2024 DEI Conference: Navigating an Unclear Path Together
Webster University’s 9th annual DEI Conference, themed Navigating an Unclear Path Together, was held Feb. 26-27, 2024 on the University's main campus in St. Louis and was viewable online.
The conference went far beyond typical DEI trainings and presentations, focusing on the heart of current issues, challenges and solutions relating to DEI today. This year's theme was specifically designed to delve into the intricacies of "Navigating an Unclear Path Together," with a particular focus on the state of "affirmative action." There were crucial discussions led by local, regional and national experts, who provided insights into how the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action impacts various spheres, including business and corporate spaces, philanthropic organizations and donors and educational institutions. Also addressed were the challenges that schools and universities face considering efforts to ban Black history education.
Although this international gathering of scholars, students, community members and other esteemed partners deeply committed to all things DEI has passed, recordings of all sessions, including the keynote session with president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) and CDF Action Council Rev. Dr. Starsky Wilson, are available for viewing on Webster University's YouTube channel.
To support next year's conference as a sponsor, contact Nathan Pedigo at nathanpedigo@webster.edu or 314-246-4272. Your sponsorship is an investment in the future of education, workplace equity and a more inclusive society. A one-time gift can also be made online. Thank you for your consideration and commitment to this vital cause.
Making a Difference
Webster University is an agent of change for our students, our community and for society. The DEI Conference is a key piece of that change strategy, and we’ve curated it with sessions from compelling thought leaders, interactive workshops and practical exercises that distinguish our conference as a bold and engaging departure from ineffective, boilerplate DEI trainings.
Past Conferences
Since 2016, the Webster University community has prioritized challenging misconceptions and developing positive and accurate stories for our students through in-depth discussions, dialogue sessions and shared experiences at our annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference.
2024 conference
2024 conference: Game Changer of the Year award presented to Katie Fields
2023 conference: transgender inclusion consultant and educator Ben Greene
2023 conference
2022 conference: Fireside chat with Olympian Laurie Hernandez
2022 conference
2021 virtual conference: transgender activist and military veteran Charlotte Clymer
2020 conference: Tea Ceremony
2020 conference
2019 conference
2019 conference
2019 conference
2018 conference
2018 conference
2017 conference
Art Holliday at the 2017 conference
2016 conference
2016 conference
2024: Navigating an Unclear Path Together
Webster University’s 9th annual DEI Conference, themed Navigating an Unclear Path Together, was held Feb. 26-27, 2024 on the University's main campus in St. Louis and was viewable online. This year's theme was specifically designed to delve into the intricacies of "Navigating an Unclear Path Together," with a particular focus on the state of "affirmative action." There were crucial discussions led by local, regional and national experts, who provided insights into how the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling on affirmative action impacts various spheres, including business and corporate spaces, philanthropic organizations and donors and educational institutions. Also addressed were the challenges that schools and universities face considering efforts to ban Black history education.
- Rev. Dr. Starsky D. Wilson | President and CEO | Children's Defense Fund (CDF) and CDF Action Council
- Kelvin Adams, PhD | President and CEO | St. Louis Community Foundation | 2024 DEI Conference Awardee
- Trent Ball | Senior Director of Postsecondary Equity and Attainment | Missouri College and Career Attainment Network
- Jennifer Bell | Director of Financial Aid | Webster University
- Rajika Bhandari, PhD | Founder | Rajika Bhandari Advisors
- Lisa Blazer, PhD | Vice President for Enrollment Management | Webster University
- Larnise Boain | Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Reinsurance Group of America, Inc.
- D'Andre Braddix, EdD | Executive Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | St. Louis Community College
- Vanessa Cooksey ’16 | President and CEO | Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis
- Carol A. Daniel | Senior Producer and Host | Nine PBS
- Katie Fields ’19 | College Outreach Coordinator | Starkloff Disability Institute | 2024 DEI Conference Awardee
- Sharonica Hardin-Bartley, PhD | Superintendent | The School District of University City
- Algerian Hart, PhD | Assistant to the President for Inclusive Engagement | Missouri State University
- Robin Jefferson Higgins, JD | Chair of the Department of Law, Crime and Social Justice | Webster University
- Amy A. Hunter, PhD | Vice President of Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Caleres, Inc.
