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DEI Applied Schedule

What’s in store for you at DEI Applied? Take a deep dive into the presentations and workshops on the schedule. Attendees will choose one presentation per session.

JAN 11

Thursday

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Registration

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Welcome Remarks

10:15 – 10:30 AM

Break

10:30 – 11:30 AM

Keynote Address

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Lunch

12:30 – 1:45 PM

Session 1

Option 1:

Measuring Inclusive Education: The What and How of Equitable Data

Presenter

Kasia Mills, MA
Assistant Director for Assessment
Saint Norbert College

Data-driven decision making has become routine practice in higher education, a trend that appears to be gaining in importance. Yet how do institutions use data to measure cross-cutting, dynamic programs such as diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)?

Learn More about Measuring Inclusive Education: The What and How of Equitable Data

There is increasing emphasis—and pressure—on institutions to progress their DEI work from policy to practice, demonstrated through the Higher Learning Commission's criteria for accredited institutions. The result is a need for individual institutions to be able to concretely demonstrate their DEI work in their accreditation reviews. But how? One way to monitor a strategy's implementation is through milestones or benchmarks, and the use of routine data collection to inform its progress. This session will explore what data is available to use and how to use it. Participants do not need to have previous experience; this is not a session on statistical analysis or even advanced statistics. It offers an opportunity to build foundational knowledge of this niche intersection of institutional research and DEI.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination | Acknowledging internal and organizational bias

Learning Objectives:

Identify key components of federally reported data.
Analyze disaggregated data for use in setting and monitoring DEI goals.
Consider data against your own institution's diversity, inclusion, and equity goals.

Option 2:

Building Inclusive Communities: Applying Feedback to DEI Action Plan Development

Presenter

Sherry Simmons
Chief Diversity & Compliance Officer
Waukesha County Technical College

Co-Presenter

Dennis Jackson

Join us as we share our journey of turning stakeholder feedback into action.

Learn More about Building Inclusive Communities: Applying Feedback to DEI Action Plan Development

This interactive session will explore how we used data from employee engagement surveys and panel discussions to inform our decisions. As organizations focus on developing a sense of belonging and inclusion in their communities, you will have the opportunity to begin to craft your own DEI action plan or reflect on your current DEI strategies. Participants will leave with tangible ways to embed inclusion and equity into everyday practices. We encourage attendees who have already started a DEI action plan to bring it along for continued development.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination |Acknowledging internal and organizational bias

Learning Objectives:

Understand how stakeholder feedback can be used to build your own DEI action plan.
Reflect and craft a DEI action plan.

Option 3:

Courageous Conversations at the Dinner Table with Law Enforcement

Presenter

Laurice Snyder
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant
Cooperative Educational Service Agency 6 (CESA 6)

Co-Presenters

Police Chief Aaron Goldstein, Officer Keywon Brown, and Antonio Godfrey

The Courageous Conversations with Law Enforcement project is a grassroots effort between community members and members of the Fond du Lac Police Department.

Learn More about Courageous Conversations at the Dinner Table with Law Enforcement

It aims to better understand one another as individuals as well as the impact of the cultural and racial divide in our country—both historically and in current-day reality. Come and see the power and influence of this intimate, facilitated, fishbowl-style conversation in a dinner table type setting, that has led to meaningful relationships, increase in trust, and a stronger, safer community. Participants will leave with how-to details and implementation considerations for creating a similar conversation in their own community.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination | Acknowledging internal and organizational bias

Learning Objectives:

Learn the history of law enforcement and power of a few passionate change agents coming together to create stronger, safer communities.
Learn about what The Courageous Conversations with Law Enforcement project is and the impact it’s had on one mid-size Wisconsin community.
Learn how-to details for creating a similar opportunity in your own community

1:45 – 2:00 PM

Break

2:00 – 3:15 PM

Session 2

Option 1:

Becoming an Effective White Ally and Avoiding Unintentional Racial Harm

Presenter

Marcus Lewis, EdD

The term ally is one of the most important terms in social justice and inclusive practice, but what does it mean to BE an effective ally? Perhaps more importantly, what does it mean to be a White Ally? This workshop is designed to answer that question from the perspective of a Man of Color who has several years as an inclusive excellence practitioner. We will talk openly about race and racism, discuss common hazards to avoid, provide strategies to avoid causing racial harm, and answer your questions. If you are a White Person interested in showing up for Folks of Color with authenticity, this workshop is for you.

