Drawing Our Own Maps - Community Engagement in Indigenous Geographies

Niiyokamigaabaw Deondre Smiles, Ph.D.
Department of Geography, University of Victoria

In this session, I will speak on my own trajectory as an Indiginous scholar, from my childhood in South Minneapolis, to St. Cloud State University, to my current position as a geography professor. I will also speak on the ways in which drawing strength from our communities can allow us to create our own maps of how our lives will go.

Concurrent Workshop I
(Select from one of three options)

Option 1:
Disability Justice: From Individual Rights to Collective Power
Location: Mississippi Room
Presenter: Molly Tast, Director, Student Accessibility Services, St. Cloud State University

Disability Justice is a framework that prioritizes disabled women, indigenous, people of color, queer, trans, gender-nonconforming and other historically excluded groups recognizing the political and social structures that work against their rights for power and access. This session provides an introduction to the tenants of disability justice and identifies key differences between disability rights - and the work that still exists to bring collective power to the disabled community, especially those with intersecting identities. Learning Outcomes:

• Define disability from the social justice perspective
• Identify ableism and recognize its power in society
• Understand differences between disability rights and disability justice

Option 2:
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Location: Alumni Room
Presenter: Anthony Carver, Financial Advisor, College Unit Director, Northwestern Mutual

Working for yourself can create the opportunity for unlimited income, freedom and flexibility, and an enormous impact on your own family and community. Everyone talks about wanting to work for themselves. But do you really understand what that means and the work you must put in to make that dream a reality? Anthony Carver has spent the past six years in the financial industry building his own Financial Planning Practice and will share about what it takes to be a business owner. He will talk through mindset, financials, what being a business owner means, and what it can provide.

Option 3:
Is the Growing Mixed-Race Population in America an Indication of the Erosion of Racism? Are We Moving Toward a Post-Racial Society?
Location: Atwood Gallery
Presenters: Hedy Tripp M.A. and Luke Tripp Ph.D., St. Cloud State University

According to the 2020 United States census, the mixed-race population is the fastest growing racial category in the country. Many fail to comprehend the emergence of multiracial identities in the United States in the 21st century. The government's hypodescent One-Drop Black Rule and their monoracial imperative necessitated single-racial identification for most of the United States history. Most social scientists provide little critical examination of hypodescent and the monoracial imperative in terms of their impact on multiracial identity formations and its sociopolitical implications. This presentation will discuss the social significance of a mixed-race identity in societies based on white supremacy. Learning outcomes: 

• A deeper knowledge of mixed race issues;
• Critical thinking on mixed race issues;
• Feeling whole as a mixed race/biracial/multiracial person in America.

Special Workshop Session

Mother Earth's Crying Call
Presenter: Dr. Tamrat Tademe, Associate Professor, Human Relations and Multicultural Education, St. Cloud State University

Dearest Homo Sapiens,
As your Mother I created the Loving Circle of Life. In this circle all living things were included. Each one of these creations were to be accroded recognition, respect and reverence. As your Mother I created majestic continents with endless bounties to be shared by all in the Circle of Life. Unfortunately, many centuries ago a new and alarming reality emerged; the split of the homo sapien family into two groups. While the majority of homo sapiens wanted to live by the mores of the Loving Circle of Life, this rogue split-off had a different viral-infected epistemology that elevated the homo sapien individual over the circle nad Mother Earth. These tiny groups of homo sapiens had no respect for me. Transgressing the collective ethos of mother Earth, they fragmented, parceled and privatized me. This tiny sect of homo sapiens self-anointed themselves as the superior cohsen ones. Lording-over Mother Earth and all its inhabitants. They have unleashed unspeakable and unstopping violence on me and all the inhabitants of the circle. This group of homo sapiens atomic-bombed me, poisoned me and killed thousands of my children! Agent-oranged me and killed millions more! Millions more being killed to this day! In fact, this group has made killing a highly profitable business. While homo sapiens are imbued with multidimensional genius. Like the genius to construct and heal. Unfortunately, the cohort that's warlording over the planet singularly deploys the genius to kill and destroy. On a daily basis the killing fields are proliferating war and death have become a multi-trillion dollar bonanza! This tiny group of homo sapiens have also hyper-toxified Mother Earth! Ecological destruction! Mother Earth is burning up! Can we find any hope while facing and living in the above-described reality? The answer is an optimistic YES! Millions of young sisters and brothers are responding to Mother Earth's crying call! They are arduously organized and organizing to rebuild the Loving Circle of Life. They are saying NO to the privitization of Mother Earth. NO to ecocide. No to genocide and war. No to homo sapiens/supremacist arrogance.

Addressing the Cry of Mother Earth, this workshop will facilitate a dialogical interaction.

Diversity Job and Internship Fair Luncheon

Bridging the Skills Gap for Students and Employers: Are You Ready?

Monique Russell, Global Communications Skills Advisor

As the world rapidly evolves, so do the skills required to thrive in today’s workforce. Employers are looking for more than just technical knowledge; they seek adaptable, emotionally intelligent, and collaborative employees who can tackle complex challenges. Meanwhile, students are eager to develop the competencies that will distinguish them in a competitive job market.

