October 27, 2023
Midwest Bridging Equity Conference

Midwest Bridging Equity: Creating Innovative Spaces for K-12 and Higher Education Conference

Register today for this unique experience.

The illustrious Oakland Community College (OCC) in beautiful Auburn Hills, Michigan will be the meeting place of the inaugural Midwestern DEI Conference on Bridging Equity: Creating Innovative Spaces for K-12 and Higher Education on Friday, October 27, 2023.

This is a transdisciplinary meeting of teachers, administrators and faculty members, spanning educational settings from grades K-12, two-year community colleges, and four-year colleges and universities. The uniqueness of this event is key, as each of the aforementioned educational settings typically operates within its own separate sphere of influence. Rarely is there an opportunity to share best practices in the delivery of student services. The novel nature of educators, regardless of the educational setting, gathering to share cutting-edge pedagogical strategies is not only a rare occurrence but is potentially vital in the evolving landscape of meeting student needs. Participants will receive certificates of attendance for 8 hours. State Continuing Education Clock Hours (SCECHs) will be awarded through the Michigan Counseling Association.

The cost of the conference is $175, which includes:

  • Access to all sessions and associated resources
  • Continental breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Priceless ability to network with newly discovered professional colleagues and friends

Space is limited so register soon.

Conference Details

Agenda

Time Topic

7:30 am – 8:00 am

Registration

7:30 am – 8:00 am

Continental Breakfast

8:00 am – 8:30 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:30 am – 9:15 am

Keynote – state of DEI

9:20 am – 10:20 am

Understanding Students Rights and Accessibility Challenges Between K12 & Higher Education 

10:25 am – 10:35 am

Break

10:40 am – 11:40 am

Trauma Informed Practices: Supporting Learners Impacted by adverse childhood experiences 

11:45 am – 12:15 pm

Lunch

Sponsored by Maresa Murray, PhD, who is a Clinical Associate Professor of Human Development and Family Studies in the Department of Applied Health Science within the School of Public Health-Bloomington, at Indiana University

12:20 pm – 1:20 pm

Highlights and Detours towards an equitable educational experience in K-12 and Higher Ed   

1:20 pm – 2:00 pm

Hot Topics:  The changing landscape of language 

2:00 pm – 2:15 pm

Break

2:15 pm – 3:15 pm

Words Hurt: How Implicit Bias and Stereotypes Influence Student Success 

3:15 pm – 4:00 pm

Moving Forward & Closing Remarks  

Committee Members

  • Kristina M. Marshall, JD, Conference Chair and Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice at Oakland Community College
  • Nina Shoman-Dajani, Ed. D., Assistant Dean, Learning Enrichment & College Readiness; Moraine Valley Community College (Palos Hills, Illinois)
  • Kirsten Moffler-Daykin, EdD/TESOL, Learning Commons Manager, Learner Support and Transition Division, Student Success Center, Western Technical College (La Crosse, WIP
  • Kimberly L. Martin, Ph.D.; DEI Coordinator; Royal Oak Schools (Royal Oak, Michigan)
  • Maresa Murray, Ph.D.; Associate Clinical Professor – Human Development and Family Studies, Director of Undergraduate Studies Department of Applied Science; Supervisor of Adjunct Faculty Members - Department of Applied Science, School of Public Health - Bloomington; Indiana University
  • Nicole Sherman Patterson Ph.D.; Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Learning Specialist; Shaker Heights Schools (Shaker Heights, Ohio)

Airport Information

Detroit Metro Airport (DTW)
11050 Rogell Drive #602, Detroit, MI 48242

Hotel Accommodations

Embassy Suits by Hilton – Auburn Hills 
2300 Featherstone Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
248.334.2222
Distance from Campus: 1 mile

Restaurants in the Area

Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce Restaurant list

Shopping

Great Lakes Crossing Outlet

Accessibility Requests

Oakland Community College is committed to recognizing accessibility requests so that registrants can fully enjoy the conference experience. In order to ensure accommodation of these requests, please indicate these on your conference registration form by October 6.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations must be made in writing and sent to kmmarsha@oaklandcc.edu. Cancellation requests received after October 13, and conference no-shows are ineligible for refunds. Conference organizers will issue refunds within 30 days of the request. Please note that registrations are transferable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should attend?

This Conference is designed for diversity officers; college/university and K-12-level educators and administrators; counselors, and those working with student who are all seeking new innovative, forward thinking diversity, equity and inclusion strategies.

What is the attire?

Business casual.