2024 DEI Conference: Navigating an Unclear Path Together
Webster University’s 9th annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference will be held Feb. 26-27, 2024, on the University's main campus in St. Louis, as well as virtually. The conference is free of charge to attend, but registration is required.
This year's conference delves into the intricacies of "Navigating an Unclear Path Together," with a particular focus on the state of "affirmative action." We will engage in crucial discussions led by local, regional and national experts, who will provide insights into how the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action impacts various spheres, including business and corporate spaces, philanthropic organizations and donors and educational institutions.
The conference will also address the challenges that schools and universities face considering efforts to ban Black history education. We recognize the importance of acknowledging and preserving Black history, and we are committed to fostering a space where these conversations can lead to meaningful change.
Among this year’s lineup of speakers and subject matter experts will be keynote speaker, The Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and CDF Action Council.
We look forward to sharing the conference registration site, schedule of workshops, panels and speakers soon. Please mark your calendars for Feb. 26-27, and join us.
To support this conference as a sponsor, contact Nathan Pedigo at nathanpedigo@webster.edu or 314-246-4272. Your sponsorship is an investment in the future of education, workplace equity and a more inclusive society. A one-time gift can also be made online. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to this vital cause.
Making a Difference
Webster University is an agent of change for our students, our community and for society. The DEI Conference is a key piece of that change strategy, and we’ve curated it with sessions from compelling thought leaders, interactive workshops and practical exercises that distinguish our conference as a bold and engaging departure from ineffective, boilerplate DEI trainings.
Past Conferences
Since 2016, the Webster University community has prioritized challenging misconceptions and developing positive and accurate stories for our students through in-depth discussions, dialogue sessions, and shared experiences at our annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference.
2022 conference: Fireside Chat with Olympian Laurie Hernandez
2020 conference
2019 conference: Webster University Chancellor Beth Stroble and guest speaker, Olympian Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
2017 conference
Transgender activist and military veteran Charlotte Clymer was a speaker during the 2021 virtual Conference.
2019 conference
2019 conference
Michael J. Brathwaite at the 2019 conference
2018 conference
2016 conference
2019 conference
Art Holliday at the 2017 conference
2018 conference
2022 conference: Game Changer of the Year award presented to Michelle Li
2019 conference
2016 conference
2023: Focusing on Next-Level Equity Work in a Time of Transition
Webster University’s 8th annual DEI Conference, themed Focusing on Next-Level Equity Work in a Time of Transition, was held Feb. 27-March 1, 2023 on the University's main campus in St. Louis.
The conference went far beyond typical DEI trainings and presentations, focusing on the heart of current issues, challenges and solutions relating to DEI today. This year's theme was specifically designed to take a deep dive into the current global moment, explore timely pertinent issues as they evolve, and elevate tangible solutions for moving us all forward together.
- Michelle Zauner | Author and Musician | Japanese Breakfast
- Kelvin Adams, PhD | Former Superintendent | St. Louis Public Schools
- Rebeccah Bennett | Founder and Principal | Emerging Wisdom LLC & InPower Institute
- Elaine Cha | Host and Producer, “St. Louis on the Air” | St. Louis Public Radio
- James Clark | VP, Division of Public Safety and Community Response | The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Desiree Coleman-Fry | Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, OMWI Officer, and EEO Officer | Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- Simone Cummings | Dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology | Webster University
- Chavon Curry | Assistant Principal |Mason School of Academic and Cultural Literacy, St. Louis Public School District
- Carol Daniel | News Anchor and Talk Show Host | KMOX
- Jessica Echols | Student, Music and Suggs Scholar | Webster University
- Igho Ekakitie | Founder | igowithIGHO
- Yuliya Etinger | Chief Impact Officer | Global University Systems
