Your Response is Power
The purpose of the Diversity Conference is to celebrate, advocate, and educate about
the world’s wide range of cultures, ethnicities, values, and beliefs. It’s a platform
to recognize and honor what makes each individual unique. We welcome you along to
explore these differences to promote positivity, enlightenment, and a safe environment.
Difficult situations present themselves no matter who you are. The 19th Annual Diversity Conference held on March 22, 2024, on the IHCC Ottumwa campus will
help you understand that it’s your response that matters. Your Response is Power.
This is an all-day event. Seating is limited to the first 250 registrants.
Event check-in will begin at 8:00am at the Rural Health Education Center.
Registration rates:
- Early Bird Registration (now until February 26th): $40.00
- Regular Rate (February 27th to March 16th): $50.00
- Late Registration (March 17th to March 22nd): $60.00
Keynote Speakers
Ken Nwadike Jr
Ken E. Nwadike, Jr. is an American documentary filmmaker, motivational speaker, and
peace activist popularly known as the Free Hugs Guy. Ken is the founder of the Free
Hugs Project, which gained popularity as he made major news headlines for his peacekeeping
efforts and de-escalation of violence during protests, riots, and political rallies.
Ken was featured in Google’s 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of
the year’s most defining moments and he has made many appearances on news programs,
including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.
Keynote Speaker Session: 9:00 - 10:00am
“The Power of Positive Human Interaction” - In this fun, creative, and interactive program, Ken brings his “Free Hugs Project”
to engage attendees in conversations of understanding, and compassion amidst the rising
tide of hatred and racism. Ken’s keynote address explores the power of positive human
interaction and ways to bridge the racial divide by spreading love. The goal of this
program is to create unity, civility, and build a more diverse and inclusive culture.
Erica Carter
Erica is a graduate of Western Iowa Tech Community College and was named 2018 alumna
of the year.
Keynote Speaker Session: 2:30 - 3:30pm
“It’s How We Respond That Makes a Difference” - Hard things happen in life, it’s inevitable and something we may not have control
over. Erica Carter shares her journey towards employment and the lessons she learned
after her spinal cord injury. Reentering the work force and despite having a physical
disability, Erica proves that it truly is how we respond that makes the difference.
Breakout Sessions
Session I - 10:15 - 11:15am
“Open Book: A Human Library of Stories”
JJ Kapur, CultureALL AmeriCorps Member and Karen Downing, CultureALL Special Projects
Consultant
Room: RHEC 118
Imagine a library full of stories- not written in books but told through the lessons
learned by people with real life experiences. Meet Open Book, a story-sharing experience
where Iowans from a variety of faiths, countries, sexualities, and disabilities describe
their defining moments and welcome a conversation around common themes that arise
from their stories. Session participants get to converse with Open Books as if they
were talking to an author of a story and learn ways of bringing Open Book storytellers
to their community.
“READY to Stand”
Megan Logan, At- Risk, Family Services Coordinator and Joy Alexander, CEO of River
Hills
Room: RHEC Room 5
The Set Me Free Project® was founded on the belief that every person can take a stand
against human trafficking. Using research-based methods, our READY to Stand Curriculum®
engages participants in meaningful and fun activities designed to inform and empower.
Our READY to Stand Curriculum® offers age-appropriate presentations for learners of
all ages.
- Information discussed during this presentation will be:
- Intrinsic value
- Knowing or being a trustworthy person
- Consent
- Tools to help you prevent or intervene
- Talking points:
- What is Sex Trafficking?
- What is Labor Trafficking?
- Truth/Myths of Trafficking
- Realities of trafficking in your community.
- Why we talk about consent and human trafficking.
- Why we talk about consent and human trafficking.
- How to assist someone involved in human trafficking.
“Growing Up Amish”
Rosemary Miller, Student at Indian Hills Community College
Room: RHEC 117
This session will discuss the trials and tribulations of growing up Amish as well
as the positives of the community like the values and ethics it taught me.
“But You Don’t Look Diverse! - How a Privileged White Girl Became a Director of DEI”
Dr. Holly Stevenson, Optimae LifeServices
Room: Rosenman 34
Throughout my career I have often faced the challenge that I don’t seem diverse enough
to do the work I do or to have the role I have. In this session, I will tell you
about my life and journey to illustrate that diversity is not a synonym for marginalization,
privilege is not a shameful word, and how all of us have an important role to place
in DEI work.
