The Office of Economic Engagement has partnered with the Alumni Association to leverage their lifelong learning platform, Beyond MU, to host two virtual “Community Engagement Conversations” focusing on issues of racial equity, the social determinants of health and COVID-19.
This year, due to the pandemic and the new virtual platform, these Community Engagement Conversations will replace the usual Community Engagement symposium. Conversations will take place in the form of panel discussions; leaders from various sectors of the Milwaukee community will serve as panelists.
Sponsored by Ascension Wisconsin, events will take place in the fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters.
In collaboration with the Marquette Forum, the Office of Economic Engagement will host the first event, “Pursuing Racial Justice and Equity through Community Engagement,” on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 8:30 a.m. (CT).
The panel will be moderated by Sheena Carey, Jour ’81, Grad ’83, internship director and lecturer in the Diederich College of Communication.
President Michael R. Lovell will provide opening remarks.
Panelists include:
- Meralis Hood, Comm ’02, market president at City Year
- Antonina Olszewski, local leader, director of spiritual care at Ascension Wisconsin (she also leads Ascension’s national diversity and inclusion initiative)
- William Welburn, vice president for inclusive excellence at Marquette University
The panel discussion will consider the various settings in which panelists work and the approaches they have taken to advance racial justice and equity through their efforts in community engagement.
Whether identifying and changing institutional/industry policies and procedures—or leveraging more intentional and strategic initiatives to elevate opportunities through partnership—panelists will discuss the critical role racial justice and equity must play in current and future community engagement efforts.
Space is limited; register via Zoom.
Visit the Office of Economic Engagement website for more information, including the full Community Engagement Conversations schedule and panelist bios.
With questions or special needs, contact University Special Events at (414) 288-7431.
About the Marquette Forum
Through a series of events and educational opportunities, the Marquette Forum engages the Marquette and Milwaukee communities in conversations around racial justice and equity. This year’s theme is “Acknowledging and Healing the Wounds of Racial Injustice.”
