Toward One Wisconsin 2023 Conference Recap

T1W 2023

April 25-26, 2023
Hilton Appleton Paper Valley
Appleton, Wisconsin
And Virtually

The 2023 Toward One Wisconsin Conference, held April 25 – 26 in Appleton, brought together over 650 individuals to focus on the work of equity, diversity and inclusion and to empower and employ the full talent of all who live in Wisconsin.

Following two years of virtual events, being able to meet in-person provided nearly endless opportunities to learn, network, share, and inspire one another.


650+
attendees, 120 presenters, 62 committee members, 50+ breakout sessions, 28 sponsors, 9 partner organizations,
5 plenary presentations,  4 conference tracks, 1 goal:

Toward One Wisconsin!

Keynote Speakers

REV. Traci D. Blackmon

Rev. Blackmon spoke about the foundations of equity and led a practice for seeing and listening to each other with the sole purpose of understanding rather than to respond. She led a reflection which asked the question of who is present at the table of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She emphasized that inviting others to the table can “create egalitarian fellowship through common fellowship”.

Wajahat Ali

Wajahat Ali reflected on personal hardships from his life and shared his advice for enduring and overcoming challenges – by having hope. Ali insisted that “if you can’t have hope, choose to be aware, intentional”. This mindset underlies Ali’s philosophy for achieving the American Dream for everyone through uniting over shared values. He believes that leaning into cultural and religious differences can be a vehicle for togetherness and understanding.

“After holding T1W virtually for the last two years, our planning team was excited to hold the conference in person again. We couldn’t have been happier with the outcomes. We had exceptional presenters, we enjoyed productive conversations, and we shattered our attendance record.  I hope that attendees left the conference with a renewed sense of inspiration and dedication to the work of equity, diversity and inclusion.” – Eric Giordano, T1W 2023 Conference Organizer

Featured Artists

Neo MedinaNeo Medina

Neo Medina is a working artist who lives in Appleton. He spoke about resilience and perseverance in the pursuit of equity. He conveyed his belief that standing up, speaking up, and engaging in honest and vulnerable discussion with one another will culminate and build into meaningful action in the diversity, equity and inclusion arena.

John NanceJohn Nance

T1W 2023 was honored to have the “Meet Your Neighbor Community Art Project” on exhibit at the conference. We would like to thank Photojournalist and Artist John Nance and the Trout Museum of Art for sharing this interactive exhibit with us. Nance spent the summer of 2022 capturing the many communities that exist within the Fox Cities. His work gives diverse groups of people in the area an opportunity to express their story. He hopes this exhibit can be a way for people to bridge differences and unify with others.

“This craft is more than just a camera and a lens. It’s my choice of weapon to take on the world. My reflection of the world and the world’s reflection of me.”
– John Nance

Plenary Panels

Graphic recording artist Barbara Luhring attended T1W 2023 and did a series of illustrative notes, or graphic recordings, for our two plenary panels. You can click on the images below to see them in full screen. Learn more about Barbara Luhring and her work here. 

A Statewide Perspective on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Featuring:
Dr. Jill Underly, State Superintendent of the Department of Public Instruction
Dr. Staci Young, Medical College of Wisconsin
Pardeep Kaleka, Not in our Town
Chakla Davis, Kimberly-Clark of North America
Timber Smith, City of Appleton

Moving Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative Forward in your Community

Featuring:
Sabrina Robbins, AbaCor, an Abaxent CO
Chris Hess, Goodwill Industries of North Central Wisconsin Inc
Greg Hartjes, Appleton Area School District
Michelle Schule, Microsoft

Want to stay engaged with other DEI professionals around Wisconsin but don’t want to wait until next year’s conference?

Join us for “Beyond Boundaries: DEI Talks”, a monthly virtual meeting that provides those who work in, or are interested in the work of, diversity, equity, and inclusion a venue to hold casual conversations and discussions.

“Beyond Boundaries: DEI Talks” will meet virtually the last Thursday of every month at 7:30 p.m. CST. Registration is not required and there is no agenda! The conversation topic will be determined by the group. These meetings are intended to provide an opportunity for informal and casual conversations around the work of DEI. Whether you’re a DEI professional or you are new and want to learn more, these meetings are open for all.  Click here to learn more. 

Meet the 2024 T1W Conference Co-Chairs

For more info on the 2024 Co-Chairs, click here

Dr. Maysee Herr
Selika Ducksworth-Lawton
Dr. Selika Ducksworth-Lawton
Pardeep Kaleka
Pardeep Kaleka
John Tribble
John Tribble

We hope you will join us in Eau Claire (tentatively May 7-8) for Toward One Wisconsin 2024.

If you are interested in helping plan next year’s conference, please email us at [email protected].

Toward One Wisconsin 2023 was made possible by our amazing partner and sponsor organizations. Thank you for your commitment to the work of diversity, equity and inclusion!

Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors!

2024 Transformational Sponsors

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Visit Eau Claire

2024 Diversity Sponsors

Green Bay Packers
Pablo Foundation

2024 Equity Sponsors

Miron Construction
Church Mutual
Xcel Energy
Hmong American Center
Hola Wisconsin

2024 Inclusion Sponsors

4 Imprint
Medical College of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Public Radio

2024 Unity Sponsors

Cesa 6
Greenheck Group
TruStage
University of Wisconsin Stout
Northwood Technical College
Chippewa Valley Technical College
Volume One
Westconsin Credit Union
Hmong Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce
TDS
Wisconsin Farmers Union

2024 Partners

Department of Corrections Wisconsin
Eau Claire Area School District
Girl Scouts of the northwestern great lakes
University of Wisconsin Eau Claire Education for Equity and Justice
World Relief Wisconsin
New North
Greta Lax LLC
Clark County Health Department
Taylor County Health Department Logo
Walbec Group
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
Common Wealth Development
Alfaro Consulting
Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce
Mosaic
Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Wisconsin Area Health Education Centers
Zeidler Group
Mount Mary University
Life Wellness and Counseling Services
Wisconsin Public Health Association
Wisconsin Primary Health Care Association
C. C. We Adapt
Hope & Help Together
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region
Imago
Wausau Free Clinic
The Discussion Project
Department of Family Medicine and Community Health

2024 Exhibitors

Edvest 529
Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
Girls on the run Chippewa Valley