Cal State Monterey Bay hosted its 23rd annual Ethics and Responsible Business Forum, a virtual event that brought together thought leaders, students, and community members to explore the theme "Reclaiming Our Values: Personal Responsibility and Ethics in America’s Corporate Landscape."

Distinguished Lecturer Jeffrey Froshman served as the master of ceremonies and moderator for the event, which was presented as a live webinar and featured three keynote speakers followed by student reflections and audience Q&A.

President Vanya Quiñones opened the forum with a message emphasizing the growing importance of ethics in the business world. She noted that in an era of corporate skepticism, businesses that prioritize transparency, accountability, and social responsibility are not only more trusted, but more resilient. She highlighted how CSUMB integrates ethics into its curriculum—from the MBA’s Responsible Business approach to the Sustainable Hospitality Management program—and underscored the value of educating future leaders to make decisions with integrity.

Provost Andrew Lawson followed with remarks acknowledging CSUMB’s role as a leader in social mobility and experiential learning. He praised the university’s commitment to preparing students for impactful careers through internships, research, and community engagement. He thanked faculty and local business partners for their role in equipping students with critical thinking skills and ethical foundations.

Dr. Steven Kull, founder and president of Voice of the People and director of the Program for Public Consultation at the University of Maryland, delivered the first keynote. Drawing from decades of research on public opinion, Dr. Kull argued that the American public is more unified on issues of corporate responsibility than current political discourse suggests. Using survey data, he illustrated how bipartisan majorities support ethical business practices, environmental protections, and policies that balance profitability with social good. He advocated for consulting representative samples of citizens when shaping policy and regulations, emphasizing the wisdom of collective decision-making.

Dr. Shyam Kamath, Founding Dean of the CSUMB College of Business, delivered a sweeping presentation on the power of responsible business to fuel human progress. He traced global economic and population trends to demonstrate how innovation, trade, and ethical entrepreneurship have contributed to widespread prosperity. Dr. Kamath highlighted the Responsible Business framework, or Quintuple Bottom Line—profit, people, planet, ethics, and equity—as a model for long-term success. He showcased global companies such as Patagonia, Tata Group, and Grameen Bank as exemplars of ethical leadership and social impact.

The final speaker, Kelly O’Brien, CSUMB Executive in Residence and founder of the Responsible Business Innovation Lab, focused on courage in business leadership. She began with historical examples of personal bravery—including John F. Kennedy’s WWII heroism and civil rights icon John Lewis—and then turned to modern CEOs who have resisted political pressure to abandon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. O’Brien cited leaders from Goldman Sachs, JPMorgan Chase, Cisco, and others who publicly affirmed their companies’ commitment to ethical values and stakeholder inclusion. She concluded with a call for graduates to choose love over fear and lead with courage, quoting Jim Carrey’s 2014 commencement speech: “Hope walks through the fire, and faith leaps over it.”

Students Jacob Newman and Gabby Wieden offered closing reflections. Newman discussed the influence of ethical conversations on his worldview, while Wieden raised thoughtful questions about artificial intelligence and equity. Both underscored the value of interdisciplinary learning and the importance of student voices in ethical discourse.

Interim Dean Marylou Shockley closed the forum by thanking the speakers, organizers, and sponsors, and celebrating the event’s new home within the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development and the Responsible Business Innovation Lab. She emphasized that responsible business is not just an academic concept, but a practical and powerful tool for shaping a more just and sustainable future.

As CSUMB looks ahead to its 24th annual forum, the 2025 event reaffirmed the university’s commitment to ethics, interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students to lead with integrity.

Watch the video recording of the event on YouTube.

Learn more at csumb.edu/business/ethics