Learn More about Becoming an Effective White Ally and Avoiding Unintentional Racial Harm

This session is going to be rooted in social justice scholarship and the presenter's lived experience as a Black Ho-Chunk man. We're going to have some real conversations about challenging discussions that will hopefully take people from performative actions to transformative actions as effective allies for Folks of Color.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination

Learning Objectives:

Recall specific definitions of race and racism.
Identify problematic actions and racial terminology.
Recall best practices for being an effective White Ally.

Option 2:

Reactions to DEI Initiatives: Engaging with Diverse Organizational Audiences

Presenter

Linnea Ng, PhD
Lawrence University

One consideration for effective DEI initiative implementation is how employees react to and engage with the initiative.

Learn More about Reactions to DEI Initiatives: Engaging with Diverse Organizational Audiences

This session will leverage relevant organizational and psychological research to discuss the diverse ways in which individuals react to organizational DEI initiatives and why individuals react in those ways. In the interactive portion of the session, attendees will be asked to consider different DEI initiatives and reactions to them, how DEI initiatives may be optimized, and how to engage with diverse organizational audiences.

Themes: Acknowledging internal and organizational bias |Leading effective equity teams

Learning Objectives:

Understand how and why people react to DEI initiatives in the ways they do.
Consider how to improve DEI initiatives and management of employee reactions to DEI initiatives.

Option 3:

The Humanity Project: Telling the Untold Story

Presenter

Laurice Snyder
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Consultant
Cooperative Educational Service Agency 6 (CESA 6)

Co-Presenters

Tracy Abler, Kristel Lougher, Daisy Frazier, and Antonio Godfrey

The African proverb “It takes a village to raise a child” couldn’t be more true when it comes to advancing equity in a community.

Learn More about The Humanity Project: Telling the Untold Story

Each member of the community plays an important role in ensuring that every member of the community can live a life of dignity and respect. In this session, you will learn about how a small group of dedicated community members is working collaboratively to facilitate an 8-month long free virtual educational dialogue series that explores the history of racism called The Humanity Project: Telling the Untold Story. Through videos, small group discussion and virtual engagement activities, The Humanity Project engages educators, religious leaders, police officers, business leaders, and government officials in having courageous conversations about truth, racial understanding, and what we can do today to combat hundreds of years of systemic racism so that our next generation has a more justice-filled tomorrow. Participants will leave with concrete examples and how-to details for creating a similar opportunity in their own community.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination | Acknowledging internal and organizational bias

Learning Objectives:

Learn the significance and power of a few passionate change agents inviting community from all different sectors on a learning journey about our history in order to create a better future for the next generation.
Learn about what The Humanity Project is and the impact it’s had on one mid-size Wisconsin community.
Learn how-to details for creating a similar opportunity in your own community.

Option 4:

Building a Culture of Inclusion with Everyday Leadership

Presenter

Ryan Ruggles
District Administrator
Tomorrow River Schools

Co-Presenter

Kristi Ruggles

Does your vision and philosophy around inclusion match your current practices?

Learn More about Building a Culture of Inclusion with Everyday Leadership

Every business and school has its own culture, strengths, and opportunities. In this session, you will interact with leaders who have implemented equity and inclusion efforts in multiple districts. The session will highlight the opportunities for creating and sustaining a strong inclusive and supportive culture. Participants will reflect on their experience by sharing strengths and challenges within their organization and collaborate with other leaders to walk away with strategies to strengthen their practices and outcomes. This session is intended for organizations that are looking to build momentum for their equity teams in creating a positive culture and to refine their practices to support equity and inclusion.

Themes: Leading effective equity teams

Learning Objectives:

Lead effective equity teams.

3:15 – 3:30 PM

Break

3:30 – 4:45 PM

Session 3

Option 1:

Opening and Closing Doors: When Marginalized People Are the Gatekeepers

Presenter

Tamisha Sales, M. Ed., PhD Candidate
Educational and Community Strategies

Co-Presenter

Dr. Larry Collier

Gatekeeping is a popular term used to describe when someone takes it upon themselves to decide who does or does not have access or rights to a community or identity.