- Travis R. Kearbey, JD | Managing Partner, St. Louis Office | Quarles & Brady LLP
- Emma Lumpkins ’99, ’02 | Senior Director of Culture, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion | Schnuck Markets, Inc.
- Denver Muirhead | Director of Strategic Operations and Growth | InUni
- Mónica C. Paredes Tuesta ’23 | Program Coordinator | Webster University
- Saint Rice, Jr., PhD | Assistant Dean of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion and Director of Faculty, Staff and Community Engagement | Washington University in St. Louis, MO
- Faith Sandler | Executive Director | Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis
- Jody Sowell, PhD | President and CEO | Missouri Historical Society
- Annie Stevens, PhD | Adjunct Faculty | Webster University
- David Stiffler | Director of Community Relations | Edward Jones
- Alisa Warren, PhD | Executive Director | Missouri Commission on Human Rights
Previous Conferences
Webster University’s 8th annual DEI Conference, themed Focusing on Next-Level Equity Work in a Time of Transition, was held Feb. 27-March 1, 2023 on the University's main campus in St. Louis. The conference went far beyond typical DEI trainings and presentations, focusing on the heart of current issues, challenges and solutions relating to DEI today. This year's theme was specifically designed to take a deep dive into the current global moment, explore timely pertinent issues as they evolve, and elevate tangible solutions for moving us all forward together.
Recognized Speakers
- Michelle Zauner | Author and Musician | Japanese Breakfast
- Kelvin Adams, PhD | Former Superintendent | St. Louis Public Schools
- Rebeccah Bennett | Founder and Principal | Emerging Wisdom LLC & InPower Institute
- Elaine Cha | Host and Producer, “St. Louis on the Air” | St. Louis Public Radio
- James Clark | VP, Division of Public Safety and Community Response | The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Desiree Coleman-Fry | Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, OMWI Officer, and EEO Officer | Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- Simone Cummings | Dean, George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology | Webster University
- Chavon Curry | Assistant Principal |Mason School of Academic and Cultural Literacy, St. Louis Public School District
- Carol Daniel | News Anchor and Talk Show Host | KMOX
- Jessica Echols | Student, Music and Suggs Scholar | Webster University
- Igho Ekakitie | Founder | igowithIGHO
- Yuliya Etinger | Chief Impact Officer | Global University Systems
- Kerri Fair | Adjunct Professor | Webster University
- Vincent Flewellen | Associate Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer | Webster University
- Jasmine Ford | Special Education Teacher | Nance Elementary, Saint Louis Public Schools
- David Gorden | Writer, "Drawn In" Comics and Owner | 4Sight Studio
- Ben Greene | Transgender Inclusion Consultant and Educator
- Lisa Greening | Project Director | Turn the Page
- Meg Geyn | Senior Human Resources Business Partner | Webster University
- Michelle Haupt | Second Grade Teacher | Willow Brook Elementary School, Pattonville SD
- Ebony Jones | Director and Inclusion & Diversity Lead | Accenture Federal Services
- Gabrielle NS Kennedy, MDiv | Interim Executive Director | Faith HEALS
- Adande Lane | Founder | The empowerSHE Network
- L. Michelle Lewis | Attorney | Armstrong Teasdale LLC
- Michelle Li | Anchor | 5 On Your Side
- Sonette Magnus | Partner | Thompson Coburn LLP
- Stephanie Mahfood, PhD | Interim Dean, School of Education | Webster University
- Caroline Manalo | Producer | Lion Forge Animation
- Michael McMillan | President and CEO | Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
- Kate Midgett | VP and Chief Organizational Excellence Officer | Nine PBS
- Hayden Molinarolo | Videographer and Creative Specialist | Webster University
- Sandra Moore | Managing Director and Chief Impact Officer | Advantage Capital
- Muthoni Musangali | Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Professional Counseling | Webster University
- Noelle Nance | Student, Game Design and Suggs Scholar | Webster University
