This third annual Diversity Institute is designed for people who want to explore and feel ready and willing to engage in a process of personal reflection and challenge. It will start with an activity that levels the playing field in the room around judgments and assumptions and the difference between diversity and social justice.  It is important to get everyone included in the conversations and not create targeted members within a group. The institute's goals are to provide a shared framework for anti-racist work and the resources to infuse anti-racism into our community.

About the Facilitator: Jessica Pettitt

Grounded in Social Justice and Diversity, Jessica facilitates through the lens of gender and privilege. She blends politics, humor, identity, and local flair with big city passion and energy through direct, individualized, and interactive conversations. Having traveled and lived in a variety of communities and environments all over the world, while also engaging with education as student, teacher, administrator, and active community member, Jessica uses her take on life to lead participants through a safe but confrontational process of examination, self- reflection, and open dialog that is as challenging as it is rewarding.

Jessica takes 10+ years in Student Affairs, 5+ years of national consulting work, and 2+ years of stand up comedy stage to stage as part of her mission to inspire change, dismantle oppression, and reclaim our responsibility to make change. Through teaching, writing, and facilitating tough conversations, Jessica has figured out how to BE the change she wants to BE.