration for us. Their mission — to see a member of the LGBTQ+ community in C-suites around the world — really resonates with me. That kind of representation has a ripple effect. It changes company culture, mentorship and the way organizations think about inclusion. If our work at Kellogg helps move that needle even a little, that’s Pride.  

Kellogg: Vulnerability is often seen as a strength in leadership, helping foster trust, deepen connection, and inspire authenticity. How has embracing vulnerability shaped your leadership style and your EMBA journey? 

When I started at Kellogg, I was in a pretty vulnerable place. I was a new parent to twin boys and transitioning into a completely different industry. I came into the program with a lot of questions and few answers. For once, I didn’t try to hide that — I leaned into it. I showed up willing to learn, ask for help and listen. That shift changed how I lead. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room — it’s about being willing to grow. 

Through Kellogg, I’ve met people from all walks of life who have challenged me in the best ways. I’ve had to unpack some of my own biases and learn to lead with more empathy and curiosity. That’s been the biggest transformation for me: showing up as a full, honest human being. 

“Global Network Week was a game-changer. Admittedly, I was a little nervous. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by brilliant minds from around the world, and it’s hard not to feel a little intimidated. But, by the end of the first day, that feeling was gone.”
Jake Camp ’26
Executive MBA


Kellogg: Has there been a moment when your collaboration led to a breakthrough or unexpected outcome? 

Our first Kellogg Global EMBA Pride event in Miami was one of the most emotional and powerful experiences I’ve had. 

Carlos, a few other EMBA students and myself participated in a panel that represented a wide range of industries: healthcare, transportation, military, entertainment, banking and the arts. We packed the classroom and were blown away by how many people showed up. 

There were tears, genuine questions and incredibly moving openness.  For many of us, it was the first time we’d felt that kind of community in the Miami program. It was one of those rare moments when you could feel a shift happening in real time — a mix of pride, connection and hope. The event reminded me of why we started this in the first place. It wasn’t just about visibility — it was about creating belonging. 

Kellogg: You all recently attended Global Network Week (GNW) and connected with your peers from around the world. What did GNW teach you about leadership across cultures? Were there any moments that challenged or expended your worldview? 

GNW was a game changer. Admittedly, I was a little nervous. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by brilliant minds from around the world, and it’s hard not to feel a little intimidated. But, by the end of the first day, that feeling was gone. 

What stood out to me was how similar we all were in what we valued — kindness, empathy and connection. There was no ego in the room. Everyone wanted to learn from each other. That’s what I love about Kellogg. The culture is collaborative and human in a way that feels rare in executive education — and in corporate America. 

During the week, we hosted a Kellogg Global EMBA Pride lunch panel, and the turnout was incredible. Seeing classmates from all over the world show up to support and learn meant a lot — that level of allyship was deeply moving. It reminded me that empathy and courage look different everywhere, but they always translate. 

Kellogg: What advice would you give to other LGBTQ+ professionals who are striving to lead with authenticity?  

If I’ve learned anything, it’s that authenticity isn’t just about being out or outspoken — it’s about alignment. It’s making sure your actions and values match who you really are. 

It’s like telling the truth. When you stop performing and start being honest about who you are, you free up energy for the work that really matters. Leadership doesn’t mean being fearless; it means being real and helping others feel safe enough to do the same. 

Read next: Fueling lifelong leadership

 

 

All students are welcome to join any group, as Kellogg values all perspectives and ensures access to benefits and services without regard to legally protected categories. 

The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Kellogg School of Management or Northwestern University.