This Pride Month, we’re speaking with students and faculty leading LGBTQIA+ societies at their institutions to explore how they’re making a difference. We ask about the impact of their societies and what more business schools can, and should, do to champion inclusivity…

• Name: Stilianos Tononidis
• Institution: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management
• Programme: BSc Business Administration graduate (2020-2024)
• Club: FS Unity
• Current role: Client Account Manager at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Why did you decide to go to business school? Why did you choose your institution/programme?

I took a rather unconventional path. After finishing high school, I first completed a vocational apprenticeship programme in a bank. Following that, I wanted to advance into more sophisticated areas of banking. A traditional university didn’t appeal to me; I was looking for a programme that combined academic learning with practical experience and offered strong networking opportunities. The Frankfurt School’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a focus on Finance stood out as the perfect fit.

Can you share your overall experience as an LGBTQ+ student in business school? Were there any particular challenges you have faced, or opportunities you found?

Interestingly, I came out during my time at Frankfurt School – and I even met my partner there, who was also a student. So, my time at Frankfurt School was not only academically and professionally significant, but also personally transformative.

“Schools should promote LGBTQ+ visibility more consistently, not just during Pride Month, but all year round. In academic spaces, individuality and freedom of expression should be core values, and that includes creating room for LGBTQ+ topics in everyday student life.”

– Stilianos Tononidis

Fortunately, the student mindset at modern business schools is much more open than the old stereotypes suggest, so I never faced any real challenges and was always open about my sexuality. One major opportunity I found at business school was the strong engagement in initiatives which I noticed through my involvement in FS Unity, our LGBTQ+ student initiative, where I experienced the true strength of community and built lasting friendships.

Tell us about the LGBTQ+ club at your school. What role does the LGBTQ+ club play in supporting students?

Like many student initiatives, FS Unity has its own rhythm – sometimes more active, sometimes quieter. Unlike career- or network-focused groups, our LGBTQ+ club centres around community, identity, and personal growth. It provides a space where students can explore what diversity means for them, both personally and professionally. Especially during an age when many are discovering who they are, it’s incredibly important to have a supportive environment where you can share experiences, ask questions, or just feel seen.

Why did you decide to take up the position as head of the club?

This topic has always been deeply important to me on a personal level. I was genuinely impressed that Frankfurt School had an LGBTQ+ initiative, and when a fellow student and I learned that the previous heads had graduated, we felt it was time to step up. We didn’t want the momentum to be lost, we wanted to keep the initiative alive, bring in our own ideas, and continue pushing the conversation forward within the FS community. It felt like the right moment to take responsibility and shape something meaningful for the LGBTQ+ community at FS. 

Did your role in the LGBTQ+ club shape your perspective on your career or leadership goals?

Absolutely. While our focus at FS Unity was more on community than traditional leadership, the role taught me a lot about responsibility, visibility, and the value of engagement. Today, I am in the leadership team for the Pride initiative for Germany and Austria at one of the world’s largest financial institutions, a path that began during my time at Frankfurt School. I learned how to use my commitment to the LGBTQ+ community as a strength, both personally and professionally, and I built a network that continues to support my growth.

How can business schools improve their support and inclusion of LGBTQ+ students?

First of all, I really appreciate that Frankfurt School actively supports our initiative and also offers personal counselling services for students. Since our club was community-based rather than advisory, having access to professional counselling was incredibly important, and I believe that’s essential for any business school environment.

“…my time at Frankfurt School was not only academically and professionally significant, but also personally transformative”

– Stilianos Tononidis

More broadly, schools should promote LGBTQ+ visibility more consistently, not just during Pride Month, but all year round. In academic spaces, individuality and freedom of expression should be core values, and that includes creating room for LGBTQ+ topics in everyday student life.

What advice would you give to future club leaders looking to make a difference?

Stay committed, even when things slow down. There will always be phases when engagement isn’t at its peak, and that’s completely normal. Don’t get discouraged; remind yourself why you started. It’s not about personal recognition, but about building something meaningful for the community and giving back. Work closely with the engagement office, stay consistent, and the reward will come in the form of a strong, supportive network that you helped shape.

What advice would you give to current LGBTQ+ business students about navigating business school?

First and foremost, be yourself. Don’t try to conform; embracing who you are will ultimately make you more confident and more successful. Get involved in student life, build your network, and you’ll also find real friendships along the way. And don’t shy away from being open about your sexuality; it’s a part of you and owning it is empowering.

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