Forward.
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Wisconsin Athletics announced a new athletic plan for racial equality following Unity MarchMADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - Normally dressed in crimson and white, around 200 University of Wisconsin athletes wore all black on Friday for a Unity Rally for Diversity march from Camp Randall Stadium to Bascom Hall. ...moreThe rally was organized by former Badgers men’s basketball player, Samad Qawi and current Badgers track and field athlete, Armoni Brown along with a few other basketball and football players.... ![]() | ||||||||
“It is an honor to be recognized by The Society of Women Engineers,” said Blake Moret, Chairman & CEO at Rockwell Automation. “We believe in the value of diversity because diverse teams make better decisions. We know that having a competitive advantage in industry and talent means fostering an environment where all employees can and want to do their best work.” ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() I have always intended these lists to highlight the beauty of the diversity in our community. I wanted young people here in Wisconsin to see role models of people who are succeeding, to know that it’s possible for people of color to achieve great things here, and to highlight people of color doing great work in a variety of fields and pursuits. ...more ![]() | ||||||||
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![]() We are excited to announce that Mai J Lo Lee will moderate the Asian American panel on that day.... ....The Summit this year is all online, so you can attend from the comfort
of your home or office. It will feature 25 sessions over five days from
October 5-9, all for just $79 (or less if you work for a nonprofit
organization or government agency, or if you’re a student). Get more
details and register now at WisconsinLeadershipSummit.com!... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is approaching its eight-year anniversary on Sept. 27, and it`s grown a lot since it began as 40 professionals meeting for happy hour from 2011-12. The chamber was founded out of a need to do something more substantive than networking, said the Chamber`s president, Jason Rae. What grew from that was an organization dedicated to the economic development of LGBTQ businesses. The Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce is advocating for certification of LGBTQ business enterprises as a way to bolster LGBTQ business owners, and Wisconsin LGBTQ-owned certified business owners say the program helped expand their reputation and customer base... ...more![]() | ||||||||
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![]() Throughout the coming months, we will be monitoring the ongoing situation with COVID-19. We are exploring options for some virtual sessions in case attendees are not able to join in person. If another outbreak occurs in the fall, we will be prepared to move to a totally virtual conference. COVID-19 has created incredible challenges for all of us, but it has also magnified disparities in our workplaces, health and education systems, and in our communities. We feel strongly that the conversation towards meaningful change needs to continue. Nikole Hannah Jones has committed to coming to Wisconsin as well as many of the other conference presenters. Thanks for your continued support and we hope you can join us November 12-13 in Green Bay! ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Amy Gannon was a substantial proponent of diversity, equality, inclusion, education and the advancement of women. Gannon`s career included working in domestic violence programs and leadership roles at Edgewood College in Madison, along with nonprofits that support women entrepreneurs. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Goldman Sachs has become the first Wall Street bank to declare it will not take companies public in the U.S. and Europe unless they have at least one “diverse” candidate on their board — but failed to include Asia, which has the worst record on gender diversity. Chief Executive David Solomon on Thursday said diversity on corporate boards was a “very, very important issue,” with evidence showing that companies that made their stock market debut with at least one female director were likely to perform “significantly better” than others. “Starting on July 1 in the U.S. and Europe, we’re not going to take a company public unless there’s at least one diverse board candidate, with a focus on women,” he told CNBC. “And we’re going to move towards 2021 requesting two.”... ...more![]() | ||||||||
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![]() With one in four of its undergraduate students identifying as Hispanic, Mount Mary University has become the second college in the state to earn a coveted federal designation that will unlock millions in grants and scholarships. The designation also opens doors to funding for other uses, including educational materials and lab equipment, enhancements to instructional facilities, academic tutoring and support services, faculty development and endowment growth. Mount Mary, a women`s private liberal arts college in Milwaukee, is the second in the state to reach the 25% enrollment threshold to qualify as a Hispanic-Serving Institution. And the signs of growth continue: About half of the school`s incoming fall class of 2019 identified as Hispanic. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Leaders of color from across Wisconsin are excited for next week’s Wisconsin Leadership Summit presented by UW Credit Union — the third annual event, and the first being conducted entirely online. The Wisconsin Leadership Summit is the state’s premier professional development, networking and community-building event for people of color, produced and hosted by 365 Media, the nonprofit organization that also operates Madison365. This year’s event will take place October 5-9, entirely online, and feature 25 panels on topics in education, social justice, health, government and business. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() WPR began working towards a solution two years ago, and this summer we completed our first comprehensive analysis of sources appearing in newscasts, feature reporting and talk shows. .. ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Bright Ideas are back! Leaders,
innovators, entrepreneurs and people who are doing interesting things
share their bright ideas for 2020 with the Cap Times. Madison is not a perfect place, but it’s close. With the fastest growing economy in Wisconsin, there is so much here to offer and all the opportunities that we have available are multiplying every day. I was adopted by this community in 2011 when I enrolled at UW-Madison for graduate school. I was born with a severe physical disability, and I chose the rehabilitation psychology master’s program at UW to become better equipped to assist people with disabilities in reaching their employment goals... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Thursday, January 23; Washington, D.C. — NPR CEO John Lansing announced today that Keith Woods, currently Vice President of Newsroom Training and Diversity, has been promoted to the newly created position of Chief Diversity Officer. As a part of the executive leadership team, Woods will guide NPR`s push to expand the diversity of its audience work across NPR and help build a more diverse and inclusive organization. "I want NPR to reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion in everything we do. As an organization we should be leaders in providing news and cultural programming that speaks to our richly diverse country and connects with an audience that looks and sounds like America – all while creating a welcoming and supportive workplace for all,"... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() You can live in Wisconsin all your life and think you know it pretty well. But then someone mentions a town or tradition that serves as a reminder — there are still plenty of people to meet and places to go without ever crossing the state line. For 35 years, the annual road trip known as the Wisconsin Idea Seminar has provided an immersive five-day tour of the state that helps UW–Madison faculty and academic staff engage with Wisconsinites, build relationships, and learn about the educational, industrial, social and political realities of Wisconsin. This year’s “Bay Tour” is May 11–15 and will include experiences along the shores of Green Bay and Lake Michigan, with stops at the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, Door County, and other specially chosen sites along the way. ...