“Allyship 101: From Ally to Co-Conspirator to Accomplice”
Dr. Artemis Preeshl, Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Buena Vista University
Room: Rosenman 46
Dr. Artemis Preeshl will distinguish between Actors, Allies, and Accomplices to understand
how these roles can be applied in higher education. Participants will increase understanding
of the intersection of education and advocacy in diverse communities through working
on scenarios in small groups followed by a reflective group discussion.
“Out of the Closet and Into the Workplace: Empowering Inclusive Dress Code Policies
in the Workplace”
Elliot Hail-Langner (they/them/theirs) Contracts and Assignments Specialist, University
of Iowa & Samantha Gray, M. Ed (she/her/hers) Academic Advisor, University of Iowa
Room: RHEC Conference Room
Attendees will learn:
- Why dress codes can be problematic.
- Strategies for dismantling dress codes.
- How to present yourself with remote work.
- How to empower people to dress authentically.
- Supervisor guidelines for actualizing inclusive dress policies.
- Employee recommendations for requesting changes to dress policies.
“Iowa Latinx Project: Nuestro Iowa”
Dawn Martinez Oropeza, Al Exito Executive Director
Room: Rosenman 121
Latinos in Iowa are the youngest, and fastest growing population, yet there is very
little public discourse that accurately represents who we are and what we contribute
to the state. The work of the Iowa Latinx Project, an initiative led by a cross-section
of Latino leaders, is seeking to advance understanding of the issues surrounding Iowa’s
largest ethnic group through data and stories with the goal of improving the conditions
of our community. The story of Latinos will be shared from the Nuestro Iowa report
released in 2023. Review data surrounding Education, health, Housing, and Economic
Development issues, and explore success stories and discuss ways to close those with
growing gaps. Awareness of the statues of Latinos in Iowa is a necessary step to
advance our community so together we can advance Iowa.
Session II - 1:00 - 2:00pm
“Conversations with Ken”
Ken E. Nwadike, Jr, Free Hugs Project
Room: RHEC 5
Ken brings the group together for important conversations. This is the quiet work
of building relationships. Relationships that change hearts and minds. The relationships
we all really want. The relationships that remind us that we belong. We belong in
unity, we belong in understanding, and we belong in love. Whether through a conference,
keynote, small group leadership facilitation, or breakout workshops, Ken always inspires.
He is a leader’s leader, and he leads with kindness, respect, and hope.
“Growing Up Amish”
Rosemary Miller, Student at Indian Hills Community College
Room: RHEC 117
This session will discuss the trials and tribulations of growing up Amish as well
as the positives of the community like the values and ethics it taught me.
“Be Strong Families Parent Café: Response is Power”
Brooklyn Hayes, Parent Café Coordinator
***Please note that this session is 1.5 hours, starting at 12:30
Room: RHEC Conference Room
Experience a More Perfect Union Parent Café today! Parent Cafes are physically and
emotionally safe spaces where parents and caregivers talk about the challenges and
victories of raising a family. Cafes are structed discussions that use the principles
of adult learning and family support to allow parents to explore parenting in a complicated
and often unjust world. Through individual deep self-reflection and peer-to-peer
learning, participants explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors,
and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their
families.
“Oh Look, A Fraud! Overcoming Imposter Syndrome”
Dr. Holly Stevenson, Optimae LifeServices
Room: Rosenman 34
Imposter Syndrome has become a buzz word lately, but what does it really mean? How
do I know if I have it and, if I do, how do I overcome it? Learn about the different
types of imposter syndrome with a specific focus on how we can overcome these feelings
in the workplace and in an academic setting. This session will also focus on how
imposter syndrome disproportionality impacts marginalized populations, as well as
how a lack of acceptance and belonging is distinct from imposter syndrome.
“Allyship 101: From Ally to Co-Conspirator to Accomplice”
Dr. Artemis Preeshl, Assistant Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Buena Vista University
Room: Rosenman 46
Dr. Artemis Preeshl will distinguish between Actors, Allies, and Accomplices to understand
how these roles can be applied in higher education. Participants will increase understanding
of the intersection of education and advocacy in diverse communities through working
on scenarios in small groups followed by a reflective group discussion.
“Iowa Latinx Project: Nuestro Iowa”
Dawn Martinez Oropeza, Al Exito Executive Director
Room: Rosenman 121
Latinos in Iowa are the youngest, and fastest growing population, yet there is very
little public discourse that accurately represents who we are and what we contribute
to the state. The work of the Iowa Latinx Project, an initiative led by a cross-section
of Latino leaders, is seeking to advance understanding of the issues surrounding Iowa’s
largest ethnic group through data and stories with the goal of improving the conditions
of our community. The story of Latinos will be shared from the Nuestro Iowa report
released in 2023. Review data surrounding Education, health, Housing, and Economic
Development issues, and explore success stories and discuss ways to close those with
growing gaps. Awareness of the statues of Latinos in Iowa is a necessary step to
advance our community so together we can advance Iowa.
“READY to Stand”
Megan Logan, At-Risk, Family Services Coordinator and Jessica Dawdy, School Counselor
Room: Rosenman 120
The Set Me Free Project® was founded on the belief that every person can take a stand
against human trafficking. Using research-based methods, our READY to Stand Curriculum®
engages participants in meaningful and fun activities designed to inform and empower.
Our READY to Stand Curriculum® offers age-appropriate presentations for learners of
all ages.
- Information discussed during this presentation will be:
- Intrinsic value
- Knowing or being a trustworthy person
- Consent
- Tools to help you prevent or intervene
- Talking points:
- What is Sex Trafficking?
- What is Labor Trafficking?
- Truth/Myths of Trafficking
- Realities of trafficking in your community.
- Why we talk about consent and human trafficking.
- Why we talk about consent and human trafficking.
- How to assist someone involved in human trafficking.
“Cultures and Family Roots Influence Personal Lifestyle Choices”
Edith Cabrera-Tello, Indian Hills Community College
Room: Rosenman 5
The power of traditions, legacies, and family trees are the tools that help us live
our dreams. Everything that we do in our lives is a product of our beliefs and our
roots. Learning the stories of our ancestors helps us to appreciate how unique we
are. We learn to accept, honor, and love where we came from.
“Red Earth, Red Roots: A Meskwaki Descendant’s Journey”
Adam D. Potter, PHR/SHRM-CP Mesigesa
Room: RHEC 118
In this session, I will share my personal stories and perspectives as a descendant
of the Meskwaki tribe, also known as the Sac and Fox Tribe of the Mississippi. I
will explore how my Native heritage has shaped my identity, values, and worldview,
as well as the challenges and opportunities I face as a Native American in the contemporary
society.
The following breakout sessions have been approved for Social Work Continuing Education.
Please select up to one (1) program from each of the two Sessions listed below. The cost of each CEU certificate is $10.
Session I - 10:15 - 11:15am
- Growing Up Amish
- Allyship 101: From Ally to Co-Conspirator to Accomplice
- READY to Stand
- Iowa LatinX Project: Nuestro Iowa
Session II - 1:00 - 2:00pm
- Growing Up Amish
- Allyship 101: From Ally to Co-Conspirator to Accomplice
- READY to Stand
- Iowa LatinX Project: Nuestro Iowa
- Oh Look, a Fraud! Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Meal Choices
Lunch will be Catered by Jimmy Johns.
Thank you to Iowa Total Care for sponsoring lunch for all participants.
Choices:
- Big John- Roast beef, lettuce, tomato and mayo
- Totally Tuna- Tuna salad, cucumber, lettuce, and mayo
- Turkey Tom- Turkey, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
- The Veggie- Provolone cheese, avocado spread, cucumber, lettuce, tomato, and mayo
*All options are available "unwich" style (lettuce wrap, no bread).
*All options include a pickle, chips, dessert, and drink
Join Us
Register today!
Additional Information
Sponsors
The Indian Hills Diversity Conference was sponsored, in part, by:
Interested in sponsoring this event in the future?
Complete our sponsorship form
Contact
Jessica Chickering, Director, EOC & SSS
Indian Hills Community College
525 Grandview Avenue
Ottumwa, Iowa 52501
Phone: (641) 683-5133 or (800) 726-2585, ext. 5133
Email: [email protected]
