UW-Madison Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence

As we wrap up the 2024 Diversity Forum, let's reflect on our journey together! Over the past two days, we engaged in meaningful discussions, stepped outside our comfort zones, and embraced diverse perspectives. This forum is a catalyst for action. I hope everyone who attended takes the insights, innovative ideas, and learnings from the forum back to their workplaces and communities.

I want to thank everyone who attended and engaged in meaningful discussions. This forum wouldn't be possible without the fantastic speakers and panelists, our hardworking volunteers, or our team at the DDEEA who work tirelessly to make Diversity Forum possible. I am grateful to be blessed with an incredible team and a community dedicated to inclusive excellence.

📅 Save the date for the 2025 Diversity Forum on November 18-19—we can't wait to see you again!

I am honored and humbled to announce this year’s recipients of the Outstanding Women of Color awards! These annual awards honor select women of color who are extraordinary catalysts of change in their communities. Nominees include women of color among our faculty, staff, students, and greater Madison who fall within that criteria.

Each year we announce the honorees right here at Diversity Forum. We will be hosting a reception back here on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 for celebrating the honorees. We’d love for you to join us, so be sure to keep an eye out for registration details. This year’s Outstanding Women of Color Awards go to:

Jeneile Luebke, PhD, RN, assistant professor at University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Nursing

Cat Phan, digital & media archivist at UW-Madison Libraries

Hope Broadus, JD, Chief Human Resources Officer at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

Kao Lee Yang, PhD candidate in the UW-Madison Neuroscience and Public Policy Program

Please join me in congratulating these women for their invaluable contributions to their communities.

Celebrating the profound impact my mentor, my friend, and dear brother, Dr. Damon A. Williams, has had on inclusive excellence was an incredible honor. From founding the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement 15 years ago to all the work he does every single day, Dr. Williams is a transformative and visionary leader who inspires excellence in everyone.

I was thrilled that Dr. Katrina Wade-Golden, a close colleague and national leader in diversity and inclusion, could join us in person for this special 15th-anniversary presentation. And a huge thanks to partners and colleagues across the nation who sent in their wishes via video messages. There wasn't a single dry eye in the room once we played the video.

Congratulations, Dr. Williams! I am thrilled to build a new tradition in your namesake — the Damon A. Williams Trailblazing Change Agent Award! I can't think of anyone else more deserving of this honor. Love you, brother.

Our Speakers' Reception tonight was a perfect way to kick off our 2024 Diversity Forum, Threads of Belonging: Navigating Differences and Building Community. We couldn't be more excited with our lineup of keynote speakers, session leaders, and panelists. See you bright and early tomorrow for Day One of one of the largest diversity conferences in the Midwest!

Celebrating the power of community in the Madison area and beyond always energizes me. Nearly 20 years ago, I found my family—my “framily”—not just here at UW–Madison but in churches, motorcycle clubs, bands, and through community service. Through this diverse tapestry of experiences, I truly understood the strength of pluralism.

I was honored to host community leaders from campus and the Madison area at our annual community celebration this week. Together, we can foster an inclusive community that celebrates our differences and empowers each other to thrive. Let’s continue to build meaningful connections and partnerships that enrich our lives and strengthen Madison. Thank you to everyone who joins us on this journey!

In today's fast-paced world, focusing on mental health is more crucial than ever, especially for folks working on equity, inclusion, and belonging. I was honored to moderate the "Prioritizing Mental Health: Strategies for Wellbeing in Diverse Professional Contexts" discussion panel at the annual Madison365 Leadership Summit earlier this week.

The conversation was powerful and enlightening, highlighting the importance of mental health and self-care in our professional lives. Together, we explored effective strategies and shared experiences that empower us all to prioritize wellbeing.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and contributed to such a meaningful dialogue. Let's continue championing mental health, supporting each other, and creating workplaces where everyone can thrive! -Madison

Happy Flocktober! Wisconsin Alumni Fill the Hill is back to turn Bascom Hill pink with a lawn flamingo for every gift received. Make a gift to the DDEEA or one of our programs to support a legacy of inclusive excellence!

You can learn more and donate at this link uwflamingos.com/ddeea

The student campus climate survey is open. Students are a valuable part of our community, and I look forward to hearing your feedback. Check your email and complete the survey to have your voice heard!

The UW–Madison student campus climate survey opens this week! Check your email for the survey link from Qualtrics. The student campus climate survey is a great opportunity for students to make their voices heard and help us create a culture of inclusive excellence.

I had a wonderful time at our annual faculty of color reception joining Chancellor Mnookin and University Committee Chair Li Chiao-Ping (Li Chiao-Ping Dance) to celebrate an incredible group of people — newly hired and promoted faculty and instructional staff.

Your dedication, brilliance, and passion are the keystones that uplift our university to new heights of academic excellence and innovative breakthroughs. Your authentic selves breathe life into our campus, enriching our community with diverse strengths and a steadfast commitment to excellence. It's an honor to call you colleagues and partners in our mission to nurture the next generation of leaders and pioneers.