“Many people have never been to a reservation or a tribal community. They’re all different,” Metoxen says. “I hope this gives them a better understanding. It’s important to break stereotypes and show diversity among our tribe and all different tribes.”.. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The group attended the game as part of an organization called Project Unify, which seeks to bring together students in special education with those who are not. This particular activity, which has been done in the past, is called Fans in the Stands. On the day of the after-school basketball game at Glacial Drumlin, fifth-grader Rylee Ganshert, who has special needs, got to choose what color of bandana everyone would wear. He picked purple. As he sat at the game surrounded by members of the organization holding posters they made ahead of time, Rylee said he liked being able to stay at school two hours longer than normal.... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Detroiters were refusing city-sponsored “free trees.” A researcher found out the problem: She was the first person to ask them if they wanted them.It’s not that they didn’t trust the trees; they didn’t trust the city. A couple of African-American women Carmichael talked to linked the tree-planting program to a painful racist moment in Detroit’s history, right after the 1967 race rebellion, when the city suddenly began cutting down elm trees in bulk in their neighborhoods. The city did this, as the women understood it, so that law enforcement and intelligence agents could better surveil their neighborhoods from helicopters and other high places after the urban uprising. The city was chopping down trees at a faster clip at this time. And the city was flying helicopters over their homes at one point—to spray toxic DDT from above on the trees. However, the government’s stated reason for the mass tree-choppings was that the trees were dying off from the Dutch elm disease then spreading across the country. These were competing heritage narratives of the same event... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() “I think it validates the efforts Church Mutual and its employees are undertaking for continued success” Kathy Iriarte, president of the Church Mutual Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) group, along with Dawn Schroder-Silvela, WLI past president, attended the event and accepted the award on behalf of the Church Mutual family of companies. “I think it validates the efforts Church Mutual and its employees are undertaking for continued success,” said Iriarte, WLI president. “As an employee and as a woman, I have a sense of pride in our company, our culture and our employees for having open minds to boldly address diversity. That can be an uncomfortable conversation at times.” Continuing to enhance diversity and inclusion is a top priority for Church Mutual. WLI, specifically, elevates and empowers the women of Church Mutual through professional networking, leadership development and mentorships. “Church Mutual is making a name for itself in diversity and inclusion,” said Rich Poirier, president and CEO. “We are committed to furthering our efforts, which will continue to be a high priority for us moving forward. Not only is it the right thing to do, it’s the smart thing to do.” ... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() On Sunday morning, President Trump tweeted an attack on the 1619 Project, threatening to withhold funding from California schools teaching the popular journalism project focused on the rise and impact of slavery in the United States. With his newest tweet, the President’s actions raise a troubling question: Why is the Trump administration threatening to censor the way schools teach about the history of slavery and racism in the United States?... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Forward. That simple, no-nonsense imperative says so much about our state and about our collective determination to drive progress, no matter the challenge. Adopted as Wisconsin’s official state motto in 1851, that spirit couldn’t be more timely or relevant today, when we urgently need the common will to move forward together. It is time for the good people of Wisconsin to live by the principles and values of diversity, inclusion and equity.... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The scholarship program will take effect in the 2021-22 academic year and be offered to students who are admitted to or currently attending a UW System university. Awards will be given to students who are entering a university, progressing with their education, and near graduation. Regents have committed to providing $1 million for the scholarship annually... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() NEENAH, Wis. (WFRV) – A Fox Valley high school is being nationally recognized by ESPN for its inclusive sports programs. Neenah High School is one of 36 Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools from across the nation on the 2020 ESPN Honor Roll. The list includes elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as colleges. Neenah High is the only Wisconsin school on the list and one of 22 high schools. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() ‘Different types of efforts help students from marginalized backgrounds feel welcomed and included and respected,’ UW professor saysIn an effort to establish a more inclusive environment on campus, the University of Wisconsin created a variety of programs including cultural competency initiatives, programs and workshops. Studies at UW also investigated a need for culturally aware mentorship training. ...moreVarious initiatives were led by researchers at UW in the hopes of increasing diversity while helping mentors navigate cultural dynamics, according to UW Faculty and Staff Diversity & Inclusion Resources. One such idea was promoting diversity and inclusion training for faculty and staff... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Program Aims to Promote Social Evolution, Give Everyone a VoiceGreen Bay, Wis.—Giving everyone a voice is the goal of a new certificate program being offered by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. The launch of the new noncredit Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Certificate Program will be in February 2021. The goal of the program is to promote social evolution in workplaces, organizations and communities. ...moreThe program is being offered at two levels, both of which are 100% online. Level 1 includes four core courses over four weeks, covering multi-facets of diversity and privilege. The second week will include a live online discussion and Q&A of workplace conversations, and the fifth and final week will engage participants in a panel discussion with DEI spokespeople and experts... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() EMBRACING DIVERSITY...more Editors Note: This article is primarily on arts in the Madison area, but I would point out that diversity and inclusion in the arts (theatre, media, dance, music, and visual) often far outpaces the efforts made in communities, homes, and schools. Just an observation... ![]() | ||||||||
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![]() Trailblazing astronaut Dr. Mae C. Jemison, the first woman of color in space, will present the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Lecture Jan. 21 at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. A physician and engineer, Jemison has been inducted into both the National Women’s Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame. She is the founder and president of two medical technology companies and the leader of 100 Year Starship, a Pentagon-funded effort to ensure human interstellar space travel to another star within the next century... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() As 2020 begins the Milwaukee region is in a war for talent. And, we’re losing. We constantly hear from area business owners who say that their biggest challenge is finding the people that their companies need to grow. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate is at 3.4%. That’s good news for workers, but it also demonstrates the challenge businesses here face in finding talent. Here’s the bad news: economic growth in Wisconsin is weak, very weak. Wisconsin’s economy grew just 1.1% in the second quarter of 2019, ranking 43rd in the country, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis data. During the first quarter of 2019, the state’s economy also grew just 1.1%... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Suggestions Include Creating Restorative Justice Program, Updating Codes Of Conduct Following Racist Incidents On Campus In 201In response to multiple racist incidents on the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire campus in 2019, the university has issued a list of recommendations aimed at improving equity, diversity and inclusion. ...moreIn November, five UW-Eau Claire football team members were suspended for sharing racist messages mocking a Black Male Empowerment student organization on Snapchat. The messages included an image of Klu Klux Klan members in white hoods and gowns standing before a burning cross with a suggestion that the sender was going to hold a white male empowerment group meeting... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The Cozzy Corner is an award-winning restaurant that is no stranger to Northeast Wisconsin. It’s known for its comfort food that originated down south. On any day of the week, the sweet aroma of soul food hangs in the air and drifts down the street in Appleton... ... Bennett said it`s been rewarding and a labor of love to be a black business owner in a predominately white community. "It doesn`t matter what color you are,” said Bennett. “I do well being in a predominately white area because I provide a good service at whatever I’m doing." The Cozzy Corner is an example of what the city says it’s been looking for. "It`s a fact that people of color will come to a city where they know they can have a safe place to live, first of all, of course, where they can find entertainment of interest, where they can find a place to go and get their hair did,” Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for the City of Appleton Karen Nelson said... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() When doctors diagnosed Vander Meulen with Asperger`s syndrome, attention deficit disorder, and cerebral palsy as a child, her parents fought for her right to attend the neighborhood elementary school. The school`s principal thought she belonged in a school for the severely disabled. Her parents knew otherwise. Despite a counselor who told her that she`d never graduate from college, Vander Meulen went on to graduate from high school with honors and earn undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin—where her law school classmates questioned whether the university providing a notetaker for her constituted an unfair advantage. Now, a board of education member for Madison, Wis., schools and a juvenile defense attorney, Vander Meulen may be one of the few people in the nation on the autism spectrum serving in public office... Nicki`s 50 School Tour Video![]() | ||||||||
MADISON, Wis. – February 25, 2020 – Sparked by the CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™, Alliant Energy employees are coming together today to discuss diversity, equity, inclusion and unconscious bias. CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion™ aims to rally the business community to advance diversity and inclusion conversations. In addition, more than 900 CEOs of the world’s leading companies, including Alliant Energy Chairman, President and CEO John Larsen, pledged to be a catalyst. They are leveraging their collective voices, driving conversation and action around diversity and inclusion, to foster greater collaboration within the workplace. As part of the pledge, all participating CEOs, including Larsen, vowed to cultivate a trusting environment where all employees feel comfortable and empowered to discuss diversity and inclusion. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() In a Cap Times Idea Fest interview with editor and publisher Paul Fanlund, Blank addressed each challenge, from pandemic response to racial diversity and equity, with one consistent priority: open and continued dialogue with students, local leaders and the community. There are “some really hard days,” but Blank said she has no intention of quitting the work or leaving the university any time soon... See Also: ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Dane County Executive Joe Parisi joined Reverend Dr. Alex Gee Monday to announce that he is putting $810,000 in his 2021 budget to help organizers pursue and acquire land on the south side of Madison for the Center for Black Excellence and Culture. This development will foster a sense of community and family, celebrate and teach about impactful Black culture, help nurture and develop Black business and community leaders, connect employers with talented Black professionals, and become a new cultural landmark along the Beltline corridor... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The national initiative through the University of Wisconsin and the APLU aims to increase diversity and foster best practices for faculty and studentsAccording to a National Science Foundation study done in 2019, only 9% of STEM professors at four-year universities were minorities. A collaborative effort led by the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) hopes to change that. ...moreNineteen public research universities have been chosen to take part in a program under Aspire: The National Alliance for Inclusive & Diverse STEM Faculty that aims to boost “recruiting, hiring and retention practices” that lead to more equitable outcomes. This new cohort joins two others that are seeking to advance diversity in higher education STEM programs. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() SIC demands include specific changes, general goals to recognize, support marginalized identitiesOne year after receiving nationwide criticism for producing a 2019 homecoming video that did not include students of color, the University of Wisconsin has released a report and video detailing what progress they have made since. ...moreFollowing the controversy, a new student advocacy group, the Student Inclusion Coalition, was formed. Composed of student leaders and concerned students, SIC made five demands of UW that would help restore dignity, pride and inclusion among students of color, according to the report... ![]() | ||||||||
“Our North Star is racial equity and inclusion,” Janel Hines, Senior Director of Grant Programs and Strategic Initiatives with The Greater Milwaukee Foundation said. “Creating opportunity for early-career faculty and doctoral students aligns perfectly with that.”... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Half of Wisconsin is covered in forests, so managing all that land is no easy task. It’s up to the Wisconsin Division of Forestry, which falls under the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to keep the land healthy. The forestry division works with federal, county, tribal and private landowners. It’s a team of about 420 people scattered across the state. And, the person leading this division is Heather Berklund. ...moreLast month, Berklund was named chief state forester — the first woman to hold the position in state history. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The UW–Madison Diversity Forum will be held virtually on Tuesday, Oct. 27, and Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020. Key web links
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To our campus and alumni communities, We often speak about making UW–Madison a place where people of all identities and backgrounds feel valued, welcome and safe. On Sunday, something happened that made many students and alumni of color and their allies question our commitment: The student Homecoming Committee released a video that did not properly represent Black students and other students of color as essential members of our campus community. We stand with our students of color and hear their voices with a clear commitment to action, not only about the video, but their broader experiences of exclusion on campus. While we have a number of efforts underway aimed at improving campus climate, this incident presents an important opportunity to reaffirm our commitments to bring about meaningful change... ...moreT1W Note: What a great conversation to have. Please do not hesitate to discuss inclusion and diversity now, rather than wait for a mistake to mandate the conversation. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() MIDDLETON — Kobby Brewoo, a hip-hop artist who was brought in to inspire middle-school students in the Middleton-Cross Plains School District, was still having an impact after his performance ended. As Brewoo sat in the Kromrey Middle School cafeteria, sixth-grader Nathaniel Bergeson came up and asked for his autograph. Then, as students sat around Brewoo to eat lunch, they wanted to know how he was able to do the moonwalk, which he had wowed them with earlier. Brewoo, whose full name is Papa-Kobina Ntsefo Brewoo, moved to Madison from Accra, Ghana. He was one of three performers of color who gave a presentation to students at Kromrey and Glacial Creek Middle School last month, shortly before winter break. The presentation was the first of its kind sponsored by the MCPASD Education Foundation as part of its equity and inclusion in the arts initiative. It was funded by a grant from CUNA Mutual Group... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The HRC`s Corporate Equality Index ranks companies and firms based on how well they treat gay and transgender employees. Twelve of the top scoring companies are in Wisconsin. The average score nationwide is 71 with Wisconsin scoring 88 on a 100-point scale. The ranking indicated a generally positive trend across the United States and significant improvements made abroad. ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() MADISON (WKOW) -- February honors and celebrates Black History Month. Wisconsin`s Legislative Black Caucus joined Governor Tony Evers and Lt. Governor Mandela Barnes to kick off the month at a ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. They spoke about the importance of diversity and how it strengthens Wisconsin. The theme for this year is "African Americans and the Vote."... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The Consortium of Humanities Centers and Institutes, a global network of over 250 humanities centers, institutes, research libraries and related organizations, has received a grant of $2.8 million from the trustees of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to expand and diversify, nationally and internationally. Sara Guyer, a University of Wisconsin–Madison professor of English and former director of the UW–Madison Center for the Humanities, is president of CHCI and principal investigator on the grant. The grant will enable CHCI to continue to fulfill its goals of greater diversity, inclusion and connection... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Retiring United Community Center executive director Ricardo Diaz, a longtime Milwaukee community leader, and the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino are among the winners of the Milwaukee Business Journal`s 2020 Business in Diversity Awards... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Fifty years ago something so extraordinary happened in the United States it’s almost unfathomable today. Twenty million people, fully 10% of the United States population, turned out at thousands of events held coast-to-coast in support of a single goal: a cleaner environment. They didn’t sit at home and connect through social media. They actually showed up and participated. The date, April 22, 1970, would come to be known as “Earth Day.” With the country lashed by oil spills, mounting levels of pesticides, smoggy skies and polluted waters, a fuse had been lit on America’s environmental consciousness. The spark was a Wisconsin man, Sen. Gaylord Nelson. Ken Notes: We hope you had a chance is some way to celebrate Earth Day this year. A personal friend of mine and Gaylord Nelson`s daughter, Tia Nelson has worked with her organization to produce a film for the 50th anniversary of Earth day here: https://outrider.org/features/earth-day-film/. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Twenty leaders from across Wisconsin have come together — virtually — to offer a message of encouragement and hope to Wisconsin. Madison365 publisher and CEO Henry Sanders reached out about a week ago inviting many local and statewide leaders of color in government, education, business and nonprofit sectors to share a video message with the state. Nearly half of those infected in Milwaukee County are African American or Black. Additionally, service sector and restaurant jobs impacted by layoffs and closures disproportionately affect people of color.... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() MERRILL, Wis. (WAOW) — The Little Free Diverse Library is now open 24/7 to members of the Merrill community. The library contains around 36 books that highlight diversity, race, gender, equality, and different cultures. The box is located by the corner of E Third Street and Logan Street, and it was built by a member of Our Saviour`s Lutheran Church in Merrill. All of the books have been gathered through donations... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The Wisconsin Book Festival, in partnership with the Madison Public Library Foundation, will host its yearly celebration this October 15-17. However, the festival is a year-long event, with events spanning from February through early December. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all events will be hosted online via Crowdcast... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() As Homecoming week 2020 comes to a close, the Student Inclusion Coalition; Student Affairs; Division of Diversity, Equity and Educational Achievement (DDEEA); as well as the Wisconsin Alumni Association (WAA) would like to share the progress that has been made to address concerns related to campus climate, diversity, and inclusion. UW–Madison learned a hard lesson in 2019, when a Homecoming student promotional video produced by the WAA student Homecoming Committee excluded a group of students of color who participated in the filming. The video editing process exacerbated the emotional toll of some students who express feelings of isolation, exclusion, and marginalization on campus. The omission was symbolic of the daily challenges and negative experiences of Black and Brown students on campus, which the chancellor acknowledged in a message to the campus community. ...moreNotes: ![]() | ||||||||
The University of Wisconsin-Madison discovered — to its surprise — that most of its students are not discriminatory. UW psychology professor Markus Brauer, who led the study, said that students from marginalized backgrounds “are very frequently the target of discrimination or offensive comments.” To test students’ habits around inclusivity, Brauer and his team hired actors over the course of several years to represent students from marginalized backgrounds — Black, Asian American, and Muslim, as well as a male who wore a “gay pride” shirt — to participate in behaviors that could elicit discrimination from other students. ...moreKen Notes: I am surprised that they were surprised by the results. my experience is that Madison is a welcoming community and the UW is even more so. I am not a person of color, but I do continue to have open conversations with my friends and associates who are. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Watch the Trailer What began as a temporary outdoor public art installation to commemorate the 2020 Democratic National Convention in Milwaukee evolved into a multimedia, community-led initiative, including weekly virtual panel discussions, new public artworks in surrounding neighborhoods, and production of a documentary. We now know that the Road of Democracy will live on well past the banner’s initial installation, and its legacy instilled a deep-rooted commitment to community conversations on race, citizenship, and democracy. With these primary areas of focus in mind, Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21 partnered with Imagine MKE, America’s Black Holocaust Museum, and docUWM to create a media project produced by award-winning filmmaker Brad Pruitt. The Road of Democracy serves as a prelude for more dialogue in the days, months, and years to come. Additional photography by Edwin Martinez Samer Ghani, Pat A. Robinson, Kevin J. Miyazaki... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee invites you to… The 2020 Milwaukee Celebration of International Human Rights Day With a Panel Discussion on Human Rights – What Have We Learned in 2020? A Virtual Zoom Event Saturday – December 12th, 2020 from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Sponsored by the Milwaukee Equal Rights Commission, Milwaukee County Human Rights Commission, and United Nations Association of Greater Milwaukee... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() American MastersClip: 09/01/2020 | 2m 15s She created the 1619 Project on slavery for The New York Times Magazine
and discusses how her work frequently explores the structural inequality
created by racism in the U.S. “Journalism is one of the greatest and
most empowering professions in the world,” she says. This extended
interview is in addition to her appearance in our Unladylike2020 episode
on newspaper editor Charlotta Spears Bass.
