Since 2004, Harper College has hosted an annual Diversity Symposium. The diversity
symposium provides Harper’s employees with a unique opportunity to learn and discuss
important topics that are centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keynote
speakers, breakout sessions, and critical conversation
s create an atmosphere of reflection and transformation. All employees are invited and encouraged to attend the facilitated
discussions and presentations that occur throughout the symposium. The discussions and activities highlight a variety of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics that
promote critical thinking and reflection. This annual event continues to be an anchor
for many employees.
The 2024 Diversity Symposium was held on Friday, October 18, 2024. The theme was "The Bridge: On the Journey Toward Economic Justice." Keynote speakers included Tracie McMillan and Dr. Bobby J. Smith. Breakout sessions speakers included Anita Rehberg, Annie Sylvester, DuBoi McCarty, Elizabeth Barahona, Kristyn Meyer, Dr. Lucille Eckrich, Robert Larson, and Dr. Sonnet Gabbard.
Click Here to View the Opening Keynote Address.
Click Here to View the Closing Keynote Address.
2023: Theme: ANTI: Meeting at the Intersection of Oppressions
Keynote speakers: Dr. Nataka Moore and Dr. Joseph Flynn. Breakout sessions included presentations by Dr. Brian Cremins, Rebecca Ramirez-Malagon, Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis, Moe Ari Brown, LMFT, Dr. Nina Shoman-Dajani, and Dr. David Shih.
Click Here to View the Opening Keynote Address.
Click Here to View the Closing Address.
2022: Theme: Understanding Systemic Racism: Past, Present, and Making it Personal
Keynote speakers: Dr. David Shih and Amanda Mesirow. Breakout sessions included presentations by Chicago Compass Consulting, LLC, Dr. Durene Wheeler, and Dr. Scott Cashman.
Click here to view the Opening Keynote address.
Click here to view the Closing Keynote address.
2021: Theme: Mental Health Awareness
A panel discussion was led by LaVonya Williams, DuBoi McCarty, and Jason Altmann. Guest speakers: Becky Fein, Jennifer Wegener, LCPC, CEAP, Andrew Wade, Stefan Bjes, M.S, Elle McClinton, Beth Ripperger, and Cindy Washburn.
2020: Theme: Disability and Ableism
Keynote speaker: Dr. Stephanie Cawthon. Guest speaker: Dr. Richard Reddick.
2019: Theme: Indigenous Populations
Guest speakers: Dr. Anton Treuer and Adam Lopez.
2018: Theme: Latinx Success Commitment at Harper
Keynote speaker: Dr. Michael Benitez. Guest speakers: Harper College’s Latinx Success Taskforce team.
2017: Theme: Student Persistence
Keynote speaker: Tom Brown. Guest speakers: José Leyba and Mario Rivas.
2016: Theme: Understanding Veterans and Deconstructing Gender
Keynote speaker: Kristin Beck. Guest speakers: Kelly Holt, a student veterans panel, and a panel discussion with the “Staff, Administrations and Faculty for Equality” (SAFE) Employee Resource Group.
2015: Theme: Global Aspects of Diversity and their Local Impact.
Keynote speaker: Steve Pemberton. Guest speakers: Dr. Michael Armato, Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza, and Dr. Maria Krysan.
2014: Keynote speaker: James Wright “Unconscious Bias.”
2004-2013: A wide range of DEI practitioners, clinicians, and guest speakers contributed to Harper’s DEI Symposiums. Past guest speakers included Dick Gregory and Tim Wise.