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AGENDA

 Quick navigation to sessions in each time block: 

 KEYNOTE 

 POSTERS 

 LUNCH 

See more information about room locations inside "the Joe."

 A SESSIONS: 8:25-9:30am 

Crafting Solidarity at the US-Mexico Border through Acts of Collaborative Art

Great Room
(Room 403)

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

  • Quinn Dannies (she/her) - Ph.D. student in UNR's Rhetoric and Composition program, University of Nevada, Reno

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In this workshop, participants will explore the generative potential of art to facilitate complex conversations about irregular migration. Together we will make quilt squares that identify and display our relationship to the political, economic, and social systems that fuel irregular immigration.

Navigating Critical, Constructive, and Courageous Conversations: A Nevada Cultural Competency Workshop

Ballroom A&B
(Room 419)

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

  • Ricardo Rubalcaba Paredes (they/them) - Program Coordinator for the High Sierra Area Health Education Center (AHEC)

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High Sierra Area Health Education Center (AHEC) aims to explore and enhance the skills needed for Critical, Constructive, and Courageous Conversations around identity, diversity, inclusion, equity. The session is designed to be inclusive and relevant for a diverse audience.

The Internet: Memes, Irony, and the Spread of Hate

Ballroom C
(Room 419)

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

  • Glen Franklin Prather, Masters, PhD Pending (They/He/She) - Doctoral student , University of Nevada, Reno

 

 

The insular, transgressive culture of early internet users has become mainstream, allowing hate speech and bigotry to propagate under the guise of humor and irony. 

Embracing Disability as Diversity in Disability Service Spaces: Toward Disability Affirming Practices

Room 423

Format: Lecture

  • Jami Bahney, M. Ed, BCBA (she/her) - Ph.D Student, Special Education & Disability Studies, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Nikki Murphy, M.S., CCC-SLP (she/her) - Ph.D Student, Special Education & Disability Studies, University of Nevada, Reno

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Therapies and services intended to help disabled people have often had the opposite effect.  This presentation will discuss the history and evolution of disability services, the conceptualization of disability, criticisms against ableist and racist practices, and current reform measures.

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​Let’s Start a Conversation about Retention of American Indian/Alaska Native Students (AI/AN)! A Case Study on the Tribal Students Program at UNR, College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources

Room 422

Format: Lecture

  • Kari Emm, Ph.D. (She/her) - Specialist, Tribal Students Program - UNR, College of Ag, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Antoinette Cavanaugh, M.A. (she/her) - Ph.D. Student and recipient of the Graduate Dean's Fellowship with Tribal Students Program, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Brenda Freeman, Ph.D.  (She/her ) - Associate Professor College of Education and Human Development, University of Nevada, Reno

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The presentation will focus on a case study about the Tribal Students Program at the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources. The study begins the process of program evaluation by utilizing retention models of Tinto and The Culturally Engaging Campus Environments (CECE).  

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 B SESSIONS: 9:45-10:45am 

Disability & Accessibility:Confident, Inclusive, and Fiercely Compassionate Conversations

Format: Panel

Theater
(Room 309)

  • Belinda May - Global Ambassador of Disabilities, PurpleSpace; Co-chair Disability/Accessibility ERG, Stanford University Ambassador, Applied Neuroscience of Compassion; Disability Inclusive Language Training Module presenter and contributing writer; multiple Disability/Accessibility Storytelling series programs reflecting our common humanity; disabled person

  •  Kelsey Meno - Chief Operating Officer, Disability Resources, Inc. and longtime Disabilities Advocate and Community Ally

  • Nicole Harvey, J.D.  - Attorney and Author

  • Michael W. Dorn -  Robotics Manufacturing Engineer, Author and Master of Social Work Student; disabled person