- Dr. Steven Player | VP, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion | BJC HealthCare
- Dr. LJ Punch | Executive Director, Power4STL | Medical Director, The T and The BRIC
- Arionna Ralleigh, EdD | Curriculum Design Manager | Nine PBS
- Nisha Ray Chaudhuri, DBA | Visiting Assistant Professor, Department of Management | Walker School of Business & Technology, Webster University
- Haley Rhiney | Student, Dance | Webster University
- Neal Richardson, MBA | President and CEO | St. Louis Development Corporation
- Basiyr Rodney, EdD | Chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Associate Professor | Webster University
- Alex Stallings | Senior Director of Early Learning | Nine PBS
- Ashley Storman, EdD | Manager of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion | New Honor Society
- Emily Stroble | Student Access Coordinator, Reeg Academic Resource Center | Webster University
- Kristina Vidovic | Early Learning Initiative Manager | Nine PBS
- Alisa Warren, PhD | Executive Director | Missouri Commission on Human Rights
- April Warren-Grice, PhD | Founder and CEO | Liberated Genius LLC
- LaCharla Welch | Graduate Student, Master of Arts in Special Education | Webster University
- Aja J. Williams | VP and Chief Content Officer | Nine PBS
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The Webster University's 7th Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Conference: Every Day Inclusion: Right Here, Right Now! was held both in person and online on March 1-2, 2022, on the Webster Groves campus in Missouri. “What can we do?” It is a common question in response to the social inequities that persist in our communities. This year's conference delivered immediate, practical and impactful ways to practice everyday inclusion as individuals and institutions. We know that community exists wherever we come together under a common purpose or mission. We see the workplace, classroom, board room and civic life — as community.
Recognized Speakers
- Laurie Hernandez |Two-time Olympic Champion in Women's Gymnastics, Author, and Mental Health Advocate
- Rabbi Noah Arnow | Rabbi | Kol Rinah
- Katarina Ausley | Student | Webster University
- Rebeccah Bennett | Founder and Principal | Emerging Wisdom LLC & InPower Institute
- Traci Blackmon | Associate General Minister, Justice and Local Church Ministries |United Church of Christ
- Kwofe Coleman | President and CEO | The Muny
- Vanessa Cooksey | President and CEO | Regional Arts Commission
- Garrett Dohlke | Student | Webster University
- Katie Fields | College Outreach Coordinator | Starkloff Disability Institute
- Anne Geraghty-Rathert | Professor | Webster University
- Ben Greene | Transgender Inclusion Consultant and Educator
- Art Holliday | News Director | 5 On Your Side
- Kendra Holmes, Pharm. D., CHCEF | Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer | Affinia Healthcare
- Kristin Johnson | Chief Human Resources Officer | Edward Jones
- DJ Kaiser, Ph.D. | Professor and Director, Teaching English as a Second Language | Webster University
- Michelle Li | Anchor | 5 On Your Side
- Emma Lumpkins | Senior Director, DE&I | Schnuck Markets, Inc.
- Elvir Mandzukic | Faculty Development Center | Webster University
- Muthoni Musangali | Associate Professor | Webster University
- Swami Nishpapananda | Assistant Minister | Vedanta Society of St Louis
- Valerie E. Patton | Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer/President | Greater St. Louis, Inc./Greater St. Louis Foundation
- Sekhar Prabhakar | CEO | CEdge
- Paul Steger | Dean, Leigh Gerdine College of Fine Arts | Webster University
- Paul Stroble, Ph.D | Professor | Webster University and Eden Theological Seminary
- Sonji R. Young | Global Vice President Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) | Armstrong Teasdale LLP
Related Media
The 6th annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was, for the first time, held virtually on Feb. 23-25, 2021. The powerful and insightful conference featured nationally renowned speakers, lectures and panel discussions designed to share experiences, research and emerging trends.