Learn More about Opening and Closing Doors: When Marginalized People Are the Gatekeepers

Gatekeeping is about subtle things, particularly for those in power. Blacks or other marginalized people of color who find themselves in a position of power are often “the only ones.” Furthermore, because they have worked so hard to get there, they feel the pressure (i.e., to provide financially for their family, create opportunity for others), which may manifest itself as anti-Blackness. This session will examine the implicit roles Blacks and marginalized people of color play in creating diverse and inclusive cultures.

Themes: Acknowledging internal and organizational bias

Learning Objectives:

Examine narratives shaping the experiences of Blacks and other marginalized groups in positions of power (leadership roles).
Gain awareness of anti-Black tendencies that perpetuate harm in creating inclusive cultures.
Apply knowledge gained to gatekeeping scenarios that are applicable after the session and in everyday life.

Option 2:

How to Create Authentically Inclusive Environments for Individuals with Disabilities

Presenter

Samantha Szysnkie
Community Life Developer
Opportunity Development Centers (ODC), Inc.

Co-Presenter

Ann Lepak
Director of PR Fund Development
Opportunity Development Centers (ODC), Inc.

Co-presenters will lead participants through several avenues of inclusion while creating actionable plans addressing the workplace, community, and everyday life.

Learn More about How to Create Authentically Inclusive Environments for Individuals with Disabilities

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination

Learning Objectives:

Explain how inclusion benefits all people.
Examine how your organization could include the hiring or inclusion of people with disabilities.
Identify ways to make inclusion a part of every day life.

Option 3:

Northwoods JEDI: The Importance of Creating Space for Communities of Practice in Rural Areas

Presenter

Melinda Childs

Co-Presenter

Jessie Dick

Members of the Northwoods JEDI Council will share challenges as well as the value of creating space for DEAI conversations in rural areas. They will share their approach as well as lead the group in a participatory activity that exemplifies the type of engagement they focus on creating in their Community of Practice.

Learn More about Northwoods JEDI: The Importance of Creating Space for Communities of Practice in Rural Areas

The workshop will begin with a short presentation of the work of Northwoods JEDI and their Community of Practice cohort. The participants will participate in an exercise that illustrates Northwoods JEDI's focus on centering DEAI work within self-identity and values structures to create meaningful and supportive learning relationships.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination

Learning Objectives:

Understand the unique needs and challenges in rural communities around DEAI conversations.
Focus on self-identity as the starting point for systems change.

Option 4:

On the Picket Line: Showing Support Within Your Own Community

Presenter

Dana Sonnenberg
Project Manager
CREATE Portage County

Allyship has many different faces, phases, and practices. How do you support marginalized or discriminated-against folks when your peers and friends are on the other side of the picket line? What does it mean to show up as an ally when you do not personally belong to the community in need of your support?

Learn More about On the Picket Line: Showing Support Within Your Own Community

This session will focus on different ways to practice allyship in your own community. Featuring mini case studies regarding cultural events taking place across Portage County, participants will read and audit samples of materials from a local event, including from the organizers and protestors. Learners will have an opportunity to create their own statement of allyship and asks for organizational support.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination

Learning Objectives:

Highlight some of the basic challenges faced by public events for marginalized communities, and the tactics protestors use to garner negative support.
Have dialogue about the role that the entity or group putting on the event has in creating awareness and understanding.

4:45 – 7:00 PM

Social

JAN 12

Friday

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Coffee and Breakfast

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Session 4

Option 1:

Start Here – Small Actions Toward a More Inclusive Classroom

Presenter

Desiah Melby, MST, MSE
Communication Instructor
Mid-State Technical College

In this session we will examine small changes that educators can implement to create a more inclusive classroom environment. Small actions can add up to huge changes!