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Plan to attend this pathbreaking and interactive panel showing that disabilities and access-limiting conditions impact all marginalized populations.  The panel comprises experienced persons with a shared passion for disability equity, some of whom are persons with disabilities.  Despite their shared experiences, they each have differing areas of expertise that will engage the audience in Confident, Inclusive and Fiercely Compassionate Conversations.  This will include science, hard data, employment law and experiential interaction.  By way of example, learn how Ableism creates Emotional Tax. Experience emerging examples of Neuroinclusivity and the different areas of the brain that can lead to Awareness and Change.  You will find the statistical data compelling, and perhaps surprising.  With about 1.85 billion people directly impacted by disabilities and access-limiting conditions, both seen and unseen, you will learn how this under-voiced population also impacts race, gender, national origin, sexual orientation and more.  “Disability inclusion that isn’t intersectional is like a puzzle missing vital pieces – it can never reflect the beauty and complexity of humanity.” – Dr. Shani Dhanda

Heart-Guided Intercultural Conversations

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Ballrooms A & B
(Room 419)
 

  • Pax Robinson, M.Ed (She/Her ) - Social Studies Teacher, University of Nevada, Reno

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How can we exit the cultural silos that keep us safe, but also stop us from doing our most important work? Using organic frameworks grounded in emotional integrity and intercultural sensitivity we will explore ways to find and better understand each, with the goal of inspiring collective action.

From Courageous Insights of UNR Latinx Incoming Freshmen Students to Actionable Plans

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Ballroom C
(Room 419)

  • Jafeth Salido-Sanchez, Ph.D. (She/Her) - Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Latino Research Center Director, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Patricia Guerrero, MBA (She/Her) - Research, Education, & Outreach Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno

 

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This workshop unveils insights from 114 UNR Latinx freshmen, bravely sharing experiences of microaggressions or stereotypes and contrasting them with empowered identities during a program evaluation. Our aim is to inspire actionable plans for enhanced support through culturally relevant experiences.

Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow: Recruiting the Next Generation of African American Scholars

Format: Lecture

Room 422

  • Andre Lawson - Director, Las Vegas Office for Prospective Students, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Devin Williams, M.S. (he/him/his) - Admissions Recruiter & Retention Coordinator Las Vegas & Southern California, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Elijah Robertson, M.A. - Admissions and Recruitment Coordinator University of Nevada, Reno, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Kennedy Elliott -  Coordinator, Admissions and Recruitment , University of Nevada, Reno

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The Las Vegas Office for Prospective Students is responsible for the recruitment of students from Southern Nevada including Clark County and the surrounding counties. Nevada Scholars of Tomorrow is a Las Vegas Office for Prospective Students mentoring program that assists African-American Students

Using Decolonized Discussion to Facilitate Courageous Connection
Part 1

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Great Room
(Room 403)

  • Marquez Wilson, PsyD - Diversity Coordinator, Counseling Services, Psychologist, Students of Color Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Nicole Guyette, LCSW - Assistant Training Director, Social Worker, Counseling Services, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Mariam Halstead, LCSW - Social Worker serving students of color, Counseling Services, University of Nevada, Reno

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This workshop is aimed at providing a format for having discussions from a decolonized perspective. Frequently, discussions can proceed without having a shared definition of what is being discussed, or unintentionally hurtful assertions can be proposed.

 C SESSIONS: 11:00-12:00pm 

Using Decolonized Discussion to Facilitate Courageous Connection

Part 2

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Great Room
(Room 403)

  • Marquez Wilson, PsyD - Diversity Coordinator, Counseling Services, Psychologist, Students of Color Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Nicole Guyette, LCSW - Assistant Training Director, Social Worker, Counseling Services, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Mariam Halstead, LCSW - Social Worker serving students of color, Counseling Services, University of Nevada, Reno

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This is Part 2 of a 2-hour session. Note that attendance for Part 1 during the B Sessions (9:45-10:45) is required for participation in this session.

 

This workshop is aimed at providing a format for having discussions from a decolonized perspective. Frequently, discussions can proceed without having a shared definition of what is being discussed, or unintentionally hurtful assertions can be proposed.

