Navigating the Crossroads: Women's Journey Through Intersectionality in the Workplace Room 208

Milagros Marrero-Johnson 

Director of Strategic Programming, Adjunct Faculty, School of Social Work 

Naa Opoku 

Mental Health Clinician, Student Health and Wellness 

Attendees will embark on an engaging round table discussion where they will intimately explore the intricate concept of Intersectional Identities. Through a structured timeline exercise, attendees will dissect pivotal moments, scrutinizing their profound impact, both advantageous and adverse, on individual professional identities. This session promises a rigorous examination of the multifaceted intersections of race, gender, and other salient factors within the professional landscape. 

Without You There Is No Union: Building Power Through Collective Action Room 207

Emily Demicco Grace Easterly

Field Representative, AFT CT President, GEU-UAW

Elizabeth Sullivan Sam Sommers

Executive Director, UCPEA Asst Professor in Residence, English & American Studies

A diverse and inclusive labor movement is essential to connecting with and representing the workforce of tomorrow. As UConn continues to grow and expand their work, the unions are individually and collectively in a great position to support and engage all members in the discussion on creating an inclusive, supportive workplace environment.  Join leaders from the UConn Labor Coalition for a discussion on how membership IS the union, and how workers members can build and sustain strong organizations to continue to support each other and create stability for the entire community.  In this session we will start with a short history of unions on our campus and then, through group activity and discussion, we will build an understanding of how we are all connected in our work and ways we brainstorm ways union members can work together to can support a collective vision for the future of our UConn community. Participants will walk away with knowledge of collective bargaining, connections across multiple unions, and ideas for how to be involved in key issues. 

Expose Your Imposter: Know Your Worth Room 308

Trisha Hawthorne-Noble 

Director, Leadership and Organizational Development/Associate Director of Student Activities 

Exposing and Conquering your Imposter Syndrome; Know Your Worth is a dynamic workshop designed to empower professionals, staff, faculty, and students to embrace their value and combat self-doubt. Through immersive activities and supportive discussions, attendees will cultivate resilience and confidence. Additionally, the session will provide definitions, real-life examples, and a sense of solidarity in the shared struggle against imposter syndrome. 

Building A Dialogic Culture at UConn Room 206

Noga Shemer 

Associate Professor in Residence

Faculty Affiliate, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Anthropology 

This workshop will introduce structured dialogues as a versatile tool for reshaping communication cultures and creating spaces for equitable participation.  Participants will experience its structure firsthand while exploring its potential in their own environments, followed by a presentation of models used in the classroom and an academic department. 

Mindful Drawing (Session Full) Alexey von Schlippe Gallery

Jeanne Ciravolo

Assistant Professor in Residence, Department of Art and Art History 

Director, Alexey von Schlippe Gallery 

Mindful Drawing applies the principles of mindfulness – deliberately paying attention with kindly awareness and without judging – to mark making. In this session you will be taking a line for a walk, closely observing natural objects, and exploring your imagination through experimentation.