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Broadening awareness and inspiring action are the goals of a fall series of free virtual events hosted by ������ and open to the public. The topics range from immigrants, Native Americans and people with disabilities to safe and inclusive communities for all.

“Ridgewater seeks to elevate attention to the diversity that exists within our campuses and greater communities,” said Alberto Ramos, ������’s new director of diversity, equity and inclusion.  “Our Social Justice Speaker Series is one of the ways we seek to do that. We hope that by offering engagement opportunities such as these, individuals and communities will be inspired to take action that helps to create communities where everyone feels like they truly belong.”

Thurs., September 30, 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m.– , philanthropist, photographer, and speaker, will present “The Walk of the Immigrants,” a one-hour presentation with a 30-minute Q&A to follow.
Zoom :
Meeting ID: 878 5212 6924; passcode: Ridgewater

Thurs., October 14, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Dr. Cori Bazemore-James, director of retention and success in the University of Minnesota Graduate School Diversity Office, will address the importance of land acknowledgements in honor of Indigenous People’s Day.
Zoom:

Tues., October 26, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – , author, professional speaker, and consultant will discuss how to create communities that are safe and inclusive to LGBTQIA+ members in honor of National Coming Out Day.
Zoom:
Meeting ID: 838 2043 7575; passcode: Ridgewater

Tues., November 16, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – , professor of Ojibwe and author of several books, will speak for Native American and Alaska Native Heritage month.
Zoom:

Tues., December 7, 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. – Christine “Coco” Roschaert, an advocate and avid traveler of 60+ countries, will present “Tactile the World: A DeafBlind Woman’s Journey.” Watch and listen to Coco’s adventures and sometimes dangerous experiences as she uses instinct, a cane and sign language to navigate internationally. Presented in American Sign Language and voice interpretation.
Zoom:

Registration is not required.

For more information or to reserve a campus computer to participate, contact the Ridgewater Office for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at [email protected]. Computers are available in the Willmar and Hutchinson campus libraries for students or the public.

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