With multiple generations working side by side, mastering cross-generational and cross-cultural communication is crucial. In this keynote Monique Russell will explore the C.L.E.A.R. Communication method – Cross-Cultural Communication, Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Active Listening, and Refined Presentation Skills – to help students and employers alike build bridges, foster collaboration, and close the skills gap.

Key Outcomes (Students):

• Gain clarity on the essential skills employers are seeking in today’s job market.
• Observe how to communicate their unique strengths and experiences effectively.

Key Outcomes (Employers):

• Learn how to create inclusive environments that help diverse students succeed.
• Identify how to support collaboration across diverse and global teams.

Professional Development

R.E.A.C.H. for Connection: The Hope and Tools to Bridge Cross-Cultural and Multi-Generational Challenges in Education

Monique Russell, Global Communications Skills Advisor

Students today face extraordinary challenges, from navigating anxiety and depression to communicating effectively in a post-COVID, cross-cultural world. For staff, fostering connection with a new generation can often feel exhausting and unproductive. This interactive workshop brings together students and staff to rediscover their purpose, share transformative stories of resilience, and bridge generational and cultural divides. Participants will gain practical tools to communicate with clarity and compassion, understand the evolving needs of students, and leave with renewed energy and actionable strategies to inspire success from Day 1.

Diversity Job and Internship Fair

Event Information

Atwood, 2nd Floor
Atwood Map
Campus Map

Concurrent Workshop II
(Select from one of four options)

Option 1:
Exploring Emerging Job Markets and Future Hot Careers
Location: Maple Room
Prepare for the future of work with this engaging workshop. Discover the fastest-growing industries and learn about trending job markets shaped by advancements in technology, sustainability, and global innovation. We'll explore projected "hot jobs" for the next decade, including careers in AI, renewable energy, healthcare, and more. Gain insights into the skills employers are seeking and how to align your education and experiences with these dynamic opportunities. Don't miss the chance to future-proof your career and uncover pathways to success in tomorrow's workforce!

Option 2:
Mastering LinkedIN for Career Success
Location: Mississippi Room
Take your first step into the professional world with this hands-on workshop exploring LinkedIN as a career development tool. Learn how to create an impressive LinkedIN profile that highlights your skills, experiences, and aspirations. Discover strategies to network effectively, showcase your achievements, and connect with potential employers or mentors. We'll cover tips on building a professional online presence, crafting engaging posts, and leveraging LinkedIN tools to explore job opportunities and career paths. Start building your personal brand today and position yourself for success in the competitive workforce tomorrow!

Option 3:
Empower Your Voice: The Art of Storytelling for Personal and Professional Growth 
Location: Alumni Room
Your story has the power to inspire, connect, and uplift. In this interactive workshop, you'll learn how to reflect on your experiences and shape them into narratives that are meaningful and impactful. Together, we'll explore techniques to identify defining moments in your life and share them in ways that resonate with diverse audiences. Through hands-on activities, you'll craft stories that highlight personal growth while fostering understanding and a sense of community. We'll also dialogue how to share your story authentically, ensuring it aligns with your values and the message you wish to convey. Whether preparing for interviews, writing essays, or stepping into leadership roles, this workshop will provide the skills to use your story as a powerful tool for connection and positive influence.

Option 4:
Unlock the Power of Mindfulness in Everyday Life 
Location: Atwood Gallery
Join us for an engaging workshop on mindfulness and its transformative impact on daily life. Mindfulness is the practice of staying present and observing thoughts, emotions, and surroundings without judgement. This session will equip you with practical techniques to manage stress, improve focus, and foster emotional balance. Whether you're looking to enhance relationships, boost productivity, or simply find inner peace, mindfulness offers tools to support personal and professional growth. Don't miss this opportunity to connect, reflect, and develop skills that can make a lasting difference and start your journey towards a more mindful, empowered life.

Best Version of You
(an Intro to Emotional Intelligence)

Jeffrey Williams, Interim Director of the Empowerment Institute, Twin Cities R!SE
Nicole Pillow, Empowerment Institute Master Trainer, Client Manager

This workshop focuses on the four building blocks of emotional intelligence and the importance of being emotionally intelligent in your personal and professional life. Numerous studies show that the most effective leaders practice emotional intelligence. Our workshop guides the group through identifying and navigating emotions, recognizing the emotions of others and handling interpersonal relationships with empathy.

Learning Outcomes:

• To recognize emotions both in self and in others, and the role they play in our everyday lives.
• Learn tools and develop skills to better regulate emotions.
• To begin to practice Empathy.
• To facilitate better interpersonal relationships.

Breakfast

Unleashing Your Creativity to Cultivate Racial Healing

C.A.R.E. and Lyricality

In this session, participants will explore various artistic practices to unlock their creative potential and foster healing. Artistic expression nurtures a sense of belonging, especially impactful for marginalized communities. By engaging the senses—touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell—participants will link personal experiences with creative processes. Led by Lyricality, an intercultural and antiracist collective in Central Minnesota, and the Community Anti-Racism Education Initiative team, this workshop will guide participants through five art practices: found art, collaborative poetry, painting, drumming, and creative writing. Ideal for diverse college leaders, this session empowers participants to overcome challenges, build resilience, and become creators, not just consumers.