Under Pressure: API Wellness and Balancing Family Pressures

Format: Panel

Theater
(Room 309)

Moderator

  • Grace Cardenas Leal, MS (She/Her/Siya) - Coordinator, Pre-Professional Advising Office, University of Nevada, Reno

Panelist:

  • Jen Sims , MSW (she/her) - Upward Bound Classic & Math Science Director, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Rose Ann Gutierrez, Ph.D. (she/her) - Assistant Professor of Equity and Diversity in Education, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Carla Franich, MA (she/her) - Program Director, Outreach, Counseling Services, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Keola Wong, M.Ed. (he/him) - Coordinator, API Student Services, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Ashton Sharp, (he/him) - Freshmen, Psychology major, Spanish minor, Pre-health, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Cydney Giroux, M.S. (she/her) – Academic Advisor, University of Nevada, Reno

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This panel will focus on challenges Asian and Pacific Islander (API) individuals face when pursuing interests that don’t align with family cultural values or expectations. It will discuss experiences, suggest strategies to have critical conversations for coping with social and family pressures.

Decoding information environment: critical approach navigating Information and Disinformation in Diverse Discourse

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Room 423

  • Yulia Rajeh, M.A. (she\her) - Communication manager, Other

  • Andréa Subitoni Antonio, M.A. (she\her) - Marketing- Communication Assistant, University of Nevada, Reno

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An interactive workshop on how to have difficult conversations using facts and not feelings. Audience will explore resources to fact-check news and avoid spreading misinformation. Using digital and voting resources we will introduce real examples to show people how easily they can get biased.

Cultural Humility: A Key to Critical & Courageous Dialogue

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Ballrooms A&B
(Room 419)

  • Catherine Gonzalez, MSN, RN (she/her) - Lecturer II, University of Nevada, Reno

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Drawing inspiration from Maya Angelou's wise words, "Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better," this workshop deconstructs the concept of cultural humility in the Realm of a Game. Explore cultural humility through a dynamic and experiential approach, and together, we will figure out how to do better. 

What is in a Name? Identity, Pronunciation, and Cultural Aspects of Names.

Format: Lecture

Ballroom C
(Room 419)

  • Miguel Martinez, M.A.Ed (He/Him) - Coordinator, Truckee Meadows Community College

  • Melanie Paz Flores  (She/Her) - Student Worker, Truckee Meadows Community College

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During this interactive workshop, we will explore the importance of names. Whether it’s a family name, a person’s preferred name, or correct pronunciation; someone’s name can be a meaningful part of their identity. Join this workshop to explore the participants’ names and their ties to identity.

 LUNCH BREAK: 12:00-12:40pm 

More information about lunch options and locations is available on the Info > Food page.

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 STUDENT SPEECH COMPETITION: 12:40-1:00pm 

Student Speech Winner Presentations

Ballrooms A&B
(Room 419)

  • Sarah Hartzell - First Place for University of Nevada, Reno

  • Brandolyn Thran - First Place for Great Basin College

  • Jocelyn Simmons - Second Place for University of Nevada, Reno

  • Gabriella Detrick - Third Place for University of Nevada, Reno

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Learn more about the 2024 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit Student Speech Contest.

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Blackboard

 KEYNOTE: 1:00-2:00pm  
Ballrooms A&B, Room 419

Dr. Myisha Cherry

On Conversations: How Emotions Impact Our Relationships

If conversations are a way for our social, linguistic species to express and explain, correct and collaborate, make sense of things and make things happen, then why are they — particularly the personal and political ones — so difficult to have? In this talk, Dr. Myisha Cherry examines this question and others like it and explains how the answers we are looking for may have less to do with the topic and more to do with us. Using a framework built on her research for Failures of Forgiveness: What We Get Wrong and How to Do Better and other writing about emotions, Dr. Cherry will offer strategies for how to be the kind of person with whom people would want to have a conversation. Learn more.

