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The Stephen F. Austin State University Office of Multicultural Affairs’ eighth annual Diversity Conference, “Engaged and Empowered: Overcoming the Invisible,” will examine diversity, equity and inclusion by providing a platform for presenters to share diversity-related work with conference attendees and engage in vital multicultural dialogue.

“It is important for the SFA community to have a space to have critical conversations regarding diversity, equity and inclusion,” said Veronica Beavers, OMA director. “In addition, it is important to network and learn multiple perspectives regarding diversity, equity and inclusion.”

This year’s keynote speaker is Outspoken Bean, Houston’s 2021-23 Poet Laureate. Labeled “an energetic pioneer for poetry,” Bean uses poetry to engage different mediums and institutions to create new and engaging art. Bean is slated to speak during the conference’s noon luncheon.

Throughout the day, there will be four sets of breakout sessions. Topics of the sessions include:

Bi-ology: Understanding the B in LBGTQ+
Asian Americans in a COVID-19 World
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Travel Industry: Miles to go
El Salvador’s Food Clock
Supporting Students with Children and Caregiving Responsibilities

OMA will host a conference kickoff Thursday, Feb. 10, where Bean will speak and a case study competition will take place.

The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 11 in the BPSC, and check-in will be from 8:30 to 9 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom. The conference is free and open to the public, and registration must be completed by Wednesday, Feb. 9. To register, visit sfasu.edu/oma. Lunch is only guaranteed to those who pre-register.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, last year’s conference was held via Zoom and had approximately 300 attendees. Though this year’s conference will be held in person, there will be a virtual option for those interested.

Those interested in attending virtually must indicate when registering. Zoom links for the virtual sessions will be sent out the week of the conference, which will include the main session along with selected breakout sessions.

For more information, contact OMA at oma@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-1073.

By Nathan Wicker, senior marketing communications specialist at Stephen F. Austin State University