Iowa Memorial Union
2nd Floor Ballroom

TBD

Title:  TYPE-CAST (interactive spoken-word performance/ motivational speech)   

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, performance poet Steven Willis uses his poetic and theatrical background to embark on the daunting task of creatively articulating African American culture. With art heavily influenced by urban life and religion, Steven mixes elements of theatrical performance with formal teachings of anthropology and political theory to express his eclectic personal narrative. Willis is a contributing writer to the Breakbeat Poets Anthology, NYU’s National Council for Teacher Journal, is a 3-time Individual Work Poetry Slam finalist, and a former slam team member of the Nuyorican Poets café. Willis received his MFA in acting from the University of Iowa in 2021. He attends Iowa Writer’s Workshop for poetry. His first full collection, A Peculiar People, was released with Button Poetry in 2022.

Location: Main Ballroom

Session: TBD

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Shannon McNeal
• Presenter Organization: 5th year student, University of Iowa
• Presentation Description: Participants will be invited to explore youth-centered activism of Iowa’s past and present through photos and primary sources related to Iowa’s Black Panther Party and American Indian Movement chapters, Tinker vs. Des Moines, and the walkouts of 2016. This workshop will highlight past examples of organizations and actions; participants are invited to carry on these traditions. There will be small and large group discussions on what taking action looks like today, leading to a brief overview of the barriers and stress inherent in meaningful civic engagement. Strategies for self and community care will be presented, with opportunities for discussion and reflection throughout the workshop. Participants will also be provided resource lists related to self and community-care practices and youth-led activism focusing on Iowa and critical consciousness.
• Presenter Biography: Shannon McNeal, from Davenport, IA, is a 5th-year student at The University of Iowa. She studies World Languages and Linguistics, but her true passion is service within her community. She is the founder of Quad Cities BIPOC Collective, President of two Black-identifying student organizations on campus (Black Student Union and Sista Speak), and is an RA on the Young, Gifted, and Black Learning Living Community in Slater Hall.
• Location: Student Leadership Room 351

Advocacy & Storytelling: Cultivating Change Through Stories

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Tristan Schmidt
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, CIAE, TRIO Upward Bound
• Presentation Description: This session will be focused on providing participants an opportunity to understand better the bridge between advocacy and the power of storytelling to motivate change. Our stories, memories, and meanings are unique to each of us. Finding ways to showcase that is a great creative experience to reflect critically on how our stories influence our advocacy. Participants will engage in a workshop-long interactive activity whereby elements of storytelling will be explored, and participants will be able to cultivate an advocacy message through storytelling on an advocacy issue of their choice.
• Presenter Biography: Tristan Schmidt is a current Education Specialist with the TRIO Upward Bound program supporting high school students in preparing for their transition to life and higher education. A graduate of the University of Iowa, they received their B.A. in African American Studies along with a Certificate in Critical Cultural Competence in 2019. Tristan will graduate from Indiana University this May with an M.P.A. focusing on Legislative Advocacy, Education Policy, Critical Consciousness Leadership, and Econometrics. In their free time, Tristan enjoys reading science fiction, playing board games with friends, and volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters.
• Location: Old Capital Room (347)

Body Size Diversity and Accepting our Authentic Selves

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Margaret Kaus
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence
• Presentation Description: Join this session for a conversation on body diversity. In this session, we will talk about the history of the Fat Liberation movement and its relationship with body positivity and neutrality. In this session, we will review tools for authentic self-acceptance and how to incorporate them into your daily practice.
• Presenter Biography: Margaret Kaus (she/her) is currently an Assistant Director at the Center for Inclusive Academic Excellence, where she manages the Campus Outreach Services assessment, curriculum, and coaching models. Margaret earned her BA degree in Politics and International Studies at Centre College. Margaret earned a Master's in Higher Education and Student Affairs at Iowa State University. At ISU, Margaret worked with Green Dot, a bystander intervention program, and the Writing and Media Center. After completing her degree at ISU, Margaret served as a Transfer Academic Advisor at Jefferson Community and Technical College in Louisville, Kentucky.
• Location: Iowa Theater 166

