Harper College will be closed Wednesday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth National Freedom Day.
The Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion offers several signature events and programs throughout the year. We also create events in response to current events, student and employee interests, and collaborative opportunities. Check out our events below! You can also see up-to-date information on our Instagram page!
BLING (BIPOC LGBTQ+ Inclusion & Networking Group)
Thursday, February 1, 2024
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 281
Created in partnership with Kei Smith and Cesar Pochaco, BLING a space for BIPOC LGBTQ+ students, and allies, to gather, dialogue, connect, and network.
10 Shared Principles Dialogue
Thursday, February 22, 2024
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Wojcik Conference Center - Dining Room
Join us for a conversation designed to build trust between police officers and community members. The Ten Shared Principles was designed in partnership with the NAACP and Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police (ILAP) to foster communication, understanding, and connection with community members. Open to Harper faculty, staff, students, and administrators. Registration is required as space is limited.
Paint and Sip Some Black History
Thursday, February 29. 2024
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 281
Come on out for a guided artistic exploration of Black History.
Refreshments and materials are provided. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Trans Tea Time
Wednesday, March 6, 2024 (additional sessions: April 3, May 1)
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 269
Led by Professor Sadie and Pride club president, Cesar, Trans Tea time is a monthly space for trans, enby and gender non-conforming folks to connect. Offered on first Wednesdays, March through May 2024.
I Rise, We Rise: Leading as a Woman of Color
Thursday, March 7, 2024
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 281
Celebrate Women's History Month with us at the Cultural Center. Whether you currently have a leadership role on campus, at work, or aspire to be a leader, this discussion will cover how to be in leadership positions AND maintain your mental health as a woman of color. Led by Dr. Monica Boyd-Lane, LCPC, Associate Professor at Adler University. Refreshments provided. Attendees will also enter a raffle for a $15 Starbucks card.
Disability Symposium: Ability Focused Advocacy
Friday, March 15, 2024
9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Building W, Wojcik Center, Dining Room & Amphitheatre
Join us for the first Disability Symposium, sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, in partnership with the Office of Access and Disability Services as we discuss Ability Focused Advocacy. There will be sessions on Microaggressions against the Disability Community, Best practices for supporting students and colleagues with disabilities and Depression and Anxiety: An Unseen Disability. We hope to see you there. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
Semillitas Book Club
Wednesday, March 20, 2024
3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Library
Building F, second Floor
This book club is centered on the voices and experiences of the Latine group. Join us as we explore our book selection for the spring 2024 semester.
Family Lore follows the story of a Dominican American family in the lead-up to a living wake organized by Flor, one of the women in the family. Flor has a magical ability which allows her to see people's deaths.
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.
I Rise, We Rise Speaker Series
March and April 2024
12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 281
Join us for candid conversations and advice from professionals to help you on your journey. Because your future matters NOW. Full Schedule below. Refreshments provided. AND attendees can enter a raffle for a chance to win a $15 Starbucks card.
March 21, 12:30-1:30 PM. Vincent Cascio, Elgin Community College.
The Lavendar Ceiling: This session will provide tips on navigating the work place as an aspiring LGBTQ+ professional.
April 11, 12:30-1:30 PM. with Social Entrepreneur/Artist Gabi Vargas.
Passion & Work: Social Entrepreneur, Gabi Vargas, creater of the National Hispanic Suicide Prevention Network leads a discussion on how to build a career path that combines your passions and skills.
April 18, 2:00-3:00 PM. with Karega Cooper. Harper Math Professor.
Define Authentic: Let’s discuss how to show up at work in ways that show our true selves and values. Learn about navigating microaggressions and code switching in professional spaces.
April 25, 12:30-1:30 PM. with Pete Almeida. Former Police Officer.
I Changed My Mind!: Is it ever too late to change career paths? Come hear from an expert who knows that a college major doesn’t have to limit your options.
National Diversity Month Service Project: Girls Love Mail
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
10:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 281
In celebration of National Diversity Month, join the faculty, staff, and students as we write letters to patients recently diagnosed with breast cancer. Light refreshments provided.
(ILACHE) Illinois Latino Council on Higher Education Conference
Friday, April 26, 2024
Departure at 6:00 AM
Northern Illinois University
An annual trip for Harper staff and students to ILACHE, a conference that highlights topics related to Latine/a/o students in higher education.
Dr. Sonnet's Welcome
Thursday, May 1, 2024
1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Cultural Center - Building D, Room 281
Come meet the new Coordinator for Student Diversity Initiatives, LGBTQ+, Dr. Sonnet Gabbard! Light refreshments served. Open to Harper faculty, staff and students.
Social Justice End of the Year Celebration
Friday, May 3, 2024
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Wojcik Conference Center - Dining Room
An end of the year celebration for cohort members in the Social Justice Leadership Certificate program. Lunch is provided as participated are honored for their participation and program completion.