 D SESSIONS: 2:10-3:10pm 

Not All Students Are Created Equal

Format: Panel

Theather
(Room 309)
 

  • Claudia Ortega-Lukas, Masters (She, Her, Ella) - Marketing and communications professional, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Thania Castañaza, B.S. (She/Her/Ella) — Graduate student, World Languages and Literatures: Specialization in Spanish – University of Nevada, Reno. Administrative Assistant, Latino Research Center, University of Nevada, Reno.

  • Meena, Ph.D. (she/ they/அவள்) — Resident Director, Residential Life and Housing, University of Nevada, Reno.

  • Yi Xuen Tay, MA. (she/hers/她) — Resident Director, Residential Life and Housing, University of Nevada, Reno.

  • Hajar Zahedypour - Doctoral candidate, Equity, Diversity, and Language Education within the Department of Language and Human Development at the University of Nevada, Reno.

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We want to raise awareness of the mostly hidden challenges experienced by international students, faculty, and staff. They are vulnerable to immigration systems and protocols, as well as vulnerable to the dedication, understanding, and support of their direct supervisors.

Finding Common Ground: How to deliberate “wicked problems” in the age of polarization.

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Great Room 
(Room 403) 

  • Amy Pason, Ph.D. (she/her) - Associate Professor, Communication Studies, University of Nevada, Reno

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In order for democracy to thrive, communities have to come together to solve complex problems impacting us all. In this session, you’ll learn about the National Issues Forums model for deliberative discussions and facilitation techniques to find common ground with those different from yourself.

A Strengths-Based Approach to Behavior Analysis: Upholding Anti-ableism in Goal Writing, Direct Service, and Research

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Room 422
 

  • Finley W. Aavatsmark (they/them) - Registered Behavior Technician, University of Nevada, Reno

 

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Initial considerations for upholding anti-ableism will be outlined through six areas of a strengths-based approach: (1) respect client dignity (2) amplify client voice (3) honor neurodiversity (4) consider intersectionality (5) promote authentic inclusion (6) prioritize social-emotional intervention.

Constructive Conversations across the Generational Divide

Format: Small Group/Collaborative

Ballroom C
(Room 419)

  • Fran Ryan, PhD - Professor of Management, University of Nevada, Reno

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Generational conflict is not new, but many efforts to understand generational differences result in over-generalizing and reinforcing stereotypes about “other” generations. This session focuses on perspective-seeking to engage constructive conversations with those from differing generations.

The Sexy Side of DEI... Data and Bureaucracy

Format: Lecture

Ballrooms A&B
(Room 419)

  • Heather Turk-Fiecoat, MBA, PhD (she/her) - University Registrar, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Renee Davis, M.A. (she/her) - Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic and Student Affairs, NSHE

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts often include the desire to recognize, identify, and measure different identities.  In concept, this is critical and apparent; however, implementation with the complexities of sharing data, enterprise system requirements, and policy are often challenging.

 E SESSIONS: 3:20-4:20pm 

Truce and Social Justice: a tool kit for navigating conflict

Format: Lecture

Theater
(Room 309)

  • Andrea Juillerat-Olvera, Certified Sign Language Interpreter, MFA Performance Art, BA Philosophy (she her) - American Sign Language Program Advisor, Lead Sign Language Interpreter for the Disability Resource Center, University of Nevada, Reno

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This presentation will focus on Rapoport's Rules, a method that can be used to engage in productive, good-faith debate. It is only from a place of mutual respect that opposing views are given fair consideration. How to do we get there? These rules provide a doorway to discourse on difficult topics.  For a better experience, we recommend you have a device to read QR codes and participate anonymously in polls.