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![]() With temperatures in the high 50s, Southern Californians wearing hoodies and stocking caps shivered around her. But Brockman, 60, basked in the sunlight. She had come to the 131st annual Rose Parade from blustery central Wisconsin with her 85-year-old aunt, Helen Haydock, whose hometown of Wisconsin Rapids declared a snow emergency this week... ![]() | ||||||||
The University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Chemistry has received a 2020 Diversity Award from the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. The award recognizes the department’s efforts to enhance underrepresented students’ access to and success in the chemistry graduate program. “This award celebrates a key point in our progress toward fostering greater diversity in our discipline and is just the beginning of our efforts” says Judith Burstyn, department chair. “These achievements are the result of everyone in the department who works tirelessly to build diversity through the creation of key programs and mentorship of students.” ...more![]() | ||||||||
The hour-long session, “Navigating the System: What Does It Mean for Professionals of Color?,” will help attendees understand and participate in the system of professional networks and respectability on campus. The panelists will discuss their personal experiences and provide suggestions and resources for attendees to consider as they reflect on the next steps in their career trajectory.... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() RHINELANDER, Wis. (WAOW)-- Rhinelander is home to the first certified autism friendly business in Central Wisconsin. Tom`s Drawing Board is a working studio that has a shop and classroom, and it was recognized by the Central Wisconsin Autism Society as an autism friendly business during a celebration Wednesday evening. The business in Rhinelander is the first in the Central Wisconsin area, and second in Wisconsin to be recognized as autism friendly... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() APPLETON, Wis. (WFRV) – It’s time to roll out the red carpet and get the popcorn ready! LUNAFEST, the fundraising film festival dedicated to championing women filmmakers and bringing women together in their communities, will be hosted by Girls on the Run of Northeast Wisconsin at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton on Friday, March 6, 2020. The unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through seven short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() “If this is ‘home,’ why am I the only one who looks like me?” “This ‘home’ is destroying our community spaces.” “You tokenize us for recruitment but ignore our contributions.” One year after a 2019 UW-Madison Homecoming video
incited widespread criticism and sparked discussion about the role of
students of color in campus life, quotes like the aforementioned can be
found in a video released by the university’s Student Inclusion Coalition
(SIC). The Coalition, which was formed in response to the 2019
incident, created this year’s video in order to allow for students to
not only undo the wrongs of last year’s exclusive video, but also to
relay students’ experiences of campus climate, diversity and inclusion... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Newswise — Dr. Damon A. Williams, a visionary and inspirational leader, and one of the nation’s most recognized experts in strategic diversity leadership, youth development, corporate responsibility, and organizational change, will be the featured speaker at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) Inaugural Diversity Symposium. This virtual event will be held on December 2-3, 2020. Dr. Williams will speak on “Understanding Inclusive Excellence”, addressing nursing school’s diversity and inclusion efforts at the core of institutional functioning. Dr. Williams is the chief catalyst for the Center for Strategic Diversity Leadership & Social Innovation and a Senior Scholar and Innovation Fellow at the Wisconsin Equity, and Inclusion (Wei) Laboratory of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he previously served as Associate Vice Chancellor and inaugural Chief Diversity, Equity, and Educational Achievement Officer. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() RICE LAKE– Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College is inviting businesses and people to improve their work culture in 2020 through training sessions. During February, WITC will offer training sessions that focus on diversity, equality and inclusion, and leadership. After completing the trainings, attendees will walk away with fresh ideas of how to embed diversity into the fabric of an organization and how to become an efficient leader and communicator in today’s evolving workforce. SafeZone SafeZone (Diversity/Inclusion) training will help develop, enhance, and maintain environments in workplaces, schools, or other social settings that are culturally competent and supportive to LGBTQ+ individuals and people who care about diversity, equality, and inclusion.... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() WASHINGTON — About a year ago, a New Jersey teen was forced to cut his dreadlocks in order to participate in a high school wrestling match. The wrestler, Andrew Johnson, received a hurried haircut after he was told by a referee that his hair violated wrestling rules. He won the match and state officials opened a civil rights investigation, The New York Times reported. Now members of Congress are trying to make sure that never happens again. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() This week`s Business of Giving features Deborah Bial, founder of the Posse Foundation, which sends groups of underrepresented students to top colleges to encourage diversity on campuses. "It`s a story that captures what we’re trying to do with our partner schools at Posse: build opportunities so that these leaders who are right there before our eyes can take advantage of the opportunities that exist at these institutions of higher education and go on and become leaders." Listen to the podcast, which is hosted by Denver Frederick, or read the transcript below... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() MADISON, WI — Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday appointed 33 health professionals, politicians and nonprofit directors to his Health Equity Council. The council aims to bolster overall public health in Wisconsin and and create more equitable health outcomes for all Wisconsinites, according to a release. "We didn`t need the COVID-19 pandemic to tell us that your health is closely linked to your zip code, race, and other socioeconomic factors," Wisconsin Department of Health Services Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a statement. "Through this robust public-private collaboration we can target the social determinants of health that drive these health disparities and make real progress towards ensuring that every Wisconsinite has the opportunity to be as healthy as possible."... Notes: ![]() | ||||||||
