Diversity Conference Session 1 Descriptions

We look forward to welcoming you to the

2025 Diversity Conference
on March 26th

Integrating Visual Communication and Psychology to Advocate for the Empowerment of Women of Color: An Interdisciplinary Approach

This session explores how visual communication, data science, and psychology empower women of color. Participants will learn how design, color theory, and visual rhetoric enhance principles of empowerment and identity. Presentations will show how visual strategies challenge stereotypes and promote empowerment. A co-taught class plan blends both disciplines to create an inclusive learning environment. The session offers theories and practical tools for using an interdisciplinary approach to drive social change and foster empowerment through visual storytelling and psychological insights.

Transforming Imposter Syndrome to Build an Inclusive Future

Do you experience Imposter Syndrome? If you worry about being not enough, or being exposed as a fraud, you’re in good company: an estimated 70% of people experience imposter syndrome. This interactive session seeks to reframe “syndrome” as “phenomenon” --in recognition of the social factors that perpetuate it, particularly for marginalized populations.This session invites deeper understanding through mutual sharing of experiences, stories, and strategies. Together, we seek to transform imposter phenomenon in order to build an inclusive future where all members of a community belong and matter.

Family and Staff Perceptions of Services in the Shenandoah Valley Migrant Education Program (SVMEP)

SVMEP supports families to help children succeed in school. SVMEP provides an array of services including tutoring, interpretation, etc. The study purpose was to compare services rendered with those that participants perceived they used. Findings showed a discrepancy among program staff and participants in services rendered (e.g., referrals); however, there was consistency in 3 services - in-home tutoring, home visits, and free supplies. Future program changes could look at how services provided are described to families and understanding areas of highest need among families in SVMEP.

Fostering Inclusivity: Strategies for Faculty to Empower and Support International Students in Diverse Learning Environments

This session explores findings from focus groups conducted at James Madison University (JMU) with 20 international graduate students, shedding light on their experiences, challenges, and the unique support needs they face. While students expressed appreciation for JMU’s welcoming environment, faculty, staff, and resources like the Center for Global Engagement (CGE) and International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS), they also identified significant challenges. Immigration restrictions limit their job prospects, highlighting areas where faculty can offer targeted support. Attendees will gain insights into these experiences and actionable strategies for fostering an inclusive and empowering learning environment for international students.

How an Inclusive Past Creates an Inclusive Future: The Role of JMU's Campus History Committee, 2016 to present.

In 2016, senior leaders charged the Campus History Committee with researching this institution's fascinating past and developing ways to ensure that the stories being told to our various constituents (including students, parents, alumni, the community, etc.) are inclusive, accurate, and relevant. Come find out about our various projects (building names, exhibits, walking tours, speakers, oral history) and learn how this work fosters inclusion and belonging in the present. Participants will also be introduced to a self-guided tour of sites on the Quad they can take using their phones.

Addressing JMU Student Basic Needs to Create a More Inclusive University

In our session we will present data from the 2023 Basic Needs Advisory Board (BNAB) survey on student basic needs, mental health, and academics. In addition to provide data, the team will discuss ways to better support these students in both the classroom and JMU at-large. The team will also present initiatives from other universities across the country’s efforts to better support students. Participants will walk away with an understanding about our students and with some actionable steps to support them. By having a better understanding of our students’ needs, we hope to work together as a university community to create a campus that supports the needs of ALL students as well as become an innovative hub to find creative ways to support students.

Becoming a Dementia Friend

Dementia Friends is an international movement that promotes advocacy for those living with dementia and the families who love them. Participants will gain strong tools to better support positive relationships and engagments.

Engaging in Inquiry Research: Graduate Student’s Experience in Exploring Instructional Strategies for Teaching Mathematics to Multilingual Learners

Discover how an inquiry-driven curriculum in a second language acquisition course empowered a graduate preservice teacher to examine effective teaching strategies for multilingual learners in a math classroom. With the growing population of multilingual students in the U.S., this session highlights the crucial role of teacher educators in preparing future teachers with culturally responsive strategies. Learn how one teacher educator designed a curriculum to support a preservice teacher in exploring teaching strategies to promote educational justice and inclusivity for multilingual learners.

Beyond Democracy Barriers: Civic Engagement for All

Each election season, a number of individuals within American communities may feel that they do not have a voice in the democratic process. Immigrant, refugee and marginalized populations possess the right to voter education, and there are ways to bridge the gap between feelings of isolation and engaged citizenship. This presentation will provide specific, relevant, and timely information about ways to provide support to overcome this type of democratic barrier. After the presentation, open and honest dialogue will be facilitated in small groups to encourage diverse perspectives.

Room of DEIAB Resource Exchange: Strategies, Scholarship, and Sector-Specific Tools

Join James Madison University’s Chief Diversity Officer in a dynamic resource room designed for professionals engaged in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) work. This resource room offers a unique opportunity to explore and exchange scholarly materials, co-curricular frameworks, and sector-specific tools that support institutional and organizational DEIAB initiatives.

Attendees will gain access to a curated collection of strategy documents and a comprehensive communication guide developed by JMU affiliates who work close in proximity to this critical scope of work. Whether you are seeking evidence-based approaches, practical implementation guides, or collaborative opportunities, time in this resource room will equip you with valuable insights and tangible resources to enhance your DEIAB efforts. Connect, share, and leave with actionable tools to advance inclusive excellence in your sphere of influence.

2025 Diversity Conference on March 26th