Recognized Speakers
- Charlotte Clymer| Transgender Activist, Military Veteran
- Patrisse Cullors |Co-founded the global Black Lives Matter movement in 2013
Related Media
Our 5th annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 24-27, 2020. Diversity and inclusion are not only critical to our success, they are what constitute a strong and loving community. A diverse and inclusive community fosters unprecedented innovation, and also cultivates a community of understanding, a community of compassion, a community that stays vigilant in dismantling bigotry, and a community that rages against the death of tolerance and justice. This powerful and insightful conference featured a keynote address, lectures, film screenings, panel discussions and demonstrations designed to share experiences, research and emerging trends.
Recognized Speakers
- Sam White Civic Entrepreneur and Advocate | @samwhiteout
- Michele Norris |Peabody Award-winning Journalist and Founder of The Race Card Project | @michele_norris
- Aisha Sultan |Syndicated Columnist and Independent Filmmaker | @AishaS
- Shelly Tochluk |Witnessing Whiteness | @shellytochluck
Related Media
Our 4th annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 26-28, 2019. From Webster's inception, we have been an institution that opened worlds that were previously closed to students. Our student body has become increasingly diverse in every way. We are a microcosm of the world across the Webster campus network and within each campus. This powerful and insightful conference featured a keynote address, lectures, panel discussions and a theatrical performance designed to share experiences, research and emerging trends.
Recognized Speakers
- Marilyn F. Booker| Managing Director and Head of Urban Markets Group, Morgan Stanley Wealth Management
- Jackie Joyner-Kersee| Olympian; Founder and CEO, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation
- Neal Richardson |Head of Financial Education Strategy, U.S. Bank; Co-Founder and President, Dream Builders 4 Equity
Related Media
Our 3rd annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 28-March 1, 2018. In prior conferences, we have focused panels and speakers on populations who have struggled to be included with equity and dignity. While this conference does explore the role of women and media, current issues with immigration and our keynote which focuses on racism, we have elevated the discourse in other sessions across many demographics. We want to examine hate speech, activism, the criminal justice system — even diversity of thought. We are also varying the format — giving everyone an opportunity to participate in a variety of ways, awakening habits and thought patterns we may not even know we have.
Recognized Speakers
- Dr. Donald Suggs |Publisher and Executive Editor of St. Louis American
Our 2nd annual Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, March 1-2, 2017. How can we make progress on this continuous path to equity? We can build on the knowledge we already hold, seeking to learn from and with each other. We can join with our neighbors to address the most pressing concerns from humanitarian and environmental perspectives. We can learn from speakers at this forum what next steps are needed. We will maintain our focus — staying true to our core values — by continuing to learn, to create, to listen to each other, to seek the best in each other, and to want the best for each other.
Recognized Speakers
- Joan Lipkin| Artistic Director, That Uppity Theatre Company
- Art Holliday |Broadcaster, KSDK NewsChannel 5
Our inaugural Diversity & Inclusion Conference was free and open to the public on our Webster Groves campus, Feb. 29–March 1, 2016. Keynote addresses, student panel discussions, and facilitated dialogue sessions will be planned to create opportunities for those present to share their experiences, research, and emerging trends in creating communities that embrace diversity in ways that welcome and include. The intention during these two days is to explore ways to move forward on the continuous path of equity, valuing the strength that comes from the diversity of the community.
Recognized Speakers
- Lee A. Gill | Chief Diversity Officer and Special Assistant to the President at Clemson University
- Adis M. Vila | Senior Fellow for the Institute for Cross Cultural Management at Florida Institute of Technology
- Julia Serano | Writer, Performer, Activist and Author
- Tahil Sharma| Youth Representative for the Parliament of the World’s Religions to the United Nations
“What I found through Ferguson, what I found through Michael Brown, is that I liked speaking into people. I like speaking power to people. I like waking people up.”
Mission Director of The International Black Freedom Alliance
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