Organizers for the state’s premier inclusivity conference have announced that Toward One Wisconsin will still go on as planned for November 12-13, but in a total virtual format.

“We couldn’t afford to postpone the conference given recent events that are transforming our state and nation,” said Eric Giordano, executive director for the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service, which is hosting the conference. “By going virtual, we can ensure the safety of presenters and attendees and allow everyone to fully participate in the interest sessions, plenary talks and conference dialogues.”

By moving to a virtual format, organizers also plan to reduce conference fees, which will allow greater accessibility and participation. To get an early bird discount, register by August 31 for $100 – go to T1w.org/register. Scholarships are also available.

Headlining the Toward One Wisconsin conference are two nationally recognized plenary speakers:

Nikole Hannah-Jones will be available to present as a plenary speaker on November 13. The award-winning New York Times investigative journalist launched the 1619 Project, which challenges Americans to reframe U.S. history by marking the year when the first enslaved Africans arrived on Virginia soil as our nation’s foundational date. Click here for her compelling story.

Hilary Ware is vice president and associate general counsel, litigation and regulatory affairs, at Netflix in San Francisco. An openly gay attorney who has navigated to the top of her profession, she will discuss overcoming LGBTQ bias in the workplace.

Click here to register.

Currently, Toward One Wisconsin has 40 interest sessions and 150 presenters in these four tracks:

  • Track I: Increasing Opportunities for Inclusion in Wisconsin’s Workforce
  • Track II: Creating Inclusive Communities
  • Track III: Cultivating Equity in Education
  • Track IV: Building Health Equity in Wisconsin

Conference co-chairs are:

  • Rich Poirier, president and CEO, Church Mutual
  • George Koonce, senior VP, Marian University
  • May Yer Thao, assistant deputy director, Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
  • Jessica Cavazos, president and CEO, Latino Chamber of Commerce
  • Tehassi Hill, Oneida Nation chair

Watch for updates on the WIPPS Facebook page and on the Toward One Wisconsin website.

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