Dreams of Reality: Making Our Dreams Come True Through Action

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Chares Martin-Stanley II
• Presenter Organization: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
• Presentation Description: This interactive presentation will explore what it means to have a dream and what it means to take steps to move toward that dream. Dr. Martin-Stanley will use his journey to discuss the importance of setting and reaching goals. He will also discuss the importance of education when reaching your goals. This discussion will focus on "Warm Demanders" and "The Myth of Meritocracy." The session will end with an interactive activity where the participants will highlight their goals and discuss actionable steps to reach them promptly.
• Presenter Biography: Dr. Charles Martin-Stanley II is the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity at Mount Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He earned his doctorate in Higher Education and Student Affairs at the University of Iowa, where he received the 2020 Phillip G. Hubbard Human Rights Award for his outstanding contributions in the area of human rights as well as his impactful research and community service. Dr. Martin-Stanley’s area of research focuses on the persistence and retention of Black men at historically and predominantly white institutions. Dr. Martin-Stanley has been recognized for this research by the Martin Luther King Jr. Research Symposium at the University of Iowa. Dr. Martin-Stanley is committed to helping institutions and organizations create diverse, equitable, and inclusive environments where all students can thrive and realize their full potential.
• Location: TBD

Be A Lion: Academic Resiliency

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Laura Gray
• Presenter Organization: ICCSD
• Presentation Description: Be A Lion is an interactive session designed to remind students to be resilient in their academics.  Participants will receive resources to help them push through problems of practice, even when they feel unqualified or as if they don't belong.
• Presenter Biography: Laura Gray is passionate about Restorative Circles, equity, and inclusion.  She has 20 years of experience in education, where she has served as a teacher, assistant principal, building principal, and director.  Laura is an experienced facilitator, motivational speaker, published author, Restorative Circle Keeper, trainer, curriculum designer, educator, and consultant. She has a BA in English Education from Loyola University Chicago and a MA in Educational Leadership from Concordia University Chicago.  Laura currently resides in North Liberty, IA, and serves as the Executive Director of Diversity and Cultural Responsiveness for the Iowa City Community School District, is the founder of Restorative Community Partners, LLC, Captivate Conferences, and co-founder of R&R Equity Concierge Collaborative.
• Location: TBD

How to Save a Life: CPR and Emergency Assessment

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Angie Wild
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Emergency Medicine
• Presentation Description: Quick initiation of CPR by community bystanders has been shown to improve survival for individuals who suffer cardiac arrest drastically.   This session will guide participants through assessing an unconscious individual, initiating hands-on CPR, and properly using an automated external defibrillator (AED). Following this session, participants will have the skills and confidence to lead a team of bystanders through the evaluation and resuscitation of a person who has suffered cardiac arrest. Participants will interact with multiple team members from the University of Iowa Emergency Department, including doctors, nurses, and paramedics, throughout the session, with a general question and answer session after the didactic.
• Presenter Biography: Presenters are all team members in the Emergency Department at the University of Iowa Hospital, including resident physicians, attending physicians, nurses, paramedics, and pharmacists.
• Location: Black Box Theater 360

Jump for Joy!: Cultural Diversity & Creative Practice Through Acting & Improvisation              

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Kristy Hartsgrove-Mooers, Caroline Clay
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, School of Theatre Arts    
• Presentation Description: Theatre games, improvisation, and creative practices intersected with storytelling, movement, hip-hop, and spoken word, to invite students to tap into their inner performer and content creator in a setting that invites community, ensemble & individual spirit, and Afro-cultural celebration.
• Presenter Biography: Caroline Clay, Assistant Professor of Acting. Clay is an African-American actor, playwright, and educator who has performed on Broadway, film, & television for three decades. Performed the role of lead role ""CeCe"" on Grey's Anatomy for an entire season.
• Mary Mayo, Associate Visiting Instructional Professor of Voice & Acting. Designated Linklater teacher who has taught throughout the US and Scotland. Mayo is an actor and director who serves as Dialect & Voice Coach for regional theatre nationwide and for all Main Stage production at the School of Theatre Arts.
• Kristy Hartsgrove-Mooers, Lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts. Designated teacher of the Grotowski Technique. An expert practitioner & teacher of improvisation, a renowned lead actress with the Riverside Theatre Company and Iowa Summer Rep. She currently serves as an Artistic Associate for the Working Group Theatre of Iowa and is an Acting Instructor for Theatre Cedar Rapids.
• Location: Iowa Theater 166

