Since 2004, Harper College has hosted an annual Diversity Symposium. The diversity symposium provides Harper’s employees with a unique opportunity to learn and discuss important topics that are centered around diversity, equity, and inclusion. Keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and critical conversations create an atmosphere of reflection and transformation.
All employees are invited and encouraged to attend the facilitated discussions and presentations that occur throughout the symposium. The discussions and activities highlight a variety of diversity, equity, and inclusion topics that promote critical thinking and reflection. This annual event continues to be an anchor for many employees.
The 2026 Diversity Symposium will take place on Friday, October 2, 2026. Open to all students, faculty, and staff!
2024: The 2024 Diversity Symposium was held on Friday, October 18, 2024. The theme was "The Bridge: On the Journey Toward Economic Justice." Keynote speakers included Tracie McMillan and Dr. Bobby J. Smith. Breakout sessions speakers included Anita Rehberg, Annie Sylvester, DuBoi McCarty, Elizabeth Barahona, Kristyn Meyer, Dr. Lucille Eckrich, Robert Larson, and Dr. Sonnet Gabbard.
View the Opening Keynote Address.
View Closing Keynote Address.
Keynote speakers: Dr. Nataka Moore and Dr. Joseph Flynn. Breakout sessions included presentations by Dr. Brian Cremins, Rebecca Ramirez-Malagon, Rabbi Cantor Michael Davis, Moe Ari Brown, LMFT, Dr. Nina Shoman-Dajani, and Dr. David Shih.
Keynote speakers: Dr. David Shih and Amanda Mesirow. Breakout sessions included presentations by Chicago Compass Consulting, LLC, Dr. Durene Wheeler, and Dr. Scott Cashman.
A panel discussion was led by LaVonya Williams, DuBoi McCarty, and Jason Altmann. Guest speakers: Becky Fein, Jennifer Wegener, LCPC, CEAP, Andrew Wade, Stefan Bjes, M.S, Elle McClinton, Beth Ripperger, and Cindy Washburn.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Stephanie Cawthon. Guest speaker: Dr. Richard Reddick.
Guest speakers: Dr. Anton Treuer and Adam Lopez.
Keynote speaker: Dr. Michael Benitez. Guest speakers: Harper College’s Latinx Success Taskforce team.
Keynote speaker: Tom Brown. Guest speakers: José Leyba and Mario Rivas.
Keynote speaker: Kristin Beck. Guest speakers: Kelly Holt, a student veterans panel, and a panel discussion with the “Staff, Administrations and Faculty for Equality” (SAFE) Employee Resource Group.
Keynote speaker: Steve Pemberton. Guest speakers: Dr. Michael Armato, Dr. Jeanine Ntihirageza, and Dr. Maria Krysan.
Keynote speaker, James Wright “Unconscious Bias.”
A wide range of DEI practitioners, clinicians, and guest speakers contributed to Harper’s DEI Symposiums. Past guest speakers included Dick Gregory and Tim Wise.