Learn More about Start Here – Small Actions Toward a More Inclusive Classroom

In this interactive workshop, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on equity and inclusion in everyday classroom practices. A variety of small changes in pedagogical practice will be presented. Participants will have the opportunity to reflect on, discuss, and workshop their current practices as well as select one or more small actions to implement right away. Small actions topics will include inclusive access resources, creating a safe space, delivering instruction in a variety of ways, choosing relevant instructional resources, incorporating diverse perspectives, and equitable grading practices.

Themes: Acknowledging internal and organizational bias

Learning Objectives:

Raise awareness of the impact of identity and classroom climate on student learning.
Learn about various pedagogical approaches that are an effective part of an inclusive classroom.
Identify DEI teaching practices for implementation; Select at least one inclusive teaching technique for application in your own classrooms.

Option 2:

Building Inclusive Workplaces with Emotional Intelligence: An Exploration of Yale's RULER Approach

Presenter

Kelvin Alfaro, MBA
Consultant
Alfaro Consultant

In this engaging workshop, participants will gain an understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and its vital role in building inclusive work environments.

Learn More about Building Inclusive Workplaces with Emotional Intelligence: An Exploration of Yale's RULER Approach

We will explore Yale's RULER Approach, a renowned model for understanding and managing emotions. Through a series of dynamic activities and discussions, participants will discover how to recognize, understand, label, express, and regulate emotions—both their own and those of others.

We will delve into the relationship between EI and inclusivity and how the RULER Approach can be used to foster a culture of inclusion and belonging. Participants will also work on action plans to implement these strategies in their respective workplaces, creating both immediate impacts and lasting changes.

By the end of this session, participants will be better equipped to foster an inclusive work culture where everyone feels understood, valued, and respected. This is an excellent opportunity for leaders, managers, and team members alike who wish to enhance their emotional intelligence skills and create more inclusive workplaces.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination | Leading effective equity team

Learning Objectives:

Understand the concept of emotional intelligence and its components, and explore the connection between emotional intelligence and inclusion.
Learn about Yale's RULER Approach to emotional intelligence, and understand how the RULER Approach can be used to promote inclusion in the workplace.
Develop actionable strategies to foster emotional intelligence and inclusivity in the workplace.

Option 3:

Best Practices for Addressing Structural Discrimination through Organizational Diversity Statements

Presenter

Jesus Smith, PhD
Associate Professor
Lawrence University

Co-Presenter

Sigma Colon, PhD
Assistant Professor
Lawrence University

This workshop will examine organizational diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) statements for their impact.

Learn More about Best Practices for Addressing Structural Discrimination through Organizational Diversity Statements

Participants will gain knowledge and skills around critical race discourse analysis and apply the skills in a collaborative group project. Finally, participants will develop a list of best practices for organizations to use when discussing structural discrimination.

Themes: Developing authentically inclusive spaces by addressing structural discrimination

Learning Objectives:

Gain knowledge and understanding of theories and concepts around structural discrimination and organizational approaches for addressing diversity and inclusion.
Apply critical race discourse analysis to examine and critique organizational DEI statements.
Synthesize knowledge and skills in order to create a list of best practices for DEI statements.

Option 4:

New Perceptions in Disability

Presenter

Nicole Greetan

Co-Presenter

Mallory Bryan

Beliefs, perceptions, biases, and stereotypes heavily influence our thoughts and behavior. Attitudes, fears, and misperceptions surrounding disability can pose significant barriers to employment and equity for individuals with disabilities.

Examine stereotypes associated with various disabilities and understand how an individual's perception of a disability can keep qualified applicants with disabilities from being hired.

This training provides the opportunity to explore personal perceptions, learn other perspectives, and access accurate information while discussing relevant, everyday situations. Participants will be invited to relate to the scenarios and content and apply what they learn directly on the job to improve understanding, acceptance, growth, and change.

Learn More about New Perceptions in Disability

As a group, we discuss our experience with disability. The facilitators start with sharing their experience, and participants who want to share their experience(s) will be welcomed to share as they are comfortable. Through this, the group recognizes that we likely know more about disability than we first believe, whether we ourselves or someone we know is impacted by disability. We'll discuss accommodations in the workplace and will troubleshoot through a group activity, using real-life scenarios to help identify potential accommodations through the lens of multiple departments within a company structure.

Themes: Acknowledging internal and organizational bias | Leading effective equity teams