Promoting You: How to Market Yourself to Reach Your Goals

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Alicia Joens and Crystal Lewis
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, Pomerantz Career Center
• Presentation Description: Whether your next step is applying for a part-time job, attending college, or entering the workforce after high school, learn how to identify your strengths, connect with your network, and market yourself to take you where you want to go!
• Presenter Biography: Alicia Joens has 15 years of career coaching experience and enjoys helping college students connect their interests to careers. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication and a master’s degree in Student Development in Post-Secondary Education.
• Crystal Lewis has over seventeen years of experience working with college students in various roles, including as an educator, academic advisor, and career coach.  She enjoys working with students to highlight their strengths and decision-making power as they choose how to reach their goals.  She holds a bachelor’s degree in African American Studies and Government and a master’s degree in African American World Studies.

• Location: Native Nations Room (341)

You Straight? You Alright?: Helping Friends Through Mental Health Challenges During Times of Uncertainty

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Chantel Johnson, Sailee Karkhanis, Tevin Middleton
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, Counselor Education, and Supervision
• Presentation Description: TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram are always trending, however, in communities of color, mental health is never trending, yet we see each other struggle. Have you ever said to your friends #YouStraight? #YouAlright?Communities of color present resistance to mental health while simultaneously displaying signs of struggling with mental health. Suicide is the third cause of death in the U.S., and 1 in 3 adolescents report feeling sad or hopeless (CDC); youth of color experience suicidality and struggles with mental health challenges at higher rates and suffer in silence. During this interactive lecture, participants will learn: (1) how to identify warning signs of mental health crises; (2) how to talk to a friend about mental health and help-seeking; and (3) where to find professional mental health support.
• Presenter Biography: 
  • Chantel Johnson is a Nationally Certified Counselor and temporarily licensed mental health counselor in the state of Iowa. Chantel Johnson graduated from Georgia Southern University with a master’s in Counselor Education and Supervision. Chantel is a doctoral student at the University of Iowa in the department of Counselor Education. Chantel Johnson works at Prairie Home Wellness and Counseling in Coralville, Iowa. Chantel works with clients from all backgrounds but enjoys working with adolescents and teens.
  • Sailee Karkhanis is pursuing her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Iowa. She is a licensed School Counselor and completed her Master’s in Human Development Counseling from Vanderbilt University. Her work focuses on identifying resources, tools and the latest trends to support school counselors to help students succeed- academically and career-wise.
  • Tevin Middleton is a Nationally Certified Counselor certified as a Professional School Counselor (GA). Tevin previously earned his master's degree in Counselor Education from Augusta University in 2020. He has previously served as a school counselor and a school-based clinical mental health provider. He is pursuing a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Iowa and is a Workforce Expansion Trainee with the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health.
• Location: TBD

Finding Your Success & Path in The Life Sciences

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Femi Suraju
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics - Department of Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
• Presentation Description: During this workshop, students will be led through simple suturing techniques commonly utilized in surgery using suturing kits that will be provided. We may also bring ultrasounds to demonstrate how ultrasounds are used during emergent evaluations in the hospital. These activities aim to connect students with potential mentors in the field of surgery and get students excited about surgery as a potential career path.
• Presenter Biography: The Department of Surgery Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee was created in 2020 and is led by Dr. Vincent Reid and Dr. Lillian Erdahl. The committee has been at the forefront of promoting the DEI mission of the department. One of its primary goals is to ensure a diverse healthcare workforce for the future by building collaborations in Iowa that are targeted toward inspiring and nurturing the interest of underrepresented minorities in medicine.
• Location: TBD

Making a Statement

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Michaeljulius Y. Idani
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, Department of English     
• Presentation Description: This workshop is designed to assist students in understanding the importance of an artist's statement and how it can be used to better understand themselves and their artistic goals. Students will be guided through writing their artist statement, focusing on elements such as identifying their unique style and message and effectively communicating their vision to others. The workshop will interrogate questions such as their artistic talents, what they want to do with them, and the impact they will have on the world. By the end of the workshop, students will have a clear and concise artist statement that accurately reflects their artistic vision.
• Presenter Biography: Michaeljulius Y. Idani is an Atlanta-based writer of fiction. He is the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Postgraduate Visiting Writer in Fiction and a Visiting Assistant Professor at the University of Iowa, where he earned his MFA in Creative Writing at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. You can learn more about Michaeljulius at www.idani.com or on social media: @mjyidani
• Location: TBD

You and the Law

• Presenter(s) Name(s):                  Anthony Haughton Sr.
• Presenter Organization:              African American Studies, University of Iowa,
• Presentation Description:           This workshop will educate the students on the importance of the law in their lives and how their decisions can have long-term impacts. Specifically, dealing with the police; knowing their rights; the role of social media and the law (significance of "sexting" and legal implications and consequences); information on juvenile law and the courts.
• Presenter Biography:                   Anthony A Haughton Sr. received his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Juris Doctor at the University of Iowa. Anthony has experience as a correctional officer, parole officer, and defense attorney. Criminal and juvenile justice are the primary areas in which Anthony has worked and studied for the past several decades. Before his retirement, Anthony led the Advocate’s Juvenile Division in Johnson County, Iowa. Anthony is also the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Consultant of an LLC he formed with his wife, Rose, Black Dragon Consulting, LLC of Iowa City. The current mission of Black Dragon Consulting is addressing the persistence of contentious race relations generally and the over-representation of African-Americans in the American criminal justice industrial complex specifically. Anthony also heads the Robert Charles Project, Inc., a non-profit criminal justice watchdog organization.
• Location:  Native Nations Room 341

Iowa Memorial Union
2nd Floor Ballroom

Recognizing Traditions, Breaking Barriers: Youth-led movements of Iowa and what they teach us about self and community care

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Greg Wickenkamp & Anne Ventullo
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa    
• Presentation Description: Participants will be invited to explore youth-centered activism of Iowa’s past and present through photos and primary sources related to Iowa’s Black Panther Party and American Indian Movement chapters, Tinker vs. Des Moines, and the walkouts of 2016. This workshop will highlight past examples of organizations and actions; participants are invited to carry on these traditions. There will be small and large group discussions on what taking action looks like today, leading to a brief overview of the barriers and stress inherent in meaningful civic engagement. Strategies for self and community care will be presented, with opportunities for discussion and reflection throughout the workshop. Participants will also be provided resource lists related to self and community-care practices and youth-led activism, including a focus on Iowa and critical consciousness.
• Presenter Biography: Greg Wickenkamp is an educator, activist, and life-long Iowan. He works in nonprofits and Iowa schools and works for social justice. He is a doctoral student in history, focusing on social movements.
• Annie Ventullo is an organizer and clinical social worker. She currently serves as the operations manager for Backyard Abundance. A clinical psychotherapist and death doula, she applies a social justice and holistic lens to her work. Her practices borrow from various resources, including ecopsychology, nature wellness, resilience theory, and empowerment perspectives, to aid communities and their members in creating ecologically sustainable and psychologically healthy lifestyles.
• Location: TBD

Navigating Microaggressions: Self-Advocacy, Coping, and Fostering Resilience

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Dr. Ebonee Johnson, Ngonyo Mungara, Mazvita Makoni
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, College of Education and College of Public Health
• Presentation Description: Students will deeply reflect on the theoretical foundations of microaggressions and their lived experiences.  Students will leave the workshop with an individualized self-advocacy and wellness plan centered on coping, resilience, and resources to continue reflection and engagement.
• Presenter Biography: Ebonee T. Johnson, Ph.D., is an assistant Community & Behavioral Health professor in the College of Public Health at The University of Iowa.  She works with stakeholders utilizing community-engaged and youth-participatory approaches to develop and implement interventions to improve the health and quality of life of K-12 and college students.
• Ngonyo Mungara (she/her) is a 4th-year undergraduate student at the University of Iowa studying Education Studies and Human Relations and pursuing a certificate in Public Health.  She works alongside Dr. Johnson on a team that addresses mental health for K-12 students.
• Mazvita Makoni (she/her) is a 3rd-year undergraduate at the University of Iowa studying Chemistry and pursuing a certificate in Public Health.  She also works alongside Dr. Johnson in conjunction with projects affiliated with the Scanlan Center for School Mental Health. 
• Location: TBD

Breaking Down the Bars: A HipHop Workshop

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Isaac Addai and Glen Waters
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa, Theatre Arts and Writers Workshop
• Presentation Description: Breaking Down the Bars: A Hip-Hop Workshop is an interactive, educational experience for young writers to engage in the language of rap. We will be breaking down the poetic elements of hip-hop, providing a brief history of rap and its poetic, cultural, and political origins in the black community, shedding light on hip-hop's contemporary cultural influence, and aiding students in crafting their verses.
• Presenter Biography: Isaac Addai is a multifaceted artist from Rialto, California, who is currently getting his MFA in acting. He has released a studio project and is currently working on his sophomore project, "Agyeman."
• Glen Waters is a Second Year Poet at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop. He was born in Dallas, Texas, and attended Georgetown University. Glen graduated as an English honors student receiving the Emilia Ferrara Best Creative Writing Thesis award. Since arriving at Iowa, Glen has facilitated workshops at Georgetown University and the University of Iowa to support undergraduate students in their creative writing journey.
• Location: TBD

Establishing Personal Definitions: What Self-Care Means to You

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Kennedy Bland
• Presenter Organization: 2nd-year student, University of Iowa,
• Presentation Description: Self-care looks different for everyone. One person’s definition may be getting out of bed and brushing teeth. Another’s may be booking an appointment at a spa. As a college student juggling a full-time class schedule and two part-time jobs, some have found that their favorite method of self-care is spending time with their friends. Regardless of what it may look like, self-care is a vital part of maintaining one's health, both mentally and physically. Civil Rights activist Audre Lorde emphasized self-care and growth through the guise of the Black Experience. Through a study of her words, we will approach the answer to the question: What does self-care care look like to you?
• Presenter Biography: Kennedy Bland is a second-year student at the University of Iowa. They are studying Education Studies and Human Relations with a minor in Educational Psychology. Kennedy is from Osceola, Iowa, and attended Clarke Community High School. Kennedy serves as a peer leader for the university’s Iowa Edge Program. While in high school, she participated in drama productions, choir, and band. Kennedy continues to find and foster creativity in everything she does because they think it "makes life more fun."
• Location: TBD

Black in Business: Avoiding Burnout, Setting Boundaries, and Finding Balance

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Haley Hollern
• Presenter Organization: University of Iowa - Tippie College of Business
• Presentation Description: Avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and finding balance are critical aspects of self-care. Juggling the responsibilities of owning and operating a business creates unique challenges for individuals working to build resiliency, take action, and find success. Join us to hear from a panel of local Black business owners as they share their inspiring stories, business tips, and lessons learned.
• Location: TBD

MEME: The Power of Modern-Day Ekphrastic Poetry

• Presenter(s) Name(s): Steven Willis
• Presenter Organization: Writers Workshop, University of Iowa
• Presentation Description: Ekphrastic poetry is poetry based on painting, drawing, photo, or sculpture. A meme is a symbolic action or gesture carried through a culture with significance. In this workshop, students will see how these concepts collide in the modern-day Internet culture of humorous memes of pictures and videos that express contemporary culture, often curated by black creatives. With this knowledge, they will see how iconic photos from the civil rights movement, Black Lives Matter movement, and black power movement also serve a strong cultural memes to define the black experience in America. Students will write their own Ekphratic poetry based on iconic photos from each movement. Immersing themselves into the greatest story at large and how it resonates today
• Presenter Biography: Born and raised in Chicago, IL, performance poet Steven Willis uses his poetic and theatrical background to embark on the daunting task of creatively articulating African American culture. With art heavily influenced by urban life and religion, Steven mixes elements of theatrical performance with formal teachings of anthropology and political theory to express his eclectic personal narrative. Willis is a contributing writer to the Breakbeat Poets Anthology, NYU’s National Council for Teacher Journal, a three-time Individual Work Poetry Slam finalist, and a former slam team member of the Nuyorican Poets café. Willis received his MFA in acting from the University of Iowa in 2021. He attends Iowa Writer’s Workshop for poetry. His first full collection, A Peculiar People, was released with Button Poetry in 2022.
• Location: TBD

Iowa Memorial Union
2nd Floor Ballroom