Who Has the Access C.O.D.E.? Positioning a Generation for Better Careers, Opportunities & Diversity Through Education

 If you’re not planning to attend the American Conference on Diversity’s 12th Annual Statewide Conference on Diversity Issues in Higher Education, you will be missing out!

In the wake of a Supreme Court decision in Fisher vs. University of Texas, which challenges educational access based on race for underrepresented students, “Who Has the Access C.O.D.E.? Positioning a Generation for Better Careers, Opportunities & Diversity Through Education" is a must-attend event for educators, faculty, students, diversity and inclusion leaders, career-advancement professionals, and recruiters. 

“Our signature conference is the only one in New Jersey that brings together so many diverse institutions from across the state to analyze and address the intersection of diversity and equal access to higher education,” says Elizabeth Williams-Riley, President & CEO of the American Conference on Diversity. “Now more than ever, as affirmative action-based practices are being called into question, you need to be part of the dialogue surrounding diversity issues in education.”

The annual event will be held November 16 from 9 am to 3 pm at Saint Peter’s University in Jersey City, N.J., in the McIntyre Room, Dinneen Hall.

Here are 6 more reasons to register:

LISTEN to dynamic keynote speaker Camelