The 6th Annual

Equity and Social Justice Symposium

Community and Belonging
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Shattuck Auditorium, Carroll University
Register for Event

Carroll University’s 5th Annual Equity and Social Justice Symposium reflects our institutional commitment to providing meaningful and transformative diversity, equity and inclusivity (DEI) training and learning experiences to our campus and community. This year’s theme, “Community and Belonging” supports Carroll’s mission of creating a campus culture where individuals know that they belong. As our campus and communities become increasingly diverse, it is vital that we understand how establishing spaces of community and belonging facilitates better experiences for all.

This year's symposium promises an exploration of diverse topics, ranging from the intersections of race, gender, and sexuality to the complexities of accessibility and representation. We are honored to present an esteemed lineup of speakers who are thought leaders, change-makers and advocates for a more inclusive future. With a commitment to fostering understanding and dialogue, our speakers will share their insights, research, and personal experiences, offering a holistic view of the challenges and triumphs in the realm of equity and social justice.

^{*Afternoon sessions: please note that each session is open to everyone, however the audience of a particular workshop may be targeted towards Carroll students, faculty and staff.}

2024 Keynote Speaker

Dr. Chia Youyee Vang

Vice Chancellor Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Sponsored by the Lillian and Arnold Graaskamp Education Endowment Fund

Topic: Making Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Work Everyone's Job
Location: Shattuck Auditorium
Time: 10 a.m.
Audience: All

It is more important now than ever for higher educational professionals at all levels to work collaboratively to create an equitable, inclusive environment for all to thrive. Intentional partnerships and engagement by all parties in the academy are needed to encourage and develop positive outcomes. Both individuals designated as chief diversity officers as well as those who do not hold that title are imperative to advance DEIB work. This keynote address will focus on strategies to engage all stakeholders on campus and beyond.

Dr. Chia Youyee Vang is Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Professor of History at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She oversees the division that is responsible for advancing diversity and equity and fostering inclusion for all members of the campus community. She recently led the development and implementation of UW-Milwaukee’s Racial Justice and Equity Program that is required professional development for all employees.

Dr. Vang’s research is global in scope but intimately informed by her own refugee experiences as a child. She is interested in not only understanding larger political and military transformations, but also, the lived experiences of those who experience wars not of their own making but fought in their environments. Her documentation of Southeast Asian refugee lives and that of their descendants across four continents help us to better understand the lasting impact of one of the most controversial wars of the 20th century.

Dr. Vang has received numerous recognitions for scholarship excellence and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education.

Registration

Registration for the 5th Annual Equity and Social Justice Symposium has close.
Please join us in 2025 for the 6th Annual Equity and Social Justice Symposium.

2024 Speakers - Session 1

Carroll instructor Vanessa Hintz — Vanessa Hintz PsyD

Vanessa Hintz PsyD - Session 1A

Assistant Clinical Professor of Behavioral Health Psychology
Carroll University

Topic: DEI is Not Supplemental: Strategies for Intentional Inclusion and Cultural Responsiveness in the Classroom
Location: Hastad 140
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: Faculty

Disregarding the individual culture and lived experiences of students - whether intentional or otherwise - is no longer within the bounds of effective teaching and learning, and can lead instructors to experience ethical dilemmas and even legal concerns. Often, educators with limited awareness of their own individual values and beliefs experience difficulty applying cultural responsiveness to their learning environments. Research indicates that culturally responsive teaching (e.g., strategies and techniques that are understood and accepted by students) mitigate barriers associated with access to education and learning. This workshop will focus on strategies for fostering inclusion at varying levels (e.g. internal, interpersonal, organizational, and structural). Recommendations for promoting affirming environments that invite individuals to engage authentically will be discussed, including mechanisms for enhancing humility and empathy in teaching and learning..

Dr. Vanessa Hintz (she/her) is a licensed clinical psychologist, workshop leader and keynote speaker. She is also a self-proclaimed "Psych Geek," and incorporates elements of popular culture into her work when beneficial. Dr. Hintz utilizes expertise in psychology and human behavior to provide insights focused on principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion. She advocates for environments and relational ways of being that promote inclusivity, foster engagement, and allow individuals to show up each day as their most authentic selves.

Lavonne Moon - Session 1B

Director of Global Executive Talent Acquisition
Eaton

Topic: The Intent to Include!: Inclusive Recruiting and Hiring Processes
Location: Oak Room
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

In today’s competitive talent landscape attracting and hiring the best people, regardless of background, is not easy. Traditional methods often perpetuate biases, leaving hidden talent untapped. Let’s ditch the outdated playbook and dive into the world of inclusive recruiting. Together, we will explore powerful strategies to dismantle our unconscious biases, cultivate a welcoming candidate experience, and build inclusive and diverse team that ignite innovation and drive results. We’ll unlock the secrets of crafting inclusive job descriptions, create a strategic sourcing environment, following a confirmed and aligned process for interviews and positive integration. Get ready to leave with actionable insights and practical tools to transform your hiring practices and unlock the full potential of your workforce.

Lavonne has 20 years of global talent acquisition experience focused on successfully leading and developing the people, processes and technology required to identify, recruit, and retain top tier talent within collaborative and highly matrixed organizations. Over the course of 10 years, in ascending roles of responsibility, Lavonne led executive recruiting teams, built, and led process, onboarding/integration and executive searches; conducting over two thousand executive hires. With a goal of building an executive hiring function from inception, Lavonne joined Avanade (a Microsoft & Accenture Partnership) a twenty-year-old, top ranked technology services and solutions partnership, with $6 billion in revenue and 25000 employees. During her tenure she built and led their executive hiring team, processes, and function on a global scale and, additionally, led talent acquisition for a multibillion revenue global business. In this role she realized incredible successes implementing and increasing the use of inclusive practices to positive business outcomes. Most recently Lavonne joined Eaton Corporation as the Director of Executive Talent Acquisition.

Marybeth Alvarez, MD, MPH - Session 1C

Assistant Professor, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry
Medical College of Wisconsin

Topic: The Protective Effect of Community on Mental Well-Being
Location: Recital Hall
Time: 1:20 - 2 :20 p.m.
Audience: All

There is a strong body of research that states isolation, marginalization, and loneliness are precursors to mental illness and that social connection is protective against suicide, addiction, and dementia. Please join this interactive discussion on how to restore social connection using a proven strategy to alleviate symptoms of depression.

Dr. Alvarez joined the faculty at Medical College of Wisconsin to lead Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration in Froedtert Health’s outpatient clinics. After completing her undergraduate degree at Swarthmore College, she attended Tulane Medical School while concurrently earning her Master of Public Health focusing on International Health.  She went on to train in combined Internal Medicine/Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston where she served as Chief Resident in her final year.  As Training Director of the combined Internal Medicine/Psychiatry residency at Tulane School of Medicine, she led the post-Katrina rebirth and grew the group from 1 resident to 10.  As a National Health Service Corps Scholar, she split her time among multiple clinical settings in New Orleans including child and adolescent outpatient including school-based treatment, primary care clinics, hospitals, and residential addiction treatment centers.

Now in Milwaukee, Dr. Alvarez leads collaborative care teams treating depression and anxiety in primary care and staffs the Complexity Intervention Unit at Froedtert Hospital.  She is the founding Program Director at Medical College of Wisconsin’s brand-new Internal Medicine/Psychiatry Program.  She has participated in research establishing new pathways of care for initiating buprenorphine in acute medical settings.  She has expertise in medication-assisted treatment for addiction, medically unexplained symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and health disparities.

Alvaro Rodriguez - Session 1D

Coordinator of Intercultural Engagement
Carroll University

Topic: Beyond Safe Spaces: Cultivating Brave Conversations for Inclusive Communities
Location: Hastad 145
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

For this session, join us in an interactive exploration of creating spaces that go beyond mere safety. Through a mix of activities and self-reflection, participants will cultivate inclusivity and challenge assumptions to foster an environment where diverse voices thrive. This session is designed to be beneficial for students, faculty, and staff.

