Christine Dannhausen-Brun, the Chief Operations Officer of Nordson Green Earth, a non-profit and all-volunteer organization based in Chicago, will discuss her work using the Miyawaki method of tree planting to bring the benefits of forests to urban communities. By creating tiny native forests, Nordson builds tree equity and helps ensure that everyone can benefit from the health, community, and social benefits that greenspaces provide. Miyawaki forests grow quickly and are self-sustaining in two to three years and mature in twenty to thirty years (versus centuries).

In recent years the world has watched major wars develop across the globe including in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan. These conflicts share similarities and differences from historical wars. Additionally, these conflicts have had immense global implications including a rise in displaced people, changes in migration patterns, famine, new challenges in international alliances, and the reconsideration of domestic and foreign policy goals at the state level, not to mention the potential long-term influences these conflicts will have on elections and public opinion.

Dr. Battalora’s lecture entitled, “What Does It Mean To Be White” will feature a discussion on the relationship that exists between the American system of law and jurisprudence and the perpetuation of “whiteness” as the dominant Narrative of Socio-political and cultural identity within the United States.

Co-Sponsored by and held in conjunction with an exhibit at the UIS Visual Arts Gallery, artist Moises Salazar Tlatenchi will share and discuss projects that explore the intersections of queer and immigrant identities within the Latinx community. Their studio practice examines themes of cultural heritage, resilience, and social justice, with works that challenge the dehumanization of immigrant communities. These projects create space for dialogue on issues of representation, equity, and empowerment.

This event explores the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Participants will discover effective strategies for integrating AI into existing frameworks and learn how emerging technologies are reshaping workplace and social dynamics through real-world case studies. Critical discussions will address ethical and safe AI practices, focusing on bias and data privacy to ensure fairness and transparency.

Dr. Catherine Zeman's presentation delves into the intricate relationship between environmental factors and health outcomes, particularly focusing on disparities across human communities. By analyzing trends in U.S. lifespan and healthcare expenditures, Dr. Zeman highlights the divergent pathways experienced by different racial/ethnic groups. She underscores the impact of neighborhood characteristics, such as income levels and educational attainment, on health outcomes, emphasizing the increased risk of chronic diseases and limited access to healthcare services in disadvantaged areas.

John Early will share images from his studio art practice while discussing projects that engage deeply with the cultural and social landscapes of various communities. Through his site-based work, he explores issues of spatial injustice, urban renewal, and community identity. By addressing topics like the anti-Black racism underlying the absence of basketball courts in St. Louis’s Forest Park and the human toll of urban renewal in the St. Louis Place neighborhood, Early's work highlights the importance of understanding and respecting diverse cultural perspectives.