ALLIANCE FOR COMMUNITY AND EQUITY
SUMMIT
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024
INSIDE Welcome..............................................1 Schedule at a Glance....................1 Plenary...................................................2 Keynote Speaker.............................3 Sessions................................................4
WELCOME The University of Mount Union welcomes you to the Alliance for Community and Equity (ACE) Summit. This Summit focuses on building an inclusive community by overcoming inequities. The Summit provides an opportunity to discuss strategies, frameworks, and programs that can be implemented into action to enhance the climate and culture of institutions and organizations. The ACE Summit is open to any institution or organization that is striving to be an inclusive community – one that is culturally aware, confronts bias, and critically reflects on practices, procedures, and policies toward identifying and changing existing inequities. The ACE Summit provides institutions and organizations with sessions that are grounded in equity and inclusion and provide learning strategies and tools that address the compelling issues we face as a democracy and as a global community. Participants in the ACE Summit will leave with strategies for developing an environment that recognizes, navigates, and bridges gaps of inequities and creates opportunities to enhance diversity toward a more inclusive institution or organization where all constituents can belong. The goal of the Alliance for Community and Equity Summit is to create space for conversations among educators, students, administrators, policymakers, and community members. We invite open dialogues that are civil and respectful and that promote the free exchange of ideas and practices that support diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. ACE informs us of our shared responsibility and commitment to develop systems, structures, and policies that are focused on building inclusive communities.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE 7:45 a.m. – 8:15 a.m. Registration
Lobby Hoover-Price Campus Center
8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Plenary
Kresge Commons Hoover-Price Campus Center
9:25 – 10:25 a.m. Session 1
Various Campus Locations (see details on pp. 4-8)
10:35 – 11:35 a.m. Session 2
Various Campus Locations (see details on pp. 4-8)
11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Luncheon
Kresge Commons Hoover-Price Campus Center
12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Keynote
Kresge Commons Hoover-Price Campus Center
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Session 3
Various Campus Locations (see details on pp. 4-8)
2:30 p.m.
Summit Concludes
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PLENARY DR. SUZETTE WALDEN COLE CO-FOUNDER AND TEAM LEAD, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY SPEAKS, LLC 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Kresge Commons Hoover-Price Campus Center
LESS WORDS, MORE ACTION – CULTIVATING SPACES OF BELONGING
“We want people to feel like they belong.” These words are often shared; but how are you and/or your group/team making meaning of them? The one-time DEI, or monthly celebratory, program just doesn’t cut it anymore. This realization may feel like another responsibility on an already overfilled plate. We want to engage in dialogue about how we create spaces where individuals feel they belong authentically vs. having to “fit” into the space. Leading from a place of intentionality means embracing cultural humility and recognizing “why” equity and inclusion matter. From selection to coordination, this session is designed for those who want to reflect and leave with tangible strategies to be more intentional in your decision-making, programming, and overall ways you show up in spaces. Dr. Suzette Walden Cole (she/they) is a co-founder and team lead with Social Responsibility Speaks, LLC. Dr. Suzette is a global educator, consultant, and coach having worked with audiences from across Europe, Asia, the Pacific, and North America. Dr. Suzette works with educational institutions and corporate and non-profit organizations to address change management; organizational culture development; leadership; belonging, equity, inclusion, and diversity (BEID); and cultivating high performing teams with their leaders in transformational experiences. Dr. Suzette believes in amplifying marginalized voices and leaning into collectivism in advancing a more just society and endeavors to educate others to do the same. Dr. Suzette infuses the art of storytelling with researchbased content to tackle the foundational concepts of BEID. She believes what is learned can be unlearned, especially with a commitment to decolonization. Dr. Suzette empowers those with whom she is in community to get uncomfortable and engage in caring conversations to promote growth. She takes a direct approach in tackling tough topics. One of her signature phrases is “sugar-coated feces is still feces; the sugar doesn’t change the smell or taste;” and systems-change work can be messy and challenging. At the end of the day, Dr. Suzette shares wholeheartedly that every human has the freedom to make choices while recognizing that they are not free from the consequences of those choices.
