The Inclusive Excellence Summit provides a space for staff, faculty and student leaders to be in community and conversation on key DEI topics, institutional priorities, and concrete strategies, tools and resources for everyone to play a part in maintaining progress toward our shared goals.
This year鈥檚 summit will offer an opportunity to disucss the power of storytelling and embracing our shared history. More details on the agenda and registration will be shared soon.
The summit鈥檚 keynote speaker will be who is the Pulitzer Prize-winning creator of the 1619 Project and a staff writer at The New York Times Magazine. The book version of The 1619 Project and as well as the 1619 Project children's book, Born on the Water, were instant #1 New York Times bestsellers. Her 1619 Project is now a six-part docuseries on Hulu.
Hannah-Jones has spent her career investigating racial inequality and injustice, and her reporting has earned her the MacArthur Fellowship, known as the Genius grant, a Peabody Award, two George Polk Awards and the National Magazine Award three times.
She also serves as the Knight Chair of Race and Journalism at Howard University, where she founded the Center for Journalism & Democracy. Hannah-Jones is also the co-founder of the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting, which seeks to increase the number of investigative reporters and editors of color, and in 2022 she opened the1619 Freedom School, a free, afterschool literacy program in her hometown of Waterloo, Iowa. Hannah-Jones holds a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned her BA in History and African-American studies from the University of Notre Dame.
Explore the power of investigative journalism in uncovering hidden truths and amplifying voices often left out of dominant narratives. This session will highlight how journalists like Nikole Hannah-Jones use storytelling to challenge systems of inequality, elevate marginalized perspectives, and hold institutions accountable. Participants will consider the role of media literacy and truth-telling in advancing inclusive excellence.
This session will trace the historical arc of diversity, equity, and inclusion in U.S. law and policy. Attendees will examine landmark legislation, executive actions, and judicial rulings that have shaped the current DEI landscape. Through a critical lens, the session will connect past policy debates to present-day challenges and opportunities in higher education, workplaces, and communities.
Executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion have far-reaching effects on education, employment, and business practices. This session will unpack the economic implications of recent federal directives, including their influence on workforce development, funding streams, and organizational strategy. Participants will engage in dialogue on how institutions can adapt while maintaining their commitment to equity and inclusion.
This interactive session uses experiential activities and equity-focused games to spark conversation about bias, privilege, and systemic inequities. By 鈥減laying鈥� through real-world scenarios, participants will gain new insights into the complexities of diversity and inclusion work. The session emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and practical strategies for applying lessons learned to everyday contexts.