Diversity and Inclusion Summit
The annual Boston College Diversity and Inclusion Summit, which addresses issues related to diversity and inclusion at the University and in the field of higher education, will be held on May 22 in Gasson Hall from 9 a.m. to 4:30 pm. The event brings together administrators, faculty, and staff to learn about promoting and sustaining an inclusive environment.
.
Patricia Lowe
鈥淭he theme for this year鈥檚 summit, 鈥楤elonging in Practice: Maintaining Momentum,鈥� is crucial as it encourages reflection and awareness of individual and institutional roles in building, advancing, and sustaining diverse and inclusive spaces of belonging,鈥� said Office for Institutional Diversity Associate Vice President Patricia Lowe.
This year鈥檚 event is dedicated to enhancing an understanding of practices that actively contribute to and maintain inclusive excellence, according to organizers. At Boston College, they said, creating a sense of belonging involves fostering spaces where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered to be their authentic and best selves.
Attendees will reflect on actions that sustain the momentum of belonging through introspection and dialogue, to strengthen the framework that helps each community member feel a sense of belonging at the University, and supported in an environment that embraces acceptance, inclusion, and identity.
鈥淲e hope that participants will gain a deeper understanding of the mission and core values of cura personalis [care of the whole person] and cura apostolica [apostolic care], and the continued commitment to the greater good,鈥� Lowe said.
Howard J. Ross
Featured keynote speaker Howard J. Ross is a lifelong social justice advocate and one of the world鈥檚 seminal thought leaders in identifying and addressing unconscious bias. A speaker and author, he specializes in synthesizing neuro-cognitive and social science research and direct application regarding diversity, inclusion, equity, and accessibility work.
Ross鈥檚 client work has focused on corporate culture change, leadership development, and managing diversity. He has implemented large-scale organizational culture-change efforts in the area of managing diversity and cultural integration in academic institutions, professional services corporations, Fortune 500 companies, and retail, health care, media, and governmental institutions in 47 states across the nation and more than 40 countries worldwide.
His most recent book is How Our Need to Connect is Tearing Us Apart. 听
More information on Ross is available at his website:听.听