![]() We prepare. We partner. We produce. This has held true throughout UWM’s history and it certainly won’t change now, because this is exactly what Wisconsin needs... ... We are also a community partner cultivating the change our region needs, especially when it comes to diversity and inclusion. And we’re researchers discovering solutions to societal woes, medical ailments, environmental challenges and industry inefficiencies... ...This pledge aligns with one of UWM’s guiding values: an embrace of diversity and inclusion. Our constant goal is to make UWM a radically welcoming institution for people of all backgrounds. And yet, the countless voices in the Black Lives Matter chorus have crystalized the need for systemic change regarding racial inequity, so we’ve placed a renewed emphasis on being part of that change by leveraging our strengths of teaching and research.... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Franco-Morales hopes to create an environment where students can be successful. “There are a lot of barriers when it comes to applying and attending college,” she said. “Part of my role is to help break down those barriers.”... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
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The University of Wisconsin-Madison student government unanimously voted in favor of a resolution that calls for the removal of the Abraham Lincoln statue on campus. ...moreIn June, Campus Reformreported that UW-Madison would not remove the Lincoln statue despite students’ calls in favor of doing so. In September, a petition titled “BIPOC Demands for the University of Wisconsin-Madison” garnered more than 3,000 signatures. The first demand states, “Remove the Abraham Lincoln monument located at the top of Bascom Hill and replace it with someone who stands for the justice of all people.” Students argue that President Lincoln was "anti-Black,” "anti-Native” and “not pro-Black." Following these calls to remove the statue, a resolution was introduced to the Associated Students of Madison (ASM) Student Council advocating for the removal of the Lincoln statue on campus. Ken Notes: I edit this news archive, and wanted to weigh in as editor with an opinion. There is a history to be remembered regarding our past successes, failures, opinions, and beliefs. To suggest a historical figure has to be perfect by our current standards would suggest that no statue could be on display, Lincoln - out, Martin Luther King - out, founding fathers - out, leaders in the civil rights movement out. I would suggest that the Student government at the UW would be better served by requesting more statues be included on campus rather than fewer. I would strongly support Vel Phillips, Father Groppi, Lloyd Barbee, Marilyn Morheuser, Vada Harris, and more. There is work to be done but our motto is Forward and that is the direction we need to be moving... Please note my opinions are mine, not those of the T1W Conference, it`s sponsors, presenters or affiliates. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Ruben Mota has been hired as the UW–Madison campus’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) coordinator. His first day in the position is today. Mota comes from the McBurney Disability Resource Center, where he was associate director, student services. He joined McBurney in 2013, after spending nine years working in educational institutions in Switzerland. Mota has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from American University in Washington, D.C., a master’s in teaching from the University of Washington in Seattle, and a PhD in leadership in educational administration from Capella University in Minneapolis. In an email interview, Mota talks about his vision for expanding accessibility and inclusivity on the UW–Madison campus. Q: When did you become interested in working on issues surrounding access and inclusivity?... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() RACINE, Wis., Jan. 29, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- SC Johnson today announced it has earned a perfect score of 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign`s 2020 Corporate Equality Index (CEI) survey and report. This honor marks the 15th time the company has earned a perfect score and its 18th year of recognition on the workplace equality list. The CEI is the nation`s leading benchmarking tool and report on corporate policies and practices pertinent to the LGBTQ community. "Equality, inclusion and respect are at the heart of our core values, so to be recognized with a perfect score from the Human Rights Campaign is an honor," said Fisk Johnson, Chairman and CEO of SC Johnson. "We are proud of making our company an internationally recognized great place to work."... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The event, Team Up for Change, is a partnership between the two basketball teams that began last year with the inaugural summit in Sacramento. See the slideshow above for scenes of the event... ...During the panel discussion, Alex Lasry announced the Bucks are committing $100,000 over the next two years to fight social injustice... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() After all, education was central to his own life, taking him from working with his mother and brothers in Mississippi cotton fields to earning a doctorate and spending nearly six decades empowering students of all backgrounds to do the same. Pulliam spent 30 of those years at UW-Whitewater, where he is known best for establishing programs and student organizations that help students make it through school and earn post-baccalaureate degrees. ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The educational pipeline is a period of exploration of one’s identity,
place in society and their academic interests. It is a phase where
opinions are like clay in its initial stages — if well-shaped it can
make a beautiful pot, but mishandling can result in long-lasting
effects. The curriculum taught to children in school defines the
opinions formed at this “early clay” phase but also sets them up for
future academic exploration.
There are many topics and histories children aren’t exposed to until college because it was not implemented at an early age. How many people can remember receiving an adequate sex education or being exposed to LGBTQIA+ or cross-cultural histories?.. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The
year 2020 marks the 45th anniversary of the Hmong Diaspora. Forty-five
years ago the Hmong had to flee Laos because it was no longer safe for
them. Forty-five years later, who are the Hmong? They are your
children’s teachers, your family’s physician, and service men and women
protecting this great nation of ours. Join us as we celebrate, honor and
educate about who the Hmong are in Wisconsin. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() As a general rule, being inaccessible or remote is not good economically for a city, but it can make a place more interesting. That`s what drew me to spend a few days in Duluth, Minn., a city hardly touched by the demographic changes that have swept through so much of the country in recent decades. Duluth sits up high in the northeast quadrant of Minnesota, touching Wisconsin. Few go through the city to get to somewhere else, unless they are on board a long ship loaded with iron pellets: The city is a major port on Lake Superior at the terminus of the Saint Lawrence Seaway. There is an interstate highway, I-35, but it dead-ends in Duluth. The airport is small. Amtrak trains from Minneapolis stopped running in 1985.... ...more![]() | ||||||||
...Her family laid the foundation for her success
Harris is Mexican-American: her family emigrated from Mexico twice, first to California, then to Wisconsin when Harris was 12 years old. Harris grew up undocumented
in the US, always nervous about her immigration status. Although she
loved school, she was unable to apply to a four-year university without a
Social Security number. But her parents encouraged her to get as much
education as possible, so she enrolled in her local community college.
Harris earned two associate’s degrees in just two and a half years, all
with a 4.0 GPA. She later married a US citizen, which changed her immigration status.
She was excited to continue her education, and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree and a PhD in mathematics... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() LUNAFEST, the fundraising film festival dedicated to championing women filmmakers and bringing women together in their communities, will be hosted by the Marquette University Women’s Innovation Network (MU-WIN) and Black Lens Film Series: A Pillar of Milwaukee Film at the Weasler Auditorium on the Marquette University campus in Milwaukee on Tuesday, March 24, 2020. This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through seven short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. All proceeds from LUNAFEST will benefit ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Dane County Judge Jill Karofsky’s victory this week over Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly by an unofficial margin of 55 to 45 percent gives the court six female justices. Justice Brian Hagedorn, who replaced and defeated a female candidate, is the lone male on the court. ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() MADISON, Wis. (WXOW) - The Wisconsin State Capitol hosted a special program Monday with the focus on collaboration and diversity. Governor Tony Evers and other members of the administration took part in the event, which featured the MLK Women`s Mass Choir, the Fall Gospel Fest Choir, and a number of speakers. The program marked the 40th annual official state ceremony to honor the civil rights pioneer. It also highlighted museum displays of civil rights archival items and a new exhibit on Wisconsin`s women`s suffrage. Wisconsin was the first state to approve the constitutional amendment giving women the right to vote in 1919. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Including people living with disabilities and mental health conditions in Jewish communal life was the focus this past weekend in over 600 Jewish communities who took part in The Second Annual Global ShabbaTTogether initiative, a project of the Ruderman Chabad Inclusion Initiative... ...Friendship Circle of Wisconsin held their first-ever Shabbat dinner, as 175 people sat around tables adorned with centerpiece vases created by adults with disabilities. While Chabad centers across Long Island explored themes of inclusion over Shabbat, as did those in Calgary, Alberta, and Fargo, N.D. On the other side of the world, in Melbourne, Australia, two synagogues heard from Sharon Malecki, CEO of Access, Inc, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of people with disabilities... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() OSHKOSH, Wis. (WFRV) One local elementary school took part in a growing movement across Wisconsin during Black History month to focus on diversity, literacy and family engagement. Students at Webster Stanley Elementary are making this world better through their first Read Your Heart Out event. Michelle Belnavis, the founder of Read Your Heart Out says, “The event celebrates our students who need to be able to be reminded that they are important and in reading books that show success overcoming obstacles.”... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The smell of rubber filled the Prairie Elementary gymnasium as Tyler Engel and the rest of the Wisconsin Warriors powerchair soccer team geared up for their upcoming mid-January tournament. They spin and slam into balls (and occasionally, each other) while running plays, practicing drills and naturally, talking a bit of trash. .. ...The Wisconsin Warriors will host
several teams from around the midwest at their next tournament, the Spin
Kick Classic, on January 18 at Token Springs Elementary in Sun
Prairie. ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The Milwaukee Bucks will host their fourth annual Pride Night Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. at Fiserv Forum to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Throughout the year, the Bucks hosts theme nights, including “Star Wars” and Halloween-themed evenings. The Pride Night is held in collaboration with Froedtert and the Medical College of Wisconsin, which help to sponsor and provide resources for the evening. Johnny Watson, executive producer of arena and event presentation for the Milwaukee Bucks, said Pride Night is one of his favorite theme nights to host... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Roger Pulliam, a champion of equity and inclusion at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater who devoted his life to opening the doors of education for everyone, has died at the age of 77. He passed away Wednesday morning, Feb. 12, in Wisconsin, according to his family. More information will be shared as it becomes available, including the date and location of memorial services... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() The first female chancellor in the 129-year history of UW-Stout assumed her role Sunday — the first day of Women’s History Month. UW-Stout Chancellor Katherine Frank was unanimously approved as the eighth chancellor of the university Nov. 26. Frank took over the position from Bob Meyer, the former chancellor of five years. “Dr. Frank has demonstrated throughout her academic career that she is a strategic, dynamic leader,” said UW System President Ray Cross. “She handles challenges extremely well. Her visionary perspective on the future of UW-Stout will serve the institution and the state of Wisconsin very well.” Before her appointment as chancellor, Frank served as
provost and vice president of academic and student life and vice
president of academic innovation at Central Washington University. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() “As I knelt in front of this little boy who was so happy, I said ‘Someday, Mommy will write something or do something so that no other child will ever have to go through this again.’ ” That something was a program designed to help people with cognitive disorders better understand what they were being told. Titled “How to develop a practice of radical hospitality for people with cognitive processing disorders,” it became the capstone project of her Doctor of Ministry degree at Lancaster Theological Seminary... ...more Ken Notes: Great read and insight into working with those with cognitive challenges. ![]() | ||||||||
![]() On Feb. 29 Black student unity (BSU) and office of multicultural student services (OMSS) will be hosting “Reflections of Ebony” in the Bluffs room of the Student Union at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. “It [Reflections of Ebony] has basically become our only Black History Month celebration at the University,” said UWL senior and president of BSU, Amber West. “It’s a Black History Month celebration that has morphed into honoring our students, our community members, each other, OMSS and just a space where we can gather and celebrate Black excellence.” Civil rights activist, JoAnne Bland will be the guest speaker for the event... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Longtime local Black judges and lawyers will share advice and experiences with young law school students of color and delve into questions like “What is it like to be an attorney of color in Wisconsin?” and more as the Boardman & Clark Law Student Outreach Committee hosts an event today to connect with and provide resources for law students. “This is a very important topic. Currently, Boardman & Clark has been increasing our diversity initiative and over the past couple of years we have been working with the [UW] law school on how we can do better with connecting with the law school and how students of color at the law school view us.” Alexis Wells, the marketing associate for Boardman & Clark LLP, tells Madison365. “One of the things they said was that was that ‘We don’t see you guys ever.’ That got us started on figuring out how we can connect with the law school.” ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Jemison encourages audience to use their talents to for positive social changeAstronaut, engineer, physician and the first American woman of color in space Mae Jemison spoke to a packed crowd for the Martin Luther King Memorial Lecture Tuesday in Union South. Jemison proposed a question to the audience — When
was the last time you looked up? Jemison said looking up has inspired
her since her childhood, eventually leading her towards her position as
