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About the WHS Equity Symposium
About the WHS Equity Symposium
What began as a half day experiment, in the spring of 2024, has become a vibrant annual event and celebration.
In 2025, we proudly hosted 200 organizers, scholars, performers, and artists who led over 100 workshops, all demonstrating how their work contributes to a more just and equitable community.
This professional conference is a unique opportunity for our West students and staff. It's not just a career fair; it empowers our students and staff to dive into topics they care about, build valuable skills, and forge connections with dedicated community members and peers.
We envision a day where every student feels valued, uplifted, and deeply connected to the learning experience. For 2026, we're dedicated to ensuring our workshops reflect the rich diversity of our students' identities, interests, and backgrounds.
To learn more or get involved please reach out to Sarah Quinn.
If you are interesting in hosting a workshop for our 2026 Equity Symposium, please visit the presenter page
If you are interesting in hosting a workshop for our 2026 Equity Symposium, please visit the presenter page
2026 Student Registration will be March 3-17
2026 Student Registration will be March 3-17
We had over 100 incredible workshops for 2025!
Thank you to all of our fantastic speakers from 2025!
The symposium explores the following questions:
What does equity work look like in Dane county?
How does the work being done impact specific populations to build a more just and sustainable future for all?
How can students share their perspectives, contribute ideas, and be involved in the work?
Values:
We value student leadership and voice: the symposium builds off of topics that students have elevated in our internal equity work.
We value opportunities for students and staff to learn together from community organizers, scholars, and leaders.
The Equity Symposium aligns with West HOUSE values (Humanity, Ownership, Unity, Scholarship, Equity).
Goals:
Increase exposure and awareness of the wide-range of equity work in Madison-area communities.
Connect participants around shared histories, culture, and identities.
Nurture student empowerment and agency: students have choice in the workshops they attend and will have opportunities to share their perspectives, questions, and ideas with presenters.
Action: students and staff build skills to make meaningful change within and potentially beyond their spheres of influence.
Build networks between West students, staff, and presenters, opening doors for meaningful collaboration and future experiential learning.
Press:
Press:
Thank you to our Generous Community Partners!
Thank you to our Generous Community Partners!
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