Teaching about Language Diversity in Core Writing

Format: Lecture

Room 423

  • Todd Ruecker, PhD (he/him) - Associate Professor/Director of Core Writing, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Hannah Locher (she/her) - Doctoral Student

  • Sasha Osorio (she/her) - Master's Student/Graduate Instructor, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Caryn Dreibelbis, J.D. (she/her) - TA/Graduate Student, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Reagan Poston (she/her) - Graduate Student/Instructor, University of Nevada, Reno

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In this panel, we narrate the steps that UNR's Core Writing program has taken to integrate discussions around language diversity in classes and explore the unique challenges and opportunities that instructors have encountered while engaging our largely first-year student population on these issues.

Microaggressions and Active Bystander Intervention Workshop

Format: Lecture

Ballrooms A&B
(Room 419)

  • Lauren Brilliant, B.S. (she/her) - Second-Year Medical Student, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Janna Magana, B.S. (she/her) - Second-Year Medical Student, University of Nevada, Reno

  • N. Nicole Jacobs, Ph.D. (she/her) - Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion; Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

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Our workshop includes a talk on defining, identifying, and responding to microaggressions. We will examine the roles present in these situations and strategies to open conversations before transitioning to small-group scenarios where attendees can actively participate, practice, and share thoughts.

Critical Peace Education

Format: Lecture

Great Room
(Room 403)

  • Hanine Haidar, PhD Student (she/her) - Equity & Diversity PhD Student, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Eleni Oikonomidoy, Ph.D. (She/her) - Associate Dean of Education, University of Nevada, Reno

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The aim of this workshop is to introduce participants to critical peace education and engage them in activities that aim to cultivate their reflexivity, conflict resolution skills, and ability to facilitate critical dialogue.

Unpacking Intergenerational Immigrant Trauma and Institutionalizing Healing Processes

Format: Lecture

Room 422

  • Meena, M.A. (she/they) - Resident Director, University of Nevada, Reno

  • Yi Xuen Tay, M.A. (she/her) - Resident Director, University of Nevada, Reno

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Drawing insights from media and testimonials, presenters engage in critical conversations about students experiencing intergenerational immigrant trauma. Presenters discuss constructive ways to foster healing process using decolonial pedagogy on individual, departmental, and institutional levels. 

 POSTER SESSION: 4:00-5:00pm 

Ballroom Foyer

After-school Literacy Tutoring Program Encouraging Courageous Conversations through Writing

Monika Bharti, M.Sc., M.Ed. (she/her) - Ph.D. Candidate (Education- Literacy Studies), University of Nevada, Reno

Breaking Down Barriers: Family Supervisor Supportive Behavior’s Role in Overcoming Breastfeeding Bias

Patricia Guerrero, MBA (She/Her) - Research, Education, and Outreach Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno

Creating an Environment for Discussions about Issues Related to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity

Ezra C. Holston, RN, MSN, PhD - Associate Professor (TT), University of Nevada, Reno

Fostering Inclusive Classrooms Using Courageous Conversations Through Reflective and Interactive Practices

Monika Bharti, M.Sc., M.Ed. (she/her) - Ph.D. Candidate (Education- Literacy Studies), University of Nevada, Reno

 

Gokce Unlu, M.Sc. (she/her) - Ph.D. Student (Equity, Diversity and Language Education), University of Nevada, Reno

Hectic and Impossible: The Experiences of Lactating Parents on Campus

Rosalind Bucy - Humanities Librarian, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Elena Azadbakht - Health Sciences Librarian, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Emily Boss -  Head of Metadata, Cataloging, and One-Time Acquisitions, University of Nevada, Reno

Making Data Accessible to All: UNR’s Research Data Services Team

Ashley Thompson, M.A. (she/her) - Doctoral Student, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Carlos Ramirez-Reyes, Ph.D. (he/him) - Data Services Coordinator, University of Nevada, Reno

Mass Mosaics: How language mediates internal representations based upon collective interpretation

Alexandria Stanton,  (she/her) - Undergraduate, University of Nevada, Reno

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Colleen I. Murray, Ph.D. - Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