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KEYNOTE CENELL (MUNFORD ’93) BOCH, PH.D. CONSULTANT/OWNER OF WELLNESS WITH CENELL, LLC 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. Kresge Commons Hoover-Price Campus Center
MINDFULNESS OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
This session will include the science behind how our biological responses as humans are impacted by history and how to shift and open our perspectives as we communicate with others with diverse backgrounds. We will define mindfulness and how mindfulness can assist with improving communication and building impactful relationships within our communities. We will discuss diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) and how mindful compassion can bridge gaps and create connections and a renewed sense of belonging. A linkage between the two worlds of DEIB and mindfulness will be identified to enhance DEIB perspectives and worldviews. Specific examples of how to work with difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations by identifying and creating space for DEI mindful compassion in 2024 and beyond will be explored. Overall, the session will include an educational component and a guided mindfulness meditation practice as well as time to reflect on learnings and insights. Cenell Boch, Ph.D. specializes in mindfulness and leadership development; executive leadership development; health, wellness, and personal growth; and DEIB education and strategy. She holds a bachelor of science degree in sport medicine, master of science degree in exercise physiology, and a Ph.D. in health sciences. She completed her doctoral work investigating mindfulness as a tool to reduce work-related stress and has supported executive leadership clients from all over the world (Europe and USA). She is also a certified mindfulness meditation teacher and licensed certified athletic trainer. She brings 25+ years of experience as a leader, consultant, and expert in the field of health sciences. Cenell utilizes a mindful leadership approach when working with clients to help them find clarity and commit to multiple action steps toward reaching their goals, dreams, visions, and desires. Her mindfulness coaching style involves the core tenets of attention, intention, and attitude. Her community and professional involvement in DEIB has included serving as the secretary and, later vice president, of the Black Students Union at the University of Mount Union; being awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Award for her work toward creating a more inclusive collegiate and community environment; advising students of color and international students; serving as the chairperson for the Cross-Curricular Development Committee at the University of Mount Union; and attending multiple DEI training sessions offered through the YWCA Racial Awareness Program, Ohio University DEI office, and Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions DEI office. More recently, Cenell has served enthusiastically as an active member and residing chairperson for the Lancaster Fairfield County Chamber of Commerce DEIB Committee from 2020-2023. Cenell has also facilitated DEIB education and strategy for leaders, businesses, and large organizations though Mindfulness in the Workplace seminars. Furthermore, she counts it a blessing to be the wife of her loving husband Wayne, mother of two sons Daniel and Richy; and stepmom to three charismatic adult children Lindsey, William, and Samantha.
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SESSION 1 9:25 – 10:25 A.M. NCAA TRANSGENDER STUDENTATHLETE PARTICIPATION
ADVANCING EQUITY AND INCLUSION ON A UNIVERSITY CAMPUS THROUGH DIALOGUE FACILITATION COHORTS
Room 203, Oak Hall
Room 200A, Tolerton-Hood Hall
SPEAKERS
SPEAKERS
Anne Rohlman Director of Policy, Education, and Strategic Engagement, National Collegiate Athletic Association
Natasha Baker Lecturer, Department of Communication, University of Dayton
Jean Merrill, Ed.D Director of Inclusion, National Collegiate Athletic Association
Tiffany Hunsinger Graduate Assistant in the Department of Religious Studies, University of Dayton
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Learn about the evolution of the NCAA transgender student-athlete participation policy and discuss methods to create inclusive environments for trans, nonbinary, and gender-expansive students and athletes.
DIGGING DEEPER WITH EQUITY AUDITS: UNCOVERING GENDER AND RACE GAPS, SEEKING STUDENT AND FAMILY PERCEPTIONS, AND MAKING THE MOST OF THE DATA YOU ALREADY COLLECT
Room 206, Oak Hall
SPEAKERS
Melissa Askren Edgehouse ’99 Professor of Education and CAEP Accreditation Coordinator, University of Mount Union
Julio Quintero Director for Inclusive Excellence Strategy and Initiatives, University of Dayton Arne Romanowski Assistant Professor of Spanish, University of Dayton
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Members of the Dialogue Zone at Dayton will share background and best practices on how to build a cohort of faculty, staff, and student facilitators and their role and function within the overall strategy for a campus-wide diversity and inclusion plan and the institutional mission. Learn about curriculum and approaches, and how the deployment of facilitators can contribute to the creation of a culture of dialogue on your campus.
DECOLONIZING YOUR NONPROFIT: ANTI-OPPRESSIVE ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING FOR ORGANIZATIONS
Christian Price M ’24 High School Intervention Specialist, Cleveland Metropolitan School District
Room 201, Tolerton-Hood Hall
Adam Trifiro M ’24 Principal, Saint Martin dePorres High School
Stephen Dages ’18 Director, Hartville Migrant Ministry
Alexa Matejka M ’25 Preschool Intervention Specialist, Riverside Local Schools
SESSION DESCRIPTION
In this moderated panel session, three candidates from Mount Union’s Master of Education Program will share how the equity audits they conducted in their diverse
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school districts helped them uncover meaningful information to help work toward closing gaps, develop stronger family collaborations, and better utilize data that is already at their fingertips.
SPEAKER
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session will examine how nonprofits can avoid ideologies and practices that contribute to the very injustices they work to alleviate. Participants will learn practical strategies they can use to affirm and promote human dignity within their organizations.
CIRCLE OF UNDERSTANDING EMPOWERING STUDENT VOICE
Room 144, Oak Hall
SPEAKERS
Andrea Ramsey Director of Multicultural Services, Malone University Bryson Davis Assistant Professor, Malone University
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Creating spaces for students to use their voices is integral to helping youth and young adults “Be the Change” that they wish to see. This session will highlight ways to successfully engage and empower youth and young adults to use their voices for change. The Circle of Understanding helps participants from diverse backgrounds come to common understandings through purposeful experiential learning while challenging them to better understand others and themselves.
YOU CAN’T IMPACT CHANGE WITHOUT YOUTH
Room 145, Oak Hall
SPEAKER
Erica Glover Disrupter University
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Educational decisions, strategies, and programs are developed without the inclusion of the very people they effect. In under-resourced settings, the impact of such decisions can be found within the disparities across diverse experiences. This session will provide participants with culturally responsive practices to engage young people, school leaders, and educators as advocates positioned to reimagine what education and learning should be, while also working to dismantle systemic inequities.
A DEEPER DIVE ON INTERCULTURAL COMPETENCE
Room 013, Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center
SPEAKER
Dr. Carla Chapman Equity, Inclusion, and Transparency and Public Education, Akron Public Schools
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session will help you to develop a comprehensive understanding of educational equity through the lens of intercultural competence and model the impact of dialogue and self-reflective practice on perspectivetaking and cultural awareness.
SESSION 2 10:35 – 11:35 A.M. THE POWER OF CIVIC DIALOGUE
Room 203, Oak Hall
SPEAKER
Abby (Honaker ’11) Schroeder Director of the Regula Center, University of Mount Union
SESSION DESCRIPTION
The Regula Center is committed to modeling and promoting civic dialogue to change communities. We do so by using conversation guides from livingroomconversations.org to encourage discussion about topics that matter. During this session, participants will talk about the power of civic dialogue and participate in a discussion.
EMBRACING DIVERSITY IN ATHLETIC LEADERSHIP: HOW TO CREATE A WINNING STRATEGY
Room 206, Oak Hall
SPEAKERS
Andi Lyons Associate Professor and Faculty Athletics Representative, Baldwin Wallace University Kelly Jean Brock Senior Associate Athletics Director, Kent State University
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session will provide an overview of the importance of diversity in athletic leadership and provide an action plan to take back to your respective institutions. A shortterm change is to increase awareness and commitment to change while a long-term goal of the presentation is to create diverse leadership teams and measurable progress in terms of diversity representation.
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BUT WHAT ABOUT ME? EXPLORING ADVOCACY THROUGH OUR OWN IDENTITIES
Room 200A, Tolerton-Hood Hall
SPEAKER
Darnell Tucker ’15 Student Diversity and Equity Outreach Coordinator, Stark State College
SESSION DESCRIPTION
When seeking allyship, it is important to understand who we are before we can use our identities to help others. During this session, we will refresh ourselves on vocabulary from a cultural lens, explore social identities, discuss intersectionality, and interact in an allyship activity. We have the opportunity to improve each day as an ally, so come explore how you can contribute to your surrounding community.
RECOGNIZE EDUCATION AND LEARNING (REAL)
Room 201, Tolerton-Hood Hall
SPEAKERS
Devon Carter Assistant Professor, University of Akron Laura Frias Coordinator of School Partnerships and Student Development, University of Akron
SESSION DESCRIPTION
REAL – Recognize Education and Learning – is a service meant to influence and acknowledge the importance of education, including positive educational news and achievements by scholars of all ages. REAL increases the awareness of education and provides a positive outlook on the opportunities created with education and important national academic information. REAL also intends to increase the appeal of education with a unique approach to education and style of delivery.
CULTURALLY SUSTAINING PRACTICES FOR TEACHING ABOUT NATIVE AMERICANS
John Bennett Partnership Coordinator, The Lippman School
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Looking for more authentic, engaging, and contemporary ways to teach about Native American culture? See lesson plans, primary sources, augmented reality, music, art, food, and artifacts that can make your learning come alive. Cooperative learning stations, inquiry, conceptual teaching, and role plays will be demonstrated. Talk with UMU preservice teachers who developed and taught culturally sustaining lessons to 4th graders in Alliance City Schools. All resources will be made available to participants through ahtove.org.
WHITE SAVIOR COMPLEX
Room 145, Oak Hall
SPEAKER
Stacie M. Bacorn Executive Director, YWCA Alliance
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session will focus on how to realize the balance of allyship and unintentional damage. This includes, in the short-term, realizing that just because you go into things with the best intentions does not mean you are helping the person or community. In the long-term, changes are made in how interaction and thought processes are involved with understanding a different race, gender, culture. This session will focus on unpacking the white savior complex and recognizing and challenging privilege, including definitions and origins, the impact on communities, privilege power dynamics, and community-centered approaches.
CAREFRONTATION: ENGAGING IN THE ART OF DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS
Room 011, Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center
SPEAKER
Room 144, Oak Hall
Dr. Suzette Walden Cole Co-Founder and Team Lead, Social Responsibility Speaks, LLC
SPEAKERS
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Mary Beth Henning Professor of Education, University of Mount Union
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Emalie Novotny ’24, Sidney Rambo ’24, Jess Reese ’24 Students, University of Mount Union
Confronting people on issues, behaviors, and fellow team members on performance-related matters can
make for challenging situations for all involved parties. In most instances, grace and seeking to understand make a difference in accountability, especially between escalating or creating learning opportunities. Understanding how to address incidents of ignorance being spoken, or acts of intolerance that push the boundaries, are essential components to college and beyond. When we don’t confront, we grant people passive acceptance to continue to act, joke, or speak in ways that can cause harm. Recognizing the way our families of origin/caretakers, environments, and lived experiences have impacted our conflict styles is a key point of reflection in cultivating healthier means by which to engage in difficult conversations and (re) define our relationship with feedback.
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This Session is a “Mental and Behavioral Health Journey” into the world and mind of HEROES, our athletes outside of the lines of play. This session uses sports themes and stories of heroism to teach athletes how to adjust to life after years of playing the game they love. The learning target involves introducing skills and strategies that will positively impact individuals that will guide them into bringing value to their respective teams and communities.
PROMOTING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION THROUGH COURSE CONTENT
Room 206, Oak Hall
INTRO TO ABLEISM
Room 013, Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center
SPEAKER
Hannah Kalainaina Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Specialist, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session is focused on helping participants learn more about how ableism impacts the disability community and ways to address it. In this session, participants will talk about the self-advocacy movement in the disability community and discuss the difference between cultural competence and cultural humility. Finally, participants will discuss how to be advocates for members of the disabled community and the importance of respecting needs for autonomy and selfdetermination.
SESSION 3 1:30 – 2:30 P.M. HERO, VILLAIN, OR VICTIM? FINDING YOUR VOICE...LIFE AFTER SPORTS
Room 203, Oak Hall
SPEAKER
Marcus Bently Founder of L.A.V.A. Athletics/Mental Health Specialist and Community Organizer
SPEAKER
Primrose Igonor Director of the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Columbus State Community College
SESSION DESCRIPTION
The presentation will focus on the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion through course content. The learning target is primarily faculty members. The main outcome of this session is to provide practical ways in which attendees can promote diversity and inclusion through their course content and feel confident doing so. Hopefully, this will lead to students engaging in more critical thinking and being able to view various topics from multiple perspectives.
