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American Conference on Diversity 13th Annual "Diversity Issues in Higher Education" Statewide Conference

“Technology fuels the power that leads to global decision-making across all sectors of society–and the absence of any voice in these conversations can be deafening,” says American Conference on Diversity President and CEO Elizabeth Williams-Riley.

To help bridge the technology gap between the haves and have not’s through education, the American Conference on Diversity will be holding the 13th Annual “Diversity Issues in Higher Education” statewide conference at Montclair State University (MSU) on November 8. This much-anticipated conference, titled “Bridging the Digital Divide: Equity, Education, and Technology in the Global Marketplace,” will address critical issues impacting higher-education administrators, faculty, staff, students, diversity and inclusion leaders, career-advancement professionals, and recruiters.

“This is the only initiative in New Jersey that brings together so many institutions from across the state to analyze and address the intersection of diversity and equal access through technology,” says Ms. Williams-Riley. “As we celebrate our 65th anniversary this year, it’s only fitting that our organization takes the lead in bridging the digital divide!”

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Five more reasons to attend:

LEARN from a renowned group of thought leaders during a panel discussion focused on technology’s opportunities and challenges. The panelists will include Dr. Steve Dranoff, The Respect Project; Ruma Bose, philanthropist, venture capitalist, and author; and a representative from the office of the New Jersey Commissioner of Higher Education.

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PARTICIPATE in a lively question-and-answer session exploring how technology can foster social justice, narrow the digital divide, and much more.

JOIN insightful workshops, each facilitated by groups of academics, IT professionals, government and social-justice leaders, or legal experts:

Access, Technology, and Gender–Why are women not entering the fields of computer science and why?

Human Trafficking and Digital Access–How is technology aiding this type of criminal activity?

Creating the Ideal Classroom: How Students Learn–How is technology used in the classroom and what is its impact on teacher education programs?

It’s Not All Sunshine and Roses: The Underbelly of Technology–How do the negative consequences associated with the use of technology impact employment and college admission opportunities?

LISTEN to a thought-provoking spoken word performance by MSU Adjunct Instructor Chris Rodriguez and a moderated keynote panel on digital storytelling, including how technology helps to preserve the past and enhance our ability to communicate.

NETWORK with educators, faculty, alumni, students, diversity and inclusion professionals, government officials, and community leaders

“It has been my 13th year with the American Conference on Diversity’s Higher Education conference and every year offers a wealth of information. This year’s theme of technology creates a global context in which New Jersey’s industry and universities can explore innovation and discuss the challenges of academic and business growth. By addressing empathy, equity, and diversity, this conference will arm participants with applicable strategies and knowledge to bridge the digital divide. I am thrilled to be hosting and I can’t wait to see everyone there!” says Dr. Esmilda Abreu-Hornbostel, Director of Equity & Diversity at this year’s host institution Montclair State University.

Participants are also invited to attend a post-conference art exhibit featuring Andrea Strongwater’s award-winning collection “Lost Synagogues of Europe” in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of Kristallnacht.

The annual event will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at MSU’s Student Center Building, 1 Normal Ave. Montclair, NJ. Registration rates are $65, including breakfast and lunch, and $35 for students. To register, please visit https://surveys.montclair.edu/survey/entry.jsp?id=1378236578708.

Companies that are interested in showcasing their efforts and are seeking opportunities to connect with college students are welcomed to support this event as an exhibitor. There is a registration fee for all exhibitors. This is for educational and/or recruitment purposes, not selling. For inquiries and additional information, please call the Montclair State University Office of Equity and Diversity at 973-655-5114 or email Conference Committee Host Organizer, Dr. Abreu-Hornbostel at AbreuE@mail.montclair.edu.

New Jersey’s Secretary of Higher of Education has encouraged colleagues and universities statewide to participate. Planning Committee Members include: Bergen Community College; Bloomfield College; Brookdale Community College; College of St. Elizabeth; Drew University; Georgian Court University; Kean University; Monmouth University; Montclair State University; New Jersey City University; Rider University; Rowan University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Saint Peter’s University; Seton Hall University; UMDNJ; William Paterson University, and Community Partners PSEG and Verizon.

About the American Conference on Diversity

The programs, services, and initiatives of the American Conference on Diversity are among the most important work focused on creating a more inclusive society. It is the unfinished business of living in a highly diverse nation: educating and empowering our next generation of leaders; enhancing our workplaces; and helping to create inclusive communities. The American Conference on Diversity, which has been serving schools, organizations, workplaces, and communities in New Jersey since 1948, builds on a historic mission and creates programs and activities relevant and vital to 21st Century life. It is a journey we can all take together. The American Conference on Diversity operates Regional Community Networks covering all of New Jersey. Visit www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org to learn more.

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