Inscribing History: Remembering Reno Through Diverse Historical Markers

Audrey Andrews, B.A.  (she/her) - Ph.D. Student, Anthropology , University of Nevada, Reno

SACNAS (Society for the Advancement of Chicanos, Hispanics, and Native Americans in STEM) at UNR

Ricky Klafehn, president of the local SACNAS chapter (she/her/ella) - PhD student in anthropology, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Karla Hernández, Ph.D. (She / Ella) -  Director, Biotechnology Program and Teaching Assistant Professor, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

 

Jennifer Hoy, Ph.D. - Associate Professor in Biology, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Paola Miramontes Gonzalez) - Undergraduate researcher, University of Nevada, Reno

What’s in a Value? A Pilot Study of Parenting Values Among Nonreligious Parents in the United States

Jordan C. Reuter, M.A. (He/Him) - Ph.D. Candidate, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Colleen I. Murray, Ph.D. - Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

Joan Didion, Kwame Appiah, and the Cosmopolitan Conversation

Aaron McClendon, Ph.D. (he/him) - Temporary Community College Instructor, Truckee Meadows Community College

Creating Spaces for Refugees and Immigrants on American Campuses - An Innovative Approach to Connecting Institutions of Higher Education to Refugee Resettlement

Carina Alejandra Black, Ph.D. (she/her) - Executive Director, Northern Nevada International Center, University of Nevada, Reno

Four unique examinations regarding Native American Student and Family Perspectives toward Higher Education

Jafeth E. Sanchez, PhD (she/her) - Associate Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Lance West, MEd (he/him) - President, Indigenous Educators Empowerment, Other

 

Fabian Kovac - Undergraduate Researcher, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Paige Eriksen - Undergraduate Researcher, University of Nevada, Reno

Sparking the Dementia Conversation: Partnering across Cognitive Diversity to Innovate "Dementia Self-Management"

Marc Lemon, MPH Candidate  (he/him) - Graduate Research Assistant  , University of Nevada, Reno

Systems, Mentorship, and Multicultural and Social Justice Advocacy

Michael Joshua Esquejo, M.S., CPC-Intern (NV) (He/Him/His) - Graduate Teaching Assistant, 1st-Year Doctoral Student, University of Nevada, Reno

The importance of Digital Accessibility review at education organizations

Shiva Pourgholaminejad  (She/her) - Interim Accessibility Manager, University of Nevada, Reno

The Power of Experiential Learning: Helping AIAN Youth Envision Their Futures

Kari A. Emm, Ph.D. (she/her) - Tribal Student Program Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Brenda Freeman, Ph.D., CPC (she/her) - Professor of Counseling/Extension Mental Health Specialist, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Fredina Drye-Romero, M.S. (she/her) - Indian Education, Education Programs Professional, Nevada Department of Education

 

Staci Emm - Extension Educator, Douglas County, University of Nevada, Reno

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Daniel Coen, MAT - American Indian Student Coordinator/Tribal Outreach, University of Nevada, Reno

 

Rachael Danielson, B.A. (she/her) Graduate Student, Counselor Education Program

Enhancing equity and inclusion by reducing the diversity of academic skills and academic culture

Mark Pingle, Ph.D. - Professor of Economics and E.L. Cord Endowed Professor of Entrepreneurship, University of Nevada, Reno

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Federico Guerrero, Ph.D. - Professor of Economics, University of Nevada, Reno

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Caricature Creator? An Analysis of Avatar Creation Tool Diversity Options and Reactions

Dylan Mckee (he/him) - Graduate Student, University of Nevada, Reno

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Colleen I. Murray, Ph.D. - Professor, University of Nevada, Reno

Providing Adequate LGBTQIA+/SGM Resources to Practitioners and Patients in the Northern Nevada Area

Alysse McMillen (she/her) - Second Year PA Student, University of Nevada, Reno Physician Assistant Studies Program

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