This workshop will be led by Alvaro Rodriguez, a Coordinator of Intercultural Engagement whose journey is guided by a commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding. Alvaro holds a bachelor's degree in music liberal arts from Carroll University, where the intersection of music and social justice became a central theme in his pursuits. Alvaro's professional interests include LGBTQ+ advocacy and creating strong connections with various campus partners. His unique perspective incorporates a profound belief in the ability of music to create safe spaces and encourage authentic self-expression.

Austin Ashe - Session 1E

Senior Associate Director, Culture and Belonging, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
MIT Sloan School of Management

Topic: From Campus to Catalyst: Empowering Students as Agents of Change
Location: Main B19
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: Students

Join us in 'From Campus to Catalyst,' where we embark on a journey to explore how today's college students can harness the power of education not just for personal success, but as a transformative force for societal change. Discover keys to unlocking your potential as an agent of positive impact, navigating the intersection of academia and activism. This session will explore using a Hip-Hop cypher methodology in order to surface systems-based approaches to identifying the challenge see in our communities, the tools and knowledge at our disposal, and the considerations that need to be taken in order to implement solutions at local and broader levels.

Austin received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and another in communications from his alma mater, Quinnipiac University, located in his home state of Connecticut. Austin was involved as a student leader while at Quinnipiac those leadership experiences led to a curiosity about working professionally in higher education. He subsequently made the decision to attend Springfield College in Massachusetts where he received his master's degree in higher education and counseling.

After graduating from Springfield, Austin found a professional home at a number of institutions that include Boston College, Quinnipiac University, and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He spent years working in fundraising, new student orientation, student activities and leadership, and other areas. The backdrop to all of his roles was advancing diversity, equity and inclusion and sense of belonging for all members of the community.

Austin is currently a PhD candidate at the University of Massachusetts-Boston. His research looks to learn more about the lived experiences of Black university faculty who use Hip-Hop practices in the classroom and use Hip-Hop orientations to navigate their roles at predominantly white institutions. Austin is a former graffiti writer, poet, and every now and then you might catch him dropping a few rhymes in a cipher. His most favorite role however is da-da. Austin has two boys and can also be often found on the playing hide and seek, giving piggy back rides, or on the floor playing with any assortment of trucks, cars and action figures in the house with Little Austin, Malcolm, and mama.

Paige Hunt - Session 1F

Associate Product Manager, Johnson Controls

Topic: Redefining Success
Location: Hastad 160
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: Students

Success in the United States has largely been defined by a concept called the American Dream, a set of action items that, when complete, are meant to lead to happiness. In recent years the American Dream has become largely unachievable, and may have only ever been achievable for a select few. The American Dream is specific, narrow, and constricting, while success should actually be broadly defined and individual. Join “Redefining Success” to learn about the pitfalls of the American Dream and a better way to think about success in your own life

Paige Hunt is an associate product manager at Johnson Controls, leading large-scale projects focused on innovation and business optimization. Paige is author of Holistic Success: Mind, Body, Soul, and Business, a nonfiction book that speaks to students/early career individuals and established professionals alike who want to look at success and happiness in a new way. She is active in the community, largely involved with The Women’s Fund of Greater Milwaukee and Sojourner Family Peace Center. Paige received her Bachelor of Science from Marquette University in 2019 and has remained a Milwaukee resident since. She enjoys playing pool and board games, crafting, and vintage shopping.

Robert Davis - Session 1G

Director of Organizational Development and DEI
Green Bay Packers Organization, Former Green Bay Packers player
Sponsored by the Lillian and Arnold Graaskamp Education Endowment Fund

Topic: Maintaining Locker-Room Cohesiveness and Acclimating to Roles on and off the Field
Location: Shattuck Auditorium
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: Students

Former professional football player and Packers long snapper, Robert Davis, currently guides the Green Bay Packers Organization as the Director of Organizational Development & DEI. In this role, Davis leads learning and development initiatives that are aimed at providing opportunities for staff members to grow and excel and advance the team’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals. Davis is responsible for creating the organization’s strategy to attract, hire and maintain a diverse workplace and facilitate collaboration in these areas across all departments.

Davis played for the Packers for 11 season (1997-2007) and has the fourth longest consecutive game streak in team history. After retiring from the field, he spent 9 years as the Packers’ director of player engagement, with the goal of maintaining locker-room cohesiveness and assisting players with acclimatizing to their roles on and off the field and in the local community. In 2014 he earned a master’s degree in applied leadership from UW Green Bay and later received an Ivy League certification from Cornell University in diversity, equity and inclusion. Over the years Davis has developed strong life coaching, leadership development and motivational speaking abilities.

Michelle Cloud - Session 1H

Culture and Community Education Division Manager
Ho-Chunk Nation Education Department
Sponsored by the Lillian and Arnold Graaskamp Education Endowment Fund

Topic: So You Think You Need a Land Acknowledgement
Location: Humphrey Chapel
Time: 1:20 - 2:20 p.m.
Audience: All

This workshop will address the issue of land acknowledgement statements from the perspective of a Ho-Chunk woman.  The workshop will promote awareness and understanding of Ho-Chunk cultural traditions and norms that focus on the connection between Ho-Chunk people and our natural world.  As the original stewards of this land, the Ho-Chunk people have relied on their sacred language, rich oral history, and native approach to learning to demonstrate their understanding, care, and commitment to Grandmother Earth.  In today’s diverse world, some individuals, companies, or universities think it’s appropriate to include a land acknowledgement statement as part of their email signature to signify their understanding of Native peoples and the land they occupy.  Through this workshop, you will understand why it may not always be appropriate to create a land acknowledgment statement without deep personal reflection and learning of self and relationship to the land. 

Michelle Cloud is an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Nation and serves as the Nation’s Principal Investigator for the UW-Madison Indigenous Arts & Sciences Program for the past seven years.  She is the Culture & Community Education Division Manager in the Education Department for the Ho-Chunk Nation.  As part of that role, she is a nationally trained SEED (Seeking Educational Equity & Diversity) facilitator and has led educator and community based social justice groups for the past eleven years in several school districts in what is now known as Wisconsin. Michelle brings her extensive experience to further the goals of diversity, equity, and inclusion in all her work. Michelle holds three degrees, but she is prouder of the lifelong cultural knowledge she has learned from her elders and sacred knowledge keepers.

2024 Speakers - Session 2

Patrick Grayshaw, PhD

Patrick Grayshaw, PhD - Session 2A

Assistant Professor of Public Health
Carroll University

Topic: Supporting our Neurodiverse Students: Strategies for the Classroom, Advising and Mentoring
Location: Hastad 140
Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.
Audience: All

When we support neurodiverse students, we recognize and respect the different ways that people think, learn, and communicate. Neurodiverse students may have strengths and challenges that are not always visible or well understood by others. How can we create inclusive and supportive environments for our neurodiverse students in the classroom, advising, and mentoring settings? In this workshop, we will explore this question through a deliberative process, where participants will engage in a dialogue with each other and share their own experiences, perspectives, and insights on supporting neurodiverse students. This workshop is designed to be a collaborative and interactive session that aims to generate practical and actionable strategies for faculty and staff. There are many experts on campus who have valuable knowledge and expertise on this topic, and we can benefit from reflecting on our past experiences and lessons learned. Join us and contribute to this important conversation!

Patrick D. Grayshaw, PhD is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at Carroll University, He holds a PhD in Human Sciences from Oklahoma State University, an M.Ed. in Counseling and Personnel Services from University of Maryland, and a B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies from Bowling Green State University. He has a background in student development, and his current research interests include adverse childhood experiences, trauma-informed care, resilience, and dialogue/deliberation. He is also a facilitator for community organizations that seek to promote meaningful discussion and problem-solving around challenging issues. He is passionate about improving the quality of life and reducing human suffering through public health education, research, and service.

Sumaiyah Clark - Session 2B

Director of Systems Integration
Milwaukee County

Topic: Leadership Lessons in Advancing Equity
Location: Oak Room
Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.
Audience: All

Milwaukee County was the first jurisdiction in the United States to declare racism as a public health crisis. This declaration was an initial step in developing a multifaceted approach to advancing Racial and Health Equity. This session will allow you to explore policies, best practices, partnerships and other tactics that Milwaukee County used to operationalize its vision, “By Achieving Racial Equity, Milwaukee is the Healthiest County in WI.” You’ll walk away with more knowledge and confidence in your ability to begin crafting your own goals that you can implement in your organization or community.

Sumaiyah Clark’s background spans the fields of public health, youth development, education and government administration. She is most passionate about advancing community-driven approaches to address health and social issues. A native of Milwaukee, Sumaiyah has dedicated the last 20 years to community health improvement and advocacy, specifically for youths, families and individuals with disabilities. Her educational background includes the following: a BS in psychology/criminal justice from UW-Whitewater, an MS in organizational leadership and administration from Concordia University of Wisconsin, and a certificate in urban anthropology from Marquette University. She is also the mother of three teenagers and sits on several community organization boards. She is currently the Chief Equity Officer for Milwaukee County, serving as the Acting Executive Director for the Office of Equity.

Tiffany Yvonne, CPA - Session 2C

Playmakers Solutions

Topic: Empowering Women for Wellbeing, Equity and Bold Success
Location: Recital Hall
Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.
Audience: All

Embark on a empowering journey with this transformative session focused on the synergy between personal well-being, work-life-play balance, and the ability to advocate for gender equity fearlessly. Discover how committing to your own holistic success not only propels you towards your goals but also equips you to boldly call out bias. Through engaging discussions and actionable insights, you'll learn to navigate the intricate dance of work life and play, fostering a balanced approach that champions your well-being. Gain the tools to fearlessly pursue your dreams, undeterred by external opinions, as you contribute to a community culture that champions gender equity. Join us to cultivate the strength and resilience needed to play to win in both your personal and professional arenas.

Tiffany Yvonne, CPA— the powerhouse behind She Plays to Win, rocks as a Congressional award-winning coach, speaker, and leadership consultant fueling the fire for leaders and entrepreneurs. She flips the script on success, pushing for a vibrant work-life-play blend. Tiffany synchronizes personal and professional strategies, cranks up emotional intelligence, and is renowned for injecting workplace bliss and banishing burnout. With her empowering touch, her clients don't just succeed—they boldly navigate life's challenges with a wave and a wink. She's thrilled to lead this movement, pioneering The Playmaker Way—a space where work, life, and play intertwine, creating a fantastic, fulfilling fusion!

Carroll instructor Shannon Skaistis — Shannon Skaistis

Shannon Skaistis - Session 2D

Instructor of Behavioral Health Psychology
Carroll University

Topic: Creating Affirming Spaces: Supporting Trans, Nonbinary and Gender-Diverse Community Members
Location: Hastad 145
Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.
Audience: All

This presentation will offer basic education and suggestions about creating gender-affirming spaces in various university settings. Using an intersectional framework, participants will learn ways to understand the histories, identities, and experiences of trans, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals. 

Shannon Skaistis, M.S. (they/them) is a relationally oriented psychotherapist, researcher, and an adjunct instructor who works with counselors-in-training at Carroll and Marquette University. Shannon’s primary research interest is affirmative psychotherapy with transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse clients. Their research aims to investigate how highly skilled therapists meet the needs of gender-diverse clients and how these insights can inform the training of future clinicians.

Deb Donovan - Session 2E

Program Supervisor, Forensic Nursing Program
Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin

Topic: Forensic Nursing: Services for Victims of Sexual Violence
Location: Main B19
Time: 2:40 - 3:40 p.m.
Audience: All

Sexual Violence impacts everyone. People are impacted in different ways depending upon their identity, history and privilege. The trauma of sexual violence is intersectional or looking beyond race to also consider ability, family wealth, class, sexual orientation, gender identify and other forms of discrimination. Thus, the trauma of sexual violence is experienced in unique ways. This workshop will explore the systematic and institutional barriers to accessing and receiving the care desired and deserved by ALL members of our community. The forensic sexual assault nursing response will be explained. The role of the forensic sexual assault nurse includes providing trauma-informed, culturally appropriate, victim centered response and working with community partners to reduce barriers to seeking help.

Deb Donovan has been a forensic sexual assault nurse examiner in the greater Milwaukee area for over 30 years and has served over 1200 victims. She provides related trainings to nurses, as well as community partners (advocacy, law enforcement and legal partners). Deb also provides expert legal review and testimony for court. Deb is the Program Supervisor of the Forensic Nursing Program at Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin.