The 2021 Toward One Wisconsin Conference brought together over 400 virtual attendees, October 12-13, to address and prioritize the work of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
With the theme of Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers, the conference connected citizens and organizations from multiple sectors across Wisconsin to build communities of equity and opportunity.
The two-day virtual conference featured three keynote speakers (Jelani Cobb, Dasha Kelly Hamilton, and Kao Kalia Yang), a plenary panel discussion, and 48 breakout presentations.
“The most significant aspect of the conference is knowing this is just a step in the process,” said one attendee. “There is more work for each of us to do. I am glad to leave with a thirst for more knowledge.”
Attendees learned from expert led presentations in the four conference tracks which address job entry, creating united communities that welcome all residents, embracing a healthy climate for youth in our schools and neighborhoods, and promoting health equity initiatives across Wisconsin.
Over 20 organizations and 75 individuals from around the state and the Eau Claire region were involved in the planning of the event. This year’s sponsors included the Wisconsin Institute for Public Policy and Service (WIPPS), Church Mutual Insurance Company, University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, and Visit Eau Claire.
Although planned as an in-person event in Eau Claire, Wis., Toward One Wisconsin’s planners moved the conference to a fully virtual format to prioritize the health and safety of participants and community members.
Toward One Wisconsin aspires to create and sustain a statewide culture that understands that diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential to the state’s continued excellence. To learn more, visit: inclusivity-wi.org.
