For students that fit into multiple marginalized communities, the consequences of unconscious bias can quickly compound – even from well-meaning campus offices and programs. “Intersectionality” a term floating around academia outlines how an individual may face multiple types of overlapping discrimination depending on their race, gender, age, ethnicity, physical ability, class or any other characteristic that might place them in a minority group. Diversity and inclusion work is everyone's job whether you have direct or in direct contact with students.

What if every office on campus examined how this theory can be turned into a framework to better serve students in all of their identities. This workshop will review the theory, as well as the work we do daily and how it can inform our programs & services. We can improve the experiences of marginalized students by working to dismantle interlocking systems of oppression or becoming more truly justice-centered campuses. Let’s help transform the campus climate from the inside out!

This talk will challenge us ALL to critically self-reflect on our privilege and ally behaviors. To acknowledge the part we each play in improving campus climate and making sustainable change. It will bring to light the isms (racism, heterosexism, sexism, ableism, and others) that exist within our identity groups. How do we work together through our differences while avoiding oppression Olympics? How do we center lived experiences and hold everyone accountable for the “work” that needs to be done? I hope our time together will leave you inspired to do the work within yourselves that will pour out transformative change into this world.

Do you think that it is a privilege to lead? We hope you do, there is so much power in the opportunity to lead and influence people. Thinking about leadership as a process, not a position; this workshop will review important concepts like social justice and intersectionality which should inform our work. The first step includes a reflecting on our own identities, bias and prejudices. Second, we will take an in-depth look at identities that are different from our own and the needs of those communities. Participants will engage in activities that support a transformative model of leadership that recognizes a multiplicity of identities and encourages leaders to develop relationships that meaningfully engage difference. Leaders will leave with a tool they can use to facilitate these conversations with others in their perspective organizations.

Binaries leave the structures of our organizations uninviting and degrading to people that don’t fit into these categories. To really embrace diversity and think outside the binary of sex, gender and sexuality you have to expand your knowledge to really understand the concepts, issues and concerns of these communities. This workshop will introduce students to what it means to be lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer, how to use gender neutral pronouns and how to run activities that don’t exclude non-straight folks. Fun and informative icebreakers will get students talking and expanding their knowledge about leading inclusive groups and embracing sexual & gender diversity. We will also discuss strategies to help create and maintain a 'safe space' within groups, teams and organizations. These tools are useful for you as a student leader and future employee.