Our goal this year is to help women connect with one another, support each other, and leave empowered to continue to succeed in the academy. The national and local planning committees have created a dynamic program focusing on career development, leadership, personal well-being, and scholar activism. Women of color need opportunities to come together to uplift one another and build lasting professional connections that will strengthen our communities.

The conference program includes a lineup of outstanding keynote speakers including Maria Hinojosa and Brittney Cooper. The conference also continues its partnership with the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, founded by Kerry Ann Rockquemore. This year, the center offers two workshop: Solo Success: How to thrive in the academy when you’re the only _____ in your department, and Post-Tenure Pathways. Rosemarie Roberts of Connecticut College facilitates these workshops.

In response to participant requests to hear from women in leadership positions, a panel of Women of Color presidents representing diverse institutions has been organized. We are pleased to have Dr. Nancy “Rusty” Barcelo, former President of Northern New Mexico College, Dr. Cynthia Lindquist, President of Cankdeska Cikana (Little Hoop) Community College, and Pareena G. Lawrence, President of Hollins University. The panel will be facilitated by Johanna B. Maes who co-authored the book Journeys of Social Justice-Women of Color Presidents in the Academy with me.

Workshops and poster exhibits prepared and delivered by our community of scholars complement our keynotes. This year, we are pleased to offer a post-conference academic writing retreat led by Michelle Boyd of Inkwell Academic Writing Retreats.