- Kerri Fair | Adjunct Professor | Webster University
- Vincent Flewellen | Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer | Webster University
- Jasmine Ford | Special Education Teacher | Nance Elementary, Saint Louis Public Schools
- David Gorden | Writer, "Drawn In" Comics and Owner | 4Sight Studio
- Ben Greene | Transgender Inclusion Consultant and Educator
- Lisa Greening | Project Director | Turn the Page
- Meg Geyn | Senior Human Resources Business Partner | Webster University
- Michelle Haupt | Second Grade Teacher | Willow Brook Elementary School, Pattonville SD
- Ebony Jones | Director and Inclusion & Diversity Lead | Accenture Federal Services
- Gabrielle NS Kennedy, MDiv | Interim Executive Director | Faith HEALS
- Adande Lane | Founder | The empowerSHE Network
- L. Michelle Lewis | Attorney | Armstrong Teasdale LLC
- Michelle Li | Anchor | 5 On Your Side
- Sonette Magnus | Partner | Thompson Coburn LLP
- Stephanie Mahfood, PhD | Interim Dean, School of Education | Webster University
- Caroline Manalo | Producer | Lion Forge Animation
- Michael McMillan | President and CEO | Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Kate Midgett | VP and Chief Organizational Excellence Officer | Nine PBS
- Hayden Molinarolo | Videographer and Creative Specialist | Webster University
- Sandra Moore | Managing Director and Chief Impact Officer | Advantage Capital
- Muthoni Musangali | Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Professional Counseling | Webster University
- Noelle Nance | Student, Game Design and Suggs Scholar | Webster University
- Dr. Steven Player | VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | BJC HealthCare
- Dr. LJ Punch | Executive Director, Power4STL | Medical Director, The T and The BRIC
- Arionna Ralleigh, EdD | Curriculum Design Manager | Nine PBS
- Nisha Ray Chaudhuri, DBA | Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Management | Walker School of Business & Technology, Webster University
- Haley Rhiney | Student, Dance | Webster University
- Neal Richardson, MBA | President and CEO | St. Louis Development Corporation
- Basiyr Rodney, EdD | Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Associate Professor | Webster University
- Alex Stallings | Senior Director of Early Learning | Nine PBS
- Ashley Storman, EdD | Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | New Honor Society
- Emily Stroble | Student Access Coordinator, Reeg Academic Resource Center | Webster University
- Kristina Vidovic | Early Learning Initiative Manager | Nine PBS
- Alisa Warren, PhD | Executive Director | Missouri Commission on Human Rights
- April Warren-Grice, PhD | Founder and CEO | Liberated Genius LLC
- LaCharla Welch | Graduate Student, Master of Arts in Special Education | Webster University
- Aja J. Williams | VP and Chief Content Officer | Nine PBS
2022: Every Day Inclusion: Right Here, Right Now!
The Webster University's Seventh Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference: Every Day Inclusion: Right Here, Right Now! was held both in person and online on March 1-2, 2022, on the Webster Groves campus in Missouri.
“What can we do?” It is a common question in response to the social inequities that persist in our communities. This year's conference delivered immediate, practical, and impactful ways to practice everyday inclusion as individuals and institutions. We know that community exists wherever we come together under a common purpose or mission. We see the workplace, classroom, board room, and civic life — as community.
- Laurie Hernandez |Two-time Olympic Champion in Women's Gymnastics, Author, and Mental Health Advocate
- Rabbi Noah Arnow | Rabbi | Kol Rinah
- Katarina Ausley | Student | Webster University
- Rebeccah Bennett | Founder and Principal | Emerging Wisdom LLC & InPower Institute
- Traci Blackmon | Associate General Minister, Justice and Local Church Ministries |United Church of Christ
- Kwofe Coleman | President and CEO | The Muny
- Vanessa Cooksey | President and CEO | Regional Arts Commission
- Garrett Dohlke | Student | Webster University
- Katie Fields | College Outreach Coordinator | Starkloff Disability Institute
- Anne Geraghty-Rathert | Professor | Webster University
- Ben Greene | Transgender Inclusion Consultant and Educator
- Art Holliday | News Director | 5 On Your Side
- Kendra Holmes, Pharm. D., CHCEF | Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer | Affinia Healthcare
- Kristin Johnson | Chief Human Resources Officer | Edward Jones
- DJ Kaiser, Ph.D. | Professor and Director, Teaching English as a Second Language | Webster University
- Michelle Li | Anchor | 5 On Your Side
- Emma Lumpkins | Senior Director, DE&I | Schnuck Markets, Inc.
- Elvir Mandzukic | Faculty Development Center | Webster University
- Muthoni Musangali | Associate Professor | Webster University
- Swami Nishpapananda | Assistant Minister | Vedanta Society of St Louis
- Valerie E. Patton | Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/President | Greater St. Louis, Inc./Greater St. Louis Foundation
- Sekhar Prabhakar | CEO | CEdge
- Paul Steger | Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts | Webster University
- Paul Stroble, Ph.D | Professor | Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary
- Sonji R. Young | Global Vice President Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) | Armstrong Teasdale LLP
2021: Beyond Conversation: Driving Our Future
The 6th annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was, for the first time, held virtually on Feb. 23-25, 2021.
The powerful and insightful conference featured nationally renowned speakers, lectures and panel discussions designed to share experiences, research and emerging trends.
Charlotte Clymer| Transgender Activist, Military Veteran
Patrisse Cullors |Co-founded the global Black Lives Matter movement in 2013
2020: From Conversation to Action
Our 5th annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 24-27, 2020.
Diversity and inclusion are not only critical to our success, they are what constitute a strong and loving community. A diverse and inclusive community fosters unprecedented innovation, and also cultivates a community of understanding, a community of compassion, a community that stays vigilant in dismantling bigotry, and a community that rages against the death of tolerance and justice.
This powerful and insightful conference featured a keynote address, lectures, film screenings, panel discussions and demonstrations designed to share experiences, research and emerging trends.
Sam White Civic Entrepreneur and Advocate | @samwhiteout
Michele Norris |Peabody Award-winning Journalist and Founder of The Race Card Project | @michele_norris
Aisha Sultan |Syndicated Columnist and Independent Filmmaker | @AishaS
Shelly Tochluk |Witnessing Whiteness | @shellytochluck
2019: Expanding the Conversation
Our 4th annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 26-28, 2019.
From Webster's inception, we have been an institution that opened worlds that were previously closed to students. Our student body has become increasingly diverse in every way. We are a microcosm of the world across the Webster campus network and within each campus.
This powerful and insightful conference featured a keynote address, lectures, panel discussions and a theatrical performance designed to share experiences, research and emerging trends.
Marilyn F. Booker| Managing Director and Head of Urban Markets Group, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
Jackie Joyner-Kersee| Olympian; Founder and CEO, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation
Neal Richardson |Head of Financial Education Strategy, U.S. Bank; Co-Founder and President, Dream Builders 4 Equity
2018: Elevating the Conversation
Our 3rd annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 28 - March 1, 2018.
In prior conferences, we have focused panels and speakers on populations who have struggled to be included with equity and dignity. While this conference does explore the role of women and media, current issues with immigration and our keynote which focuses on racism, we have elevated the discourse in other sessions across many demographics. We want to examine hate speech, activism, the criminal justice system — even diversity of thought. We are also varying the format — giving everyone an opportunity to participate in a variety of ways, awakening habits and thought patterns we may not even know we have.
Dr. Donald Suggs |Publisher & Executive Editor of St. Louis American
2017: Critical Conversations
Our 2nd annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, March 1-2, 2017.
How can we make progress on this continuous path to equity? We can build on the knowledge we already hold, seeking to learn from and with each other. We can join with our neighbors to address the most pressing concerns from humanitarian and environmental perspectives.
We can learn from speakers at this forum what next steps are needed. We will maintain our focus—staying true to our core values — by continuing to learn, to create, to listen to each other, to seek the best in each other, and to want the best for each other.
Joan Lipkin| Artistic Director, That Uppity Theatre Company
Art Holliday |Broadcaster, KSDK NewsChannel 5
2016: Critical Conversations
Our inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 29–March 1, 2016.
Keynote addresses, student panel discussions, and facilitated dialogue sessions will be planned to create opportunities for those present to share their experiences, research, and emerging trends in creating communities that embrace diversity in ways that welcome and include. The intention during these two days is to explore ways to move forward on the continuous path of equity, valuing the strength that comes from the diversity of the community.
Lee A. Gill | Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President at Clemson University
Adis M. Vila | Senior Fellow for the Institute for Cross Cultural Management at Florida Institute of Technology
Julia Serano | Writer, Performer, Activist and Author
Tahil Sharma| Youth Representative for the Parliament of the World’s Religions to the United Nations
“What I found through Ferguson, what I found through Michael Brown, is that I liked speaking into people. I like speaking power to people. I like waking people up.”
Mission Director of The International Black Freedom Alliance
Listen on Webster SpeaksLearn More
At Webster University, we embrace all human differences while building upon our commonalities as people. Read more about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
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