At the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, it’s no surprise that many students are passionate about public policy and environmental issues. However, some of O’Neill’s most popular majors extend beyond what the school’s name might suggest. In fact, management and public financial management students make up nearly 40% of O’Neill’s undergraduate population.
Among them are management major Keyon Reese and public financial management major Atzi Diaz, who have found meaningful ways to explore their interests and build community through the business fraternity Mu Beta Lambda.
These standout students are redefining what it means to grow professionally and personally. They are not only excelling in their respective academic fields, but they are also using their leadership experiences in Mu Beta Lambda to shape their futures.
Atzi Diaz – Mu Beta Lambda Member & Public Financial Management Major
Atzi joined Mu Beta Lambda to enhance her professional growth within a community that champions diversity and shared values.
“One of the biggest reasons I joined MBL was to grow professionally and expand my network, but I wanted to do that in a community that aligned with my values. Being part of a space that empowers diversity and where minority students are supported really resonated with me. MBL has given me the confidence to embrace who I am while pushing me toward the person I want to become,” she said.
Atzi’s leadership journey has flourished through her active participation in various fraternity activities, including community service and event planning.
“Being surrounded by other motivated individuals has helped me build confidence in my ability to lead, collaborate, and contribute to a shared vision.”
Atzi was drawn to study public financial management because it offered the perfect blend of her passions for finance and philanthropy.
“When I first came to IU, I started as a finance major, but I wanted something that would allow me to explore both the public and private sectors. Public financial management is interdisciplinary, and it gives me the chance to see how finance operates across different sectors and how they collaborate to create positive outcomes,” she shared.
Atzi’s coursework has laid a strong foundation in financial management, public policy, and budgeting, preparing her for a career that bridges financial success with social impact.
“I want to use my degree to bridge the gap between financial success and social impact. Whether that’s by helping businesses operate more ethically, working with governments to maximize resources, or even starting my own nonprofit, I want to make sure financial knowledge is being used to create meaningful change. I plan to continue expanding my understanding of how to apply financial knowledge to improve communities and create long-term solutions.”
Atzi’s journey at the O’Neill School is shaping her into a well-rounded professional with the skills to drive social change.
Keyon Reese – Mu Beta Lambda Member & Management Major
For Keyon Reese, joining Mu Beta Lambda was about much more than just building his resume; it was an opportunity to become part of a family-like atmosphere that would foster both personal and professional growth.
“As a first-gen college student, I knew being in the frat could bring me to the next level in my life. When I met people in the frat, they were very welcoming and treated me like I was one of them before even joining. It has made my college experience amazing. Honestly, it has allowed me to have a family away from home that I know I can go to about anything and know it’s a good place to be,” he said.
His involvement in the fraternity has provided him with the chance to hold important leadership roles, including Alumni Relations Chairman and Co-Intake Leader. These positions have enhanced his professional skill set.
“Being in Mu Beta Lambda has given me invaluable leadership experience. As the Alumni Relations Chairman, I was responsible for maintaining relationships with our alumni network. I organized events to foster professional connections, which taught me the importance of networking, relationship management, and strategic communication. Later, in my role as Co-Intake Leader, I had to balance maintaining a structured intake process while making sure new members felt welcomed. These roles have helped me develop organizational skills and mentorship abilities, and have enhanced my leadership and communication skills,” he shared.
Keyon’s passion for management led him to pursue it as a major, drawn by the flexibility it offers.
“What inspired me to major in management was the flexibility. I’ve always had a natural leadership style, and I’ve been managing things since I was young, whether in school or in extracurricular activities. I wanted to learn everything about leadership, not just one specific area. I want to be able to adapt and lead in a variety of situations, which management allows me to do.”
His coursework has prepared him for a career in operations/project management and real estate, but his broader aspirations focus on community development.
“One of my goals is to invest in low-income housing and create a nonprofit organization to support homeless individuals. I’ve always had a desire to help my community, and this degree will give me the tools to make a real difference. Whether it’s through economic development or providing stability for underserved populations, I want my work to have a lasting impact,” he said.
Keyon’s experience in Mu Beta Lambda, combined with his academic journey, has shaped him into a driven leader, ready to tackle the challenges of the business world and make a meaningful impact.
The O’Neill School offers a range of exceptional academic programs, with Management standing as the most popular undergraduate major, while Public Financial Management ranks as the third most sought-after choice. These programs not only attract a high number of students but also provide them with the skills and opportunities needed to excel in diverse, impactful careers. Whether students like Keyon, pursuing a path in management, or Atzi, navigating the world of public financial management, they are equipped with the tools to succeed in today’s ever-evolving professional landscape.
Both Keyon and Atzi are proof that the O’Neill School is not only a place of academic excellence but also a space where students can develop the leadership and professional skills necessary to make a meaningful impact. Their involvement in Mu Beta Lambda has provided them with a strong support system, valuable networking opportunities, and real-world experience in leadership, making them well-prepared to succeed in their careers.
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