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Diversity Lecture Series with Dr. Antija Allen and Justin T. Stewart

When: Feb. 22 from 8-9:30 a.m. and noon-1:30 p.m.

Where: Sneden Hall 108

Dr. Antija Allen (ann-tee-yuh, al-en) is the Director of the Pellissippi Academic Center for Excellence (PACE) and a tenured Associate Professor of Psychology at Pellissippi State Community College. She was the 2021-2022 recipient of the Roger Crowe Excellence in Teaching award and 2022-2023 recipient of the Staff Excellence award. Antija was the Tennessee Board of Regents 2021-2022 Maxine Smith fellow; her cohort developed a toolkit of best practices for Black male: student success, faculty recruitment and retention. Antija’s recent publications include Academic Freedom in Classroom Discussions and the bestseller, We’re Not OK: Black Faculty Experiences and Higher Education Strategies (Cambridge University Press). It was featured in Inside Higher Ed, the Journal of Blacks in higher education, Diverse: Issues in higher education, and several others. Antija earned her BA in Psychology from Neumann University and MA in Psychology from Pepperdine University. Antija has returned to Columbia University Teachers College where she earned her EdD in Adult Learning & Leadership to teach in their Summer Principals Academy. 

Justin T. Stewart is a Risk Management consultant in financial services, a career coach at Allen Ivy Prep Consulting, and former entertainment journalist, with a B.A. in Journalism from Clark Atlanta University. A native of Boston, MA, he currently resides in Atlanta, GA where he was highlighted in Voyage ATL Magazine as part of ATL’s Most Inspiring Stories. Since his days as an adolescent, Justin has gravitated towards literature, transforming into a passion to become a storyteller. Working in industries including higher education, career services and corporate banking, these experiences, including being a member of the BOLD (Black Organizers, Leaders, and Doers) network, has exposed him to diverse individuals, cultures and perspectives, enabling him to use his platforms to share the stories of those he has encountered. He has used his pen to highlight artists, business owners and non-profit organizations on local and national levels.  His recent research has focused on racial disparities and explored the unique challenges for Black faculty, and Black professionals, that work within predominantly white spaces. Through collaborations with institutions in higher education, his work has been used to develop strategies and enhance DEIB.

Allen Ivy Prep's Website

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RSVP for second workshop    

Real Talk Tuesday: Professionalism 101

When: Mar. 12 from 2-3 p.m.

Where: Learning Resource Center room 132

Hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, students are encouraged to join and discuss real problems facing college students today.

RSVP for Real Talk Tuesday

Diversity Lecture Series with Kim Dabbs

When: Mar. 21 from noon-1 p.m.

Where: Virtual

Kim Dabbs will host the final March virtual talk in the 2023-2024 series. Dabbs is a global leader in the area of belonging and purpose. As a thought leader, cultural researcher, author, and speaker, she has been leading social impact, innovation, and education initiatives throughout the globe. 

Kim Dabb's Website

RSVP for Kim Dabs 

Salute to Women

When: Mar. 28 from noon-1:30 p.m.

Where: Sneden Hall room 108

The Salute to Women Award celebrates the accomplishments of women and gender equity advocates who impact the GRCC community and beyond. The award is open to all GRCC stakeholders regardless of gender or gender identity. Annually, persons who exemplify high achievement in advocacy, community service, leadership, and student engagement are nominated in four categories: GRCC Alumnus, GRCC Employee, GRCC Student, GRCC Former Employee.
 

Diversity Lecture Series

Speaker at the MLK celebration

Diversity Lecture Series

The Diversity Lecture Series provides GRCC stakeholders and members of the Grand Rapids community with tangible access to society’s most prolific scholars, thought-leaders, activists, and innovative artist.

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