Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) goes beyond fulfilling a moral obligation. It supports people of varying identities from underrepresented and marginalized communities. Celebrating DEI through education is one way to honor and support these populations. July 10-11, Michigan State University (MSU) hosted the Inclusive Impact Conference, presented by the Inclusive Campus Initiative (ICI), part of the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement (SLE).

The conference, themed Reframing DEI: Solidarity, Advocacy, and Partnership, emphasized allyship, decentering fear and empowering communities during anti-DEI legislation and backlash. The event united DEI practitioners, educators and community members across Michigan and beyond to learn, collaborate and co-develop solutions to DEI challenges. 

Hearing From Professionals

The conference featured keynote speakers and panelists who urged a need for change. July 10, Senior Vice President for SLE Vennie Gore opened the event, followed by anti-racism writer and educator, Tim Wise. The next day, educator and advocate for Indigenous education, Melissa Isaac opened. Later, MSU’s Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Thomas D. Jeitschko spoke, followed by Michigan state representative for the 13th House District Mai Xiong. The conference ended with a closing statement from, the Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School and Director of the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project Dr. Khalil Gibran Muhammad.

July 11 featured six breakout sessions and a plenary panel. The breakout sessions covered key DEI topics including rebranding DEI in collegiate athletics, the power of global advocacy and LGBTQIA2S+ communities. It also highlighted healing-centered and trauma-informed practices, as well as digital accessibility and DEI advocacy and partnerships. The Office of Global Michigan (OGM) led the plenary panel, Advancing Equity and Extending Inclusion. It explored empowering immigrant, refugee, underrepresented and marginalized communities across Michigan.

A Team Effort

While the Inclusive Impact Conference is housed and substantially funded by the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement and led by the Inclusive Campus Initiative (Meaghan Kozar), the planning for this conference was a collective effort by an incredibly innovative team comprised of Anjam Chaudhary (ISP), Cece Sumpter (Athletics), Florensio Hernandez (OA), Donnie Sams (DPPS), Dwayne Jones (DPPS), Jun Fu (LEAU), Katusha Galitzine (ISR), Matea Čaluk (REHS), Stephanie Chau (CANR), Scot Wright (Broad) and Swapna Hingwe (UHW). The team’ contributions include identifying speakers, panelists, moderating panels, emceeing and fundraising.

“The Inclusive Impact Conference exceeded our expectations and then some,” said Kozar. “I learned so much. It was the recharge and source of inspiration many of us needed. I am very proud of this collective effort to host a life-changing experience. I am grateful for all the people involved and the many campus partner sponsors.”

Fostering and Sponsoring Inclusion

The conference showcased the power of community and teamwork in advancing DEI. The event united DEI practitioners, educators and community members from around Michigan to address current challenges and inspire action. Powerful keynote speakers and panelists renewed attendees' commitment and passion for a more inclusive society.

The Inclusive Impact Conference was made possible by the extensive planning of MSU’s OCAT department and the support of generous sponsors, including:

• MSU Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement
• Broad College of Business
• Chicano/Latino Studies
• College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• College of Human Medicine
• College of Natural Science
• College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Department of History
• Department of Police & Public Safety
• Graduate School International Studies & programs
• Native American Institute
• Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance
• Office of the Provost
• Office of Undergraduate Education
• University Health & Wellbeing

ICI will continue addressing DEI issues and needs impacting historically marginalized and vulnerable populations. To learn more about MSU’s Office of Cultural & Academic Transitions Inclusive Campus Initiative visit ocat.msu.edu/inclusive-campus-initiative. 

Author: Olivia Williams, student communications assistant