This symposium is designed to ignite lasting change. By bringing together diverse voices and perspectives, we aim to:

Inspire: Explore innovative strategies and best practices for fostering belonging and understanding.
Empower: Equip attendees with the knowledge and tools to drive meaningful change within their local communities.
Collaborate: Build a strong community of like-minded individuals committed to advancing inclusion and diversity.
Act: Encourage participants to translate ideas into action through tangible initiatives and measurable outcomes.

Registration: $30 per person.

For additional information

Contact CEIC via email.

Sponsorship opportunities available.

Symposium Details

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Location: Saginaw Valley State University Curtiss Hall • 7400 Bay Rd., University Center, Mich. 48710
Time: 8 A.M. – 5 P.M. (Reception to follow)
Explore 16 Exciting Workshops (Details coming soon)

Featured Plenary Speakers

9 – 9:20 a.m.

Paulette Granberry Russell, J.D.

Paulette Granberry Russell is the president of the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education, a position held since March 2020. Granberry Russell is a leading national voice and sought-after presenter on issues related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice in higher education and beyond. Granberry Russell retired in August 2020 from Michigan State University as senior advisor to the president for diversity, emerita, after more than 20 years advising on diversity and inclusion efforts at the institution.

12 – 1:30 p.m.

Dr. Michael Gavin

Dr. Michael Gavin joined Delta College as its fifth president in July 2021. He is committed to the notion that community colleges have the capacity to reshape the inequities in society through open access education and teaching excellence. Since his arrival, Gavin has strengthened partnerships with K-12 districts with the goal of offering dual enrollment opportunities for students. He also created an accelerated workforce arm of the college that focuses specifically on adult education. Gavin established a network of support with legislative and community agencies to discuss partnership opportunities to address transportation, food security, mental health and housing, and other issues that may impact Delta College students. On campus, he has engaged faculty and staff in efforts to align course offerings with a strong focus on retention, equity and completion.

Concurrent Break-Out Workshops

9:30 – 10:30 a.m Workshops

ROOM TBD

Empowering Community: An Introduction to Restorative Justice and Practices in Higher Education Anthony Palatta, DDS, Ed.D.

Restorative justice (RJ) is a vital approach to community building, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal relationships and addressing the natural conflicts that arise within them. At its core, RJ operates on the belief that harm to one individual affects the entire community. By utilizing restorative practices and processes, RJ fosters a sense of interconnectedness and strives to promote equity and inclusion.

By the end of 60-minute presentation, attendees will be able to:

• Describe the history and development of restorative justice and practices
• Explain the 3 levels of restorative justices processes
• Articulate the use of restorative practices in the higher education environment

ROOM TBD

Integrating a DEI Framework and Culture into Your Strategic Plan Lee Ann Keller

The landscape for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion work has continuously changed and has been broadened to include justice, belonging, accessibility, culture, and more. Organizations are tasked with creating a culture and deliverables that are welcoming and accessible to both internal staff and the people they serve. Yet many organizations don’t have the capacity to create both a Strategic Plan and a separate DEI Plan. Join Lee Ann Keller as she discusses how organizations can create integrated strategies and plans that encompass the organization’s mission while focusing on addressing the tenants of DEI and creating belonging both internally and externally.

ROOM TBD

Ableism Terri Robbins

Ableism is the discrimination of and social prejudice against people with disabilities based on the belief that typical abilities are superior. At its heart, ableism is rooted in the assumption that people with disabilities require ‘fixing’ and defines people by their disability.

ROOM TBD

Interventions for Unconscious Bias Anna Pope

While more people are learning about unconscious bias, it is still something that is difficult to discuss and even more difficult to reduce. In this workshop we will discuss what unconscious bias is and isn’t and how to reduce it in ourselves and others. Learning outcomes include:

Attendees will gain a basic understand on unconscious bias as a psychological construct
Attendees will learn how to discuss unconscious bias in productive ways
Attendees will learn the types of interventions that help with unconscious bias

10:45 – 11:45 a.m Workshops

ROOM TBD

Pronous PFLAG Great Lakes Bay Region

Using appropriate pronouns is a first step toward respecting people’s gender identity and creating a more welcoming space for people of all genders.

ROOM TBD

Looking Ahead from Election 2024: Community Empowerment in a New World Jeff Williams

What did we learn about the American electorate, and what do the election results mean for nonprofits, foundations, and communities? Join Jeff Williams, Director of Consulting Services at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, for an analysis of election results and peek into the crystal ball for 2025. The discussion will identify 15 themes and their role in fostering a deeper understanding within and across Michigan communities.

ROOM TBD

Engaging White Men Chris DeEulis

During this workshop, we’ll explore the role that White men have played and continue to play in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Participants will explore examples of White allies and co-sponspirators in creating change toward justice, explore the ways that we are able to name and challenge White Supremacy Culture, and engage fully with White men in DEI work.

ROOM TBD

Inclusion begins with I Gina Wilson

Building Inclusive Communities: Leadership Practices for Equity and Engagement
This session equips community members and leaders with the skills and knowledge to foster inclusivity, equity, and cultural responsiveness in their organizations and initiatives. Through intentional reflection and actionable strategies, participants will explore:

The principles of inclusive practices that value diverse perspectives and promote a sense of belonging
Techniques for introspection and intentionality to align personal and organizational goals with equity-focused leadership
Models of congruent leadership, where actions mirror values, ensuring authentic and impactful community engagement

By the end of the session, attendees will leave with practical tools to cultivate environments where all voices are heard and valued, driving meaningful and sustainable change in their communities.

1:45 – 2:45 p.m Workshops

ROOM TBD

Empowering Community: An Introduction to Restorative Justice and Practices in Higher Education Anthony Palatta, DDS, Ed.D.

By the end of 60-minute presentation, attendees will be able to:

ROOM TBD

Know Your Rights Todd Walker & Terry Pruitt

This workshop is an overview of the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, Michigan civil rights laws and protections they offer, and the administrative enforcement process.

ROOM TBD

Looking Ahead from Election 2024: Community Empowerment in a New World Jeff Williams

ROOM TBD

Employment Law and DEI Initiatives Allyson Terpsma

This workshop will explore employment laws relevant to DEI efforts. After a brief review of equal employment laws, I will discuss relevant Supreme Court cases, like the 2023 affirmative action decision and the upcoming reverse discrimination case, and the implications they may have for employers’ DEI efforts. I will also cover some DEI strategies that fit within this legal landscape. Participants will have a better understanding of the relationship between employment laws and DEI efforts, and how to navigate both.

3 – 4 p.m Workshops

ROOM TBD

Creating an Inclusive Community Cherie Long

Main Objectives:
1. To educate participants about the significance of inclusion and the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities
2. To provide strategies for fostering an inclusive environment in educational, professional, and social settings
3. To highlight the role of community organizations, like Heart of the City, in supporting inclusion

Expected Learning Outcomes:
• Participants will gain an understanding of the barriers individuals with intellectual disabilities face and how to address them
• Participants will learn actionable steps to advocate for inclusion in their own communities
• Participants will leave with a greater appreciation for diversity and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive society

Through this workshop, we aim to inspire a community-wide commitment to inclusion, ensuring that individuals with intellectual disabilities have the opportunities, support, and respect they deserve. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified community.

ROOM TBD

Mindfully Managing the Burnout Burden Nikita Murry

This workshop addresses the issues that frequently can lead to professionals feeling the burden of burnout in such ways that it impacts the ability to remain professionally, socially, psychologically and physically well. Participants will learn a process for accessing those areas that impede one’s ability to manage burnout using mindfully as the context.

ROOM TBD

From Racial Disparities to Solutions: Community-Centered Models for Behavioral Health Equity Christina Cousins, Vicki Hill, Yolanda Lee, Pamela Ross McClain, Ph.D., Evelyn McGovern, Kim Moore

This dynamic workshop spotlights the groundbreaking work of Women of Colors (WOC) in addressing racial disparities in behavioral health care. Featuring insights from Dr. Pamela Ross McClain, Ph.D., and a panel of WOC leaders and advocates, the discussion will explore the strategies and successes of two key initiatives funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund: Phase I – Racial Disparities in Behavioral Health Follow-Up Care and Phase II – Community Advocacy and Resilience Project.

Participants will gain an inside look at how these projects tackle systemic gaps in behavioral health care, focusing on equitable access, culturally responsive advocacy, and community-driven resilience strategies. The session will showcase the power of collaborative, community-based solutions to improve health outcomes for underserved populations.

Main Objectives:

To share effective strategies for addressing racial disparities in behavioral health care
To illustrate the importance of culturally tailored advocacy and peer support in promoting equitable care
To highlight the role of dynamic community collaborations in driving systemic change

Expected Learning Outcomes:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

Identify key challenges and solutions in behavioral health care for African American and other underserved populations
Understand the impact of community-driven advocacy on improving access to follow-up care and reducing reliance on emergency departments
Apply insights from WOC’s initiatives to their own practices and programs
Recognize the value of integrating lived experiences and peer support into behavioral health care systems

This session is designed for professionals, advocates, and policymakers passionate about health equity and eager to explore actionable strategies for building resilient, equitable communities. Join us to learn how Women of Colors transforms challenges into triumphs through the power of collaboration and shared purpose.

ROOM TBD

ERG’s – Employee Resource Groups Shruti Bahadur & Tiffany D. Torain, JD, LLM

Maximizing the Potential of Your ERGs for Inclusion will provide an overview of Dow’s Employee Resource Groups including how ERGs drive employee satisfaction, provide a platform for business growth and serve as a powerful platform for advocacy and action.

Participants will leave with an understanding of how to harness the full potential of your ERGs and create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees.