Workshop Description: As a concerned citizen, a Water Protector, I'd like to share what I have been inspired to do, to protect the Bad River, the river that runs through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indian reservation, just a few hours away, in northern Wisconsin. I will show excerpts of the film "Bad River" and discuss what you can do to help take care of our lands, waters, and look out for our next Seven Generations. I hope to inspire you to take actions in your own lives to preserve our most precious resources.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Environmental justice, Indigenous rights
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Misty M. Jackson, or Binesi ogiizhik gookwe (Thunderbird Sky Woman in Ojibwemowin), the eldest daughter of Dana Jackson (Bad River Ojibwe) and Christine Doud (Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe), grew up near the shores of Lake Superior on the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indian reservation in northern Wisconsin.
She graduated from Ashland High School, then attended Northland College (Ashland, WI). She wanted to travel the world, so decided to go active duty in the United States Army in 2001. She was stationed in Texas, Germany, Washington, Montana and Arizona, with deployments to Kuwait (2005) and Iraq (2007). She retired honorably in 2015.
Since then, she has volunteered in her local tribal communities, bringing attention to ensuring our natural resources are protected. She has declared herself a Water Protector, and takes part in many activities and ceremonies. She helped organize fundraisers/benefits for the annual WaterWays Walk, held each spring in Lac du Flambeau, Wisconsin, to honor Nibi, our Water. She spent time as an active Water Protector in Standing Rock, North Dakota, in 2016-2017. She continues to do traditional maple syrup/sugar camps, wild ricing, hunting and fishing, each year in northern Wisconsin with her family. She participates in a Sun Dance each summer in Crow Agency, Montana.
She attained a Native American Studies degree from Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, and is currently on an extended break from UW-Madison to care for her toddler son, but is working towards a Neurobiology degree and is interested in Health Care and Education.
She works part-time for MMSD as a Tutor, and also as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Coordinator, inspiring the Native American/Indigenous youth in STEM/STEAM professions. She also works as a Downhill Ski instructor during the snowy months.
She is active with the Bad River American Legion Post 25, Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe Veterans group, as well as the United Indigenous Women Veterans. She takes part in Honor and Color Guards for annual powwows, the State of the Tribes address in Madison, and other wonderful events throughout Wisconsin, the United States and internationally. She was a member of the 2019 and 2024 Charles Norman Shay Delegations, traveling to and honoring WWII veterans in commemoration of D-Day in Normandie, France. She also serves as Executive Secretary for the Board of Directors for Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg, IL.
She has recently served on advisory committees for the Humanities Education for Anti-racism Literacy (HEAL) in the Sciences and Medicine project at UW-Madison, Healing From Within (UW-Madison), as well as for Family Voices of Wisconsin. She takes a continued special interest in diversity and inclusion and health equity.
Hobbies include downhill skiing, snowboarding, traveling, biking, beading, sewing, and reading, but mostly chasing her super fun toddler around.
Workshop Description: This workshop focuses on empowering youth to take an active role in ending gun violence. Participants will learn about efforts to promote stronger gun laws, community-based violence prevention, and the importance of advocacy. Through interactive exercises, they will explore how to effectively use their voices to influence lawmakers, raise awareness, and drive change. The workshop will provide practical tools for organizing campaigns, writing letters, and engaging in grassroots activism to create a safer, more informed future.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Movement, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Darrell Lofton is the Program Manager and Youth Coordinator at WAVE (Wisconsin Anti Violence Education fund) and former SP/ED teacher at West Allis Central High School.
Workshop Description: This workshop explores the strategies and tactics used by 19th-century abolitionists to challenge the systemic injustice of slavery. Students will analyze diverse approaches, including moral persuasion, political advocacy, and direct action, to understand how social movements create change. They will then apply these historical strategies to a contemporary issue of their choice, adapting and expanding them to fit modern challenges. By the end of the session, students will have a deeper understanding of activism and a framework for making meaningful change in their communities.
Participants can expect: Reading & Discussion, Problem-solving, Advocacy / Action, Verbal Presentation / Lecture
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: David Ross is a former West High social studies teacher. He is excited to help facilitate a dynamic equity workshop where students can engage in thought-provoking conversations about contemporary issues. Throughout his thirty years of teaching at West High, he taught philosophy, the Middle East, APUSH, and social issues.
Workshop Description: Discover how to lead meaningful conversations that encourage open-mindedness, curiosity, and deeper learning. In this interactive workshop, you'll practice strategies for active listening, asking thoughtful questions, and guiding discussions that respect diverse perspectives. Gain the confidence and skills to facilitate engaging dialogues in school, your community, and beyond!
Participants can expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Small group work, Movement, Verbal Presentation / Lecture
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bio: Mouna Algahaithi is a local community organizer and experienced facilitator with over a decade of experience.
Workshop Description: Safe Communities focuses on Drug Harm Reduction and Recovery, Falls Prevention, Traffic Safety and Suicide Prevention. Learn about Direct Peer Support from people with lived experience whether it be substance use, incarceration and/or mental health challenges.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Reading & Discussion, Movement, Advocacy / Action, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A, Debate, Open discussion and Q@A is strongly welcomed after initial presentation
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Deonte Thompson. Born and Raised in Madison, I originate from the Coho Drive and Allied Drive areas.
Lifestyle Reform is my Path, Expanding opportunities and Cultivating Potential is my Purpose. My passion comes from my experiences with incarceration and also my own recovery journey. I’m striving to be the best version of myself and rewrite my story.
Workshop Description: Explore the powerful connection between Greek life and civic engagement on college campuses. Learn how LTA's civic engagement has strengthen leadership skills and prepare you for the future.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Movement, Q&A
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Info: The purpose of Lambda Theta Alpha shall be to provide a sisterhood based on Unity, Love, and Respect; to provide social and cultural activities; and to carry on charitable and educational programs to promote leadership, maintain high academic standards; and serve as a voice for the Latino community.
