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Selamat berhari minggu!
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Center for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
Interested in getting involved with DEI at Questrom?
Visit the Center for DEI at HAR 205 or schedule a 1:1 chat here!
| | Ramadan Celebrations Around the World | | |
Greetings Terriers!
Last week we highlighted the start of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and a time widely celebrated by the Muslim community. There are an estimated 1.8 billion Muslim people in the world, making Islam the second largest religion today. A large portion of the Muslim population lives in North Africa, the Middle East, parts of Asia, and many more places.
Ramadan is celebrated globally and is marked by fasting. Different Muslim communities around the world have varying traditions and ways of celebrating. This week, we are going to be highlighting the different ways that this month is celebrated.
| | Indonesia: Padusan & Nyadran | | |
Indonesia is the country with the largest Muslim population in the world. In Indonesia, a key part of Ramadan is Padusan (meaning “to bathe”). This is a tradition where Muslims bathe, often in natural springs or water sources, a few days before fasting starts. Families and friends gather to travel to these water sources, and the cleansing represents inner renewal. It's a time to let go of the past before moving on to a month of gratitude and patience.
In Indonesia, spirituality and community are closely connected. Padusan highlights that for many Indonesian people Ramadan is more than a spiritual moment, it's a shared journey with their community.
Nyadran is another tradition centered around paying respects to ancestors and strengthening the sense of community among the people. This takes place before the start of Ramadan. It is a ritual that consists of multiple components, including: Sema’an (reciting al-Quran at the local mosque), Merti Desa (cleaning the village), Kenduren (communal feast), and Ketoprak, a theatrical performance.
Village members will join together to clean the local graveyard and bring offerings. Some larger communities may slaughter a goat or cow to show gratitude and welcome Ramadan. The meat is then cooked and given to the residents. This celebration brings unity and highlights the value of community.
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During the month of Ramadan, many Muslims in Egypt decorate the streets with colorful lanterns called Fanoos or Fanous. This is a tradition that began more than a thousand years ago in Egypt, and has spread to some neighboring countries.
While the exact origin of this tradition is not known, there are many stories telling the possible start. One story states that when Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah Al-Fatimi (ruler of the Fatamid Empire from 953 - 975 CE) entered Cairo one night during Ramadan, Egyptians gathered to welcome him, carrying torches and lanterns to light the path. This tradition continued throughout the month of Ramadan and eventually became a custom observed every year.
Today, fanoos symbolize unity and joy, and spread light during the month. It is a tradition that has been passed down through generations and evolved. Fanoos are used for more than lighting; children carry them into the street and sing, some even asking for sweets.
Fanoos are produced year round, particularly in Cairo, and are then sold during Ramadan. They invent new shapes and models to be sold each year. Materiels include copper, colored glass, and wood.
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During Ramadan in Turkey, drummers roam the streets and wake up Muslims for Suhoor (the meal before the fast begins) each morning. This is a tradition that has been happening for centuries in the country, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Back then, not everyone could afford alarm clocks to wake up in the morning, which started the tradition of having drummers in the streets.
This tradition persists in many smaller towns, but also in major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir. Drummers carry large drums and play rhythmic beats. They are well loved by the community, and are usually selected by local authorities or neighborhood councils. As drummers travel the streets, it is customary for residents to give them tips.
For many in Turkey, drummers during Ramadan is an important part of cultural heritage, and many prefer it instead of using other alarms. Municipalities are trying to ensure that this tradition continues for many years into the future.
| | United Arab Emirates: Haq Al Laila | | |
In the United Arab Emirates, a tradition known as Haq Al Laila takes place on the 15th night of Sha'ban (the month before Ramadan). Children roam the streets dressed in traditional clothing with bags or baskets, collecting sweets and small gifts from their neighbors. They might sing a song as they go, or chant Aatona Allah Yutikom, Bait Makkah Yudikum, which translates from Arabic to "Give to us and Allah will reward you and help you visit the House of Allah in Mecca." It is a favorite tradition for many children.
This is a tradition that is not public or national, and instead takes place at the local or community level. Dates and traditions may vary across different communities, but for all it is a time representing joy, generosity, and community.
This tradition also happens in other Gulf countries like Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, and some places celebrate during Ramadan rather than the month before.
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In Morocco, it is traditional for neighborhoods to have a Nafar (town crier) who roams the street, blowing a horn to wake up families for suhoor. This tradition goes back to the seventh century, when one of the Prophet Muhammed's companions would roam the streets at dawn and sing prayers.
Today, the Nafar is selected based on his honesty and his empathy. They wear the traditional attire of a long shirt or "Jallaba", a headpiece or "Tarbouch", leather slippers "Belgha" and white socks. They start as early as 3:00 am playing tunes to wake people up. People often thank the Nafar by offering food or money.
This tradition is currently disappearing as people prefer to use alarms to wake up. Many communities no longer accept the prescence of a Nafar, and this practice is being lost.
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Questrom Center for Diversity Equity and Inclusion Celebrations Calendar for 2026 - 2027 Academic Year: Community Input Form
Questrom's Center for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is updating our Celebrations Calendar for the 2026-2027 academic year and we would appreciate your input!