DEAR MEN OF COLOR: HOW TO NAVIGATE MICRO-AGGRESSED WHITE PROFESSIONAL ENVIRONMENTS
Room 200A, Tolerton-Hood Hall
SPEAKER
Tadarrelle Lett Academic Diversity Officer, College of Education, Health, and Human Services, Kent State University
SESSION DESCRIPTION
This session will provide attendees with strategies to effectively navigate professional environments as a man of color. Attendees will learn about microaggressions in the workplace and effectively navigate those spaces. The short-term changes for attendees include understanding one’s identity while battling microaggressions. Long-term, attendees will be able to successfully overcome systemic and structural barriers. This workshop is appropriate for all identities.
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564, WE ALL WE GOT: THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP; A JOURNEY THROUGH THE BOND OF THREE COLLEGE FRIENDS Room 201, Tolerton-Hood Hall
SPEAKER
Dr. Anthony Jones ’06 Chief Diversity Officer, Slippery Rock University Dr. Christopher W. Blakely ’06 Assistant Vice President for Campus Life and Dean of Students, Florida Gulf Coast University Clay Sanders ’09 Innovative Leader, Greater Charlotte Athletic Conference
SESSION DESCRIPTION
Show me your friends, and I will show you your future. Join us for a transformative experience focusing on the journey of three Black college roommates. Explore the power of friendships and the unique dynamics of success. Attendees will discover the importance of building bonds, utilizing resources, and activating tools for successful matriculation at a PWI. Let’s empower ourselves and forge lasting connections for a triumphant journey to graduation.
Room 145, Oak Hall
SPEAKER
Gracyn Sage ’24 Nursing Student, University of Mount Union
SESSION DESCRIPTION
It is essential that nursing programs embrace diversity and inclusion to produce a workforce that can meet the diverse needs of patients and communities. This session will aim to explore the imperative role of increasing diversity and inclusion in Mount Union’s nursing program. The significance of diversity in nursing education will be discussed, and the session will emphasize how long-term benefits of fostering diversity and inclusion will improve patient care, increase job satisfaction, and promote social justice within healthcare.
THE BLACK CHURCH SINGS FOR FREEDOM
Room 013, Kolenbrander-Harter Information Center
SPEAKER
THE FREDERICK DOUGLAS SOCIAL JUSTICE METHOD: DON’T WAIT FOR OPPORTUNITIES; CREATE THEM!
Rev. Dr. Ivory Lyons Professor of Religious Studies and Africana Studies, University of Mount Union
SPEAKER
This session will provide background and context on the Civil Rights movement through songs and plays.
Room 144, Oak Hall
Lester Sanders Student and Student-Athlete Communicator, LesterSander.com/Lester Sanders Limitless, Inc.
SESSION DESCRIPTION
We live in a world where inequities exist. Students need a practical and relevant blueprint to overcome inequities positively. In the spirit of Frederick Douglass, who purchased his freedom (1846) 19 years before Juneteenth (1865) and the emancipation of slaves in America, this session will provide participants with strategy to navigate injustice, create opportunities, and help others along the way. Be the change you want to see.
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PROMOTING DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION IN MOUNT UNION’S NURSING PROGRAM
SESSION DESCRIPTION
WE WANT TO HEAR FROM
YOU
Please take a moment today to offer your feedback regarding our summit and its sessions by completing our summit evaluation form for each session. You can locate the form by scanning the QR code provided below with your mobile device.
ACE SUMMIT COMMITTEE Andrew Boothe Dr. Nicole Johnson Dr. Mandy Capel Abby Schroeder Carla Sarratt Shawnta Forester Caitie Scott Ellen Campbell Tara Canestraro Ryan Smith
SPECIAL THANKS Melissa Gardner Tina Stuchell Mark Kolenz Gerald Brugh Dave Smith John Burkey Logan Aguiniga Cindy Minor Caitlin Clark Emily Vega (AVI)
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Nancy Hill ’79 and Mark Schaefer ’79 The Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC)
SAVE THE DATE 2025 ACE Summit February 1, 2025 University of Mount Union 1972 Clark Ave., Alliance, OH 44601 (800) 992-6682 mountunion.edu