Mariela Sida - Chapter President
Surina Martinez - Chapter Orientation Advisor
Rosi Perez - Co Historian
Ximena Sanchez - Chapter Secretary
Workshop Description: The focus of this workshop is to reflect on our own identities and how they impact how we move through our lives and our perceptions of ourselves, others, situations, and systems. We'll start with an individual worksheet and move into group activity and discussion of prompts to dive deeper into the self-work and learn about and from one another in the process. Breaking down how our identities influence our thought processes and actions can give us better understanding of ourselves and others. These topics are vulnerable by nature so come with an open mind and humility, we're all in different places in our self-learning and life more generally - be prepared to have grace for yourself and others.
Participants can expect: Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Movement, Game(s)
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bios: Emily Bender Fassbender and Andi Koene are Youth Advocates at Briarpatch Youth Services
Workshop Description: What does it mean to be a civic leader, to have political power, and move change? Understand and explore civic engagement, by learning more about grassroots organizing, mobilization, and advocacy that can build the political power of the next generation of young people: You!
Participants can expect: Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Small group work, Movement, Advocacy / Action
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Maia Pearson, a graduate of Madison West High School, is the Vice President of Madison's Board of Education, serving on the board since 2021. Maia has over a decade of organizing experience, including running successful grassroots campaigns focused on engaging young people and communities of color. Maia has and continues to work directly with the community, government agencies, and local and national nonprofit organizations, focusing on issues around education, food and housing access, and equity in development. Maia received her bachelor's degree in International Relations and East Asian Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Workshop Description: This workshop will equip high school students with the tools to create impactful marketing messages that drive awareness and inspire action for social issues they care about. Through hands-on activities and real-world examples, students will learn how to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. Participants will leave with practical strategies to use their voices effectively in promoting positive social change.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Small group work, Advocacy / Action, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Writing
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bio: Tom Beckman has built a career with work around the world that combines strategic thinking, creative energy and extensive experience to help organizations communicate effectively with customers, members of the media, employees, industry influencers and other key stakeholders. He also created and teaches a course in the School of Journalism at UW Madison on marketing message strategies.
Workshop Description: Join Hector Portillo, Aracely Portillo, and Brian Kenney to discuss overcoming barriers through engaging activities that empower Latino youth in Dane County through leadership training and opportunities.
Participants can expect: Hands-on Activity, Problem-solving, Movement, Game(s)
This workshop is offered: AM, Sessions 1 & 2
Speaker Bios:
Hector Portillo is the executive director of PADRES E HIJOS EN ACCION. Padres e Hijos en Accion is a grassroots organization of individuals with disabilities, their families, friends, and community members building fulfilling and community-centered lives for Latino children. He works with Latino Hispanic families and other culturally diverse populations to provide information, resources, and support for families of students with disabilities.
Hector is a moderator of PADRES E HIJOS EN ACCION’s Radio Show that takes place monthly on move 1480 AM
He has worked as a Family Engagement Coordinator for a Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI) Cooperative Educational Service Agency 2 (CESA 2) in southern Wisconsin I worked as an Academic Case Manager at the Latino Academic of Workforce Development (LAWD). I had opportunities to help LAWD to assist the Latino Community with bilingual education and employment programs, also worked with families, schools (MATC), and community agencies (Centro Hispano, and Job Connect) to support building positive partnerships.
Brian Kenney has been an educator for 25 years and is the founder and current owner of Team Extreme LLC. Brian graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Psychology and Criminal Justice. Later he received a BA in Social Work from Upper Iowa University, followed by an MS degree in Education from UW Stevens Point. Team Extreme LLC specializes in working with all types of teams to assist them in improving their leadership skills and abilities to harness team cohesion. Brian is focused on increasing human connections, growing a thriving culture, and creating a positive and outcome-based climate.
Aracely Portillo of Waisman center has been coaching youth from Padres e Hijos en Accion in self-determination and panel presentations. Aracely has several roles at the Waisman Center. She is the Bilingual Family Support Specialist for the Youth Health Transition Initiative. She is also a Resource Guide for the Children’s Resource Center-South.
Workshop Description: What is rape culture and, more importantly, what can we do about it? Join RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center to discuss what rape culture is, how it appears in our day-to-day lives, and how to effectively address it.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Problem-solving, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A
This workshop is offered: PM, Sessions 3 & 4
Speaker Bio: Courtney Schwalbach (she/they) is the Prevention Specialist/GameChangers Coordinator at RCC Sexual Violence Resource Center, one of the oldest rape crisis centers in the United States. At RCC, they work with various groups of young activists to facilitate and empower their visions for communities free from sexual violence. In her role as coordinator, she brings a background in youth work and community education, as well as lived experiences as a queer survivor. They hold a degree in Gender & Women's Studies, Legal Studies, & Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin.
Workshop Description: Opportunity is not distributed equally in most cities, including Madison. Decisions about where and how we invest in things like housing, highways and schools can have a big impact on life outcomes in neighborhoods. This session will review 20th-century urban planning practices that damaged BIPOC communities and current challenges and solutions for the equitable city. Expect some discussion and debate about how the city should change over time.
Participants can expect: Discussion, Verbal Presentation / Lecture, Q&A, Debate
This workshop is offered: All Day, Sessions 1-4
Speaker Bio: Jason Valerius, AICP is Executive Director of the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission. He has worked as a community planner for the past two decades helping communities across the Midwest address topics like housing, recreation, population change, sustainability and urban design. He enjoys community engagement efforts, finding ways to get people involved in guiding the future of their community.