This calendar highlights days that are meaningful to our diverse Questrom community. It serves as a way for us to learn about each other and celebrate in community. Please share any observances, festivals or cultural days that hold meaning in your heritage and that you would like to see featured on our calendar. If you would like to submit more than one event, please resubmit a response.
We’d also love to know if you’re interested in helping us celebrate and share these traditions with the Questrom community!
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Tassels for Terriers - Dean of Students
Commencement is one of the most exciting times of year at any university as friends and family arrive on campus to celebrate with their graduating students.
Every year, dozens of students who face financial hardship must skip out on these celebrations because they cannot afford to purchase graduation regalia. To prevent this, Boston University created the Tassels for Terriers program to provide caps, gowns, and other graduation regalia to both undergraduate and graduate students in need. Because at BU, we believe that everyone deserves to graduate with pride.
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Saturday Social Impact Mingle - BU SINC
Come hang out with other members of the Social Impact community at Questrom! This event is on a weekend so more PTMBA students can attend but of course anyone is welcome.
We're just going to grab a table and socialize. Please note that this is not a budgeted event, so we won't have drinks tickets or food available.
February 28 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
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Sewing & Mending Skill Share - LGBTQIA+ Student Resource Center
Stop by to learn some basic sewing and mending skills from Han, one of our Marketing & Communications Interns!
February 23 | 4-6pm
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PTMBA and FTMBA Coordinated Class Break - Questrom MBA Center
Let’s make the most of your class break! Instead of rushing to grab a drink before class, swing by our coordinated class break for free iced coffee, iced tea, and snacks courtesy of the MBA Center staff while supplies last!
We’ve notified faculty and encouraged them to align their class break with this timeframe so students can participate. Take a breather, refuel, and connect with your classmates before heading back to class.
February 23 - 26 | 7:30 - 8:00 pm
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Live Fridays - Howard Thurman Center
Surprise! HTC Live Fridays is back this semester and we’re kicking it off with some live tunes by DJ Cha.
This is a great opportunity to connect with professionals and resources in the Boston area ahead of internship season. Plus, there will be food from local restaurants in the community! Scan the QR code or click the link in bio to RSVP.
February 27 | 1:30 - 4:30 pm
| | | | Boston Events & Activities | |
Boston Lunar New Year Parade
Chinatown, Boston
Celebrate the Year of the Horse in Boston's Chinatown with the annual Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade! Stop by the Chinese New Year Cultural Village and enjoy lion dances, live performances, Chinese calligraphy, and more.
Sunday, March 1st 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Learn More Here
| | | | Jobs, Grants & Scholarship Opportunities | |
Graduate Assistant for Programing - BU Student Wellbeing
Student Wellbeing, a campus-wide initiative charged with creating a holistic, integrated, and shared approach to wellbeing on all of BU’s campuses, is hiring Graduate Assistants for the 2026-2027 academic year. The position will start July 20, 2026 and end May 16, 2027. The position is a hybrid of remote and in-person work and will also require some evening or weekend programming availability, working 8-12 hours per week. The position pays $20 per hour.
The Graduate Assistant for Programming will work with the team at Student Wellbeing to develop, execute and facilitate workshops, programs, and special events that promote wellbeing as a driver of student access across the Charles River, Medical and Fenway campuses. The GA will also serve as a Wellbeing Navigator who interacts with other students to serve as a peer resource for navigating wellbeing resources and learning opportunities at BU. This will afford the GA the opportunity to promote existing wellbeing resources at BU that support our student community.
Applications open February 24th and close April 17th
Apply Here
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Summer 2026 Equity and Inclusion Intern - Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
The intern will be supervised by the Chief Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Officer, who leads the organization’s efforts to develop and implement policies and practices that build a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization in fulfillment of CBPP’s mission and values. The E&I Fellow will serve as the intern mentor and provide guidance, mentorship, and direction on programmatic functions and responsibilities.
At a high level, this work entails creating opportunities to expand staff capacity, supporting the implementation of new policies and organizational practices, creating organization accountability tools and strategies, and developing systems to track progress toward stated goals. A primary function of the E&I team is to provide ongoing professional development, training, and learning opportunities that assist staff in building their awareness, knowledge, and skills around adopting practices that foster greater inclusion within their professional practice and interpersonal interactions.
Apply by March 13th
Apply Here
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We want to get to know you better!
In hopes of centering our Questrom community throughout the year, we are looking for individuals who want to be featured on our instagram. We will be hosting a series of Instagram Story Takeovers and #humansofQuestrom features on our page @my_questrom.
If you are interested in being featured click here!
| | Follow us at @my_questrom for the latest on everything Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion! | | We know that so much of our success and strength stems from our community – one where we are connected by our differences and seek to bring all of who we are to business. myQuestrom is our stated commitment to strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. All of Questrom is working together towards one common goal: to make Questrom a place where we are all seen, valued, and appreciated. myQuestrom means all of us. | | | | |
Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Boston University Questrom School of Business
Rafik B. Hariri Building - Suite 205A
595 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215
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