In a time when division has been ramping up around the country, coming together as humans to listen and learn from each other is more important than ever.

And this strength in unity was clearly reflected at the inaugural Inclusive Impact Conference at MSU, where Michigan State University employees joined together with attendees from other colleges, universities and organizations throughout Michigan and beyond to discuss how to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) priorities. This conference aligned with MSU’s 2030 Strategic Plan, as DEI is central to the university’s goals.

Planning committee member Florensio Hernandez (far R) with attendees from MSU's Office of Admissions.

The conference kicked off on the evening of July 10 with antiracist writer and educator Tim Wise, who spoke about focusing not on what people believe, but why they believe it. By asking questions like this, we can create understanding and connection instead of debate and division. He emphasized not taking people’s beliefs personally, because they are shaped by one’s upbringings and experiences, and nobody learns when they feel bad or are demeaned. Wise also spoke about the importance of not dehumanizing each other and focusing attention on systems and structures, instead of individuals.

Opening speaker Melissa Isaac works tirelessly to empower tribal communities through education as Gizhwaasod: Protector of the Young at the Michigan Department of Education's Indigenous Education Initiative. Melissa was appointed to two of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's advisory councils and was recognized for her contributions to youth mental health awareness by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. A proud member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and sturgeon clan, she spoke about how we can have a lot of impact at the local level and create positive change. She also emphasized that developing authentic, genuine relationships takes time and the importance of building relationships with local tribes and asking about their needs.

After the opening speech, conference participants attended one of six breakout sessions featuring panelists with unique experiences and knowledge. Topics included rebranding DEI in collegiate athletics; building solidarity to advance marginalized rights globally; advocacy for LGBTQIA2S+ communities; community healing-centered and trauma-informed practices; digital accessibility; and building communities through DEI advocacy and partnerships.

Planning committee members with conference founder Meaghan Kozar (center).

The afternoon featured a lineup of compelling and thought-provoking sessions, including:

• State Representative Mai Xiong, who shared her powerful personal story and emphasized the importance of controlling your own narrative, taking risks and building a community one relationship at a time. She is committed to supporting small businesses, fighting for living wages, cutting taxes for working families and investing in public schools to ensure that all children receive a quality education.
• Khalil Gibran Muhammad, Ph.D., who spoke about the impact of national trends on educators and how attacks on identity-based programming affect how we educate the next generation about true U.S. history. He is the Ford Foundation Professor of History, Race and Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he directs the Institutional Antiracism and Accountability Project. A widely published writer, he has also appeared in documentaries like the Oscar-nominated 13th.
• A Featured Plenary Panel speaking on a range of DEI topics, including representatives from Black Leadership Advisory Council, Commission on Middle Eastern American Affairs, Hispanic/Latino Commission of MI, MI Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, MI Immigrant and Refugee Counsel, and MI LGBTQ + Commission.

A tremendous effort by numerous individuals, campus partners and the many sponsors who donated funds made the inaugural Inclusive Impact Conference a truly meaningful and impeccably organized event. “I am very proud of this collective effort to host a life-changing experience,” said Meaghan Kozar, Ph.D., the founder of the conference and project manager for MSU’s Inclusive Campus Initiative under the Office of the Senior Vice President for Student Life & Engagement. “It was the recharge and source of inspiration that many of us needed.”