an astronaut, but it also connects her to the legacy of Martin Luther
King.... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Milwaukee Women inc celebrated the major public companies in Wisconsin that include at least three women on their boards. Each
year, the organization compiles a report that measures gender diversity
in director and executive roles at the 50 largest public companies
based in the state. Last year, Milwaukee Women inc found 15 of those companies have at least three women directors. In addition, 17 have at least three women executives. Thursday’s event, held at Baird’s office inside the U.S. Bank Center on East Wisconsin Avenue, recognized the businesses that have at least three women directors. Those companies are:
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Working side-by-side and wearing matching maroon scrubs, Bonnie
Kochendorfer and Clark Sheerar are among the pharmacy technicians that
fill prescriptions needed by patients at Marshfield Clinic Health
System’s Eau Claire Center. Though separated in age by four decades, the pair who work in the bright, immaculate room in the lower level of the area’s newest hospital have found their styles and experience complement each other. Kochendorfer, 36, is a bit more adept at using technology in the pharmacy, but relies on Sheerar’s experience when she has questions about medications. “I can do the computer stuff better, but that’s my guy when I need to know what something does,” Kochendorfer said... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() In the DeForest Area School District, Director of Instruction Rebecca Toetz navigates resources that don`t always represent a fast-expanding population of students of color.There`s no shortage of concerns a chief academic officer has to juggle during the resource procurement and curriculum planning process. As the director of instruction for the quickly diversifying DeForest Area School District, located outside of Madison, Wisconsin, Rebecca Toetz, like many of her peers, grapples with these issues regularly. Education Dive recently spoke with Toetz, who spent 17 years in the classroom, has a background in special education and also served as a principal, to learn more about ensuring accessibility in resources, providing opportunities for all students to see themselves in curriculum, and avoiding common pitfalls when implementing a resource... Ken Notes: Great interview at the link... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, directed by Shluchim Rabbi Levi and Leah Stein, is one of 5 finalists in an online voting competition held by NBC`s Morning Blend Show in Milwaukee. You can vote for them. ...moreThe Friendship Circle of Wisconsin is one of 5 finalists in an online voting competition held by The Morning Blend Show on NBC in Milwaukee. The winner with the most votes will win a $1,000 prize and will be featured on the Morning Blend Show, “which will be a great Kiddush Hashem as it will be the first Jewish organization to win this award,” Shliach Rabbi Levi Stein, who directs the FC of Wisconsin, said. The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin, directed by Shluchim Rabbi Levi and Leah Stein, provides support, friendship, and opportunities to include people with special needs in our community... Vote for The Friendship Circle of Wisconsin at https://www.tmj4.com/givesback/vote. Ken Notes: I like the idea of "inclusion" including people with special needs... ![]() | ||||||||
![]() Vehicles positioned themselves across intersections surrounding the Capitol to form a blockade. This blockade would allow for a safe and open space to engage in WBSU’s “United We Heal: A Moment of Revival for Black Fatigue” demonstration. The peaceful protest originally intended to be a convoy of vehicles with demonstrators walking alongside the street from the Capitol to East Campus Mall. While demonstrators brought pens and paper for sign-making and a megaphone was made available for fellow protestors, the event was ultimately moved online... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() The new cohort joins two earlier ones that are collaborating to advance such work, bringing the number of participating institutions to 54. The National Science Foundation funds the effort as part of its INCLUDES initiative.... .....The Aspire Alliance, which APLU and the University of Wisconsin-Madison
facilitate with the involvement of several universities, is engaging the
new cohort through its Institutional Change (IChange) Network, which provides universities with comprehensive support and resources for institutional change. ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() When Lisa Kamal got up on stage in front of the 7,300-strong winter graduating class at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she stopped, took a deep breath and started to sing. "Raise a glass to freedom, raise a glass to all of us, telling the story of — today."... ...In the month since she made the speech — a poignant meditation on belonging, resilience, diversity, mental health and kindness toward oneself — the video went viral, garnering 3.5 million views across multiple social media platforms and a lot of attention, especially from her home country of Malaysia... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() When children all over the globe are bound to their homes due to the lockdown, a nine-year-old Malayali boy is imparting sign language lessons through videos from his home in the US. For the past four weeks, Thaathwik has been holding 15-minute live streaming sessions from his home in Wisconsin state, sharing with viewers the new words and phrases he learned in sign language. The third-grader has been a super star after his tutorials turned a big hit... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() Before embarking on their route, the runners strike a festive pose in front of a chain link fence. “Your favorite crew at it again!” reads the Instagram post. Then they charge out, crisscrossing city streets for four miles before returning to high-fives and dabbing sweat with the napkins pulled out from under celebratory beers back at the bar.... ...more ![]() | ||||||||
![]() We are proud to feature 30+ companies taking a leadership role to join BizTimes as organizations committed to increasing D&I in their cultures. We thank them for their support, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their investment reflects the level of engagement and intention these organizations are placing in the importance of diversity and inclusion. Their support also provides us the resources to continue our editorial coverage and do our part to help support the MMAC’s Region of Choice initiative to increase diversity in the workforce and management of area companies.... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() BELOIT — A meeting over the weekend regarding citizen concerns of a perceived lack of diversity in tourism marketing for Beloit should lead to change following a productive dialogue, Visit Beloit officials and residents say. Beloit native and Janesville resident Carrie Harrell-Payton took issue with a promotional quality of life video produced by Visit Beloit after it was shown at a Concerned Black Citizens meeting last fall. Harrell-Payton, along with residents Lexi Payton and Jackie Jackson, met with Visit Beloit Executive Director Celestino Ruffini and Visit Beloit Board Chair Ann Sitrick Joyce to voice concerns for a lack of diversity in highlighting the city’s events.... ...more![]() | ||||||||
![]() University of Wisconsin-Madison Sophomore Elena Haasl would like to be the next person elected to serve District 5 on the Dane County Board of Supervisors. “I’m not going to stop because I care deeply about my community,” she said. Haasl feels determined to make a difference, running in a district inhabited mostly by students. She feels having a student voice is important because a student advocate can elevate the voices of the greater campus community. Haasl’s platform includes working to solve issues of homelessness, equity, mental health services, runoff from lakes and watershed, sexual violence prevention, and increasing student engagement. “Young voices are always encouraged in politics until they actually decide to step up and run,” Haasl said... ...more![]() | ||||||||
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