Nov. 11, 2020

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MILWAUKEE — Marquette University is hosting the first of two virtual Community Engagement Conversations, “Pursuing Racial Justice and Equity through Community Engagement,” on Thursday, Nov. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Community Engagement Conversations are hosted by the Office of Economic Engagement in partnership with the Marquette Forum and Beyond MU. Registration for the virtual event is free and available online.

Community Engagement Conversations will focus on issues of racial equity, the social determinants of health, and COVID-19.

These critical issues panels will include leaders from various sectors among our community. Panelists will consider the various settings which they work within and the approaches they have taken to advance racial justice and equity through their efforts in community engagement. Whether identifying and changing institutional, or industry policies and procedures, or leveraging more intentional and strategic initiatives to elevate opportunities through partnership, participants will discuss the critical role racial justice and equity must play in current and future community engagement efforts.

Panelists for “Pursuing Racial Justice and Equity through Community Engagement” include Dr. William Welburn, vice president for inclusive excellence; Meralis Hood, market president at City Year; and Antonina Olszewski, director of spiritual care services and local leader for Ascension Wisconsin’s national initiative on diversity and inclusion. The panel will be moderated by Sheena Carey, internship director and lecturer in communication studies in the Diederich College of Communication.

The Office of Economic Engagement brings together community engagement, corporate engagement and technology transfer functions to work with internal and external partners to maximize Marquette’s impact in our community and beyond. The Marquette Forum is a series of events hosted to engage students, faculty, staff and the communities making up greater Milwaukee in conversations around racial justice and equity. Beyond MU is a lifelong learning platform which allows viewers to nourish their faith, learn from industry and faculty experts, and listen to stories of alumni and students.

Lead sponsorship for the Community Engagement Conversations is provided by Ascension Wisconsin.

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About Kevin Conway

Kevin is the associate director for university communication in the Office of University Relations. Contact Kevin at (414) 288-4745 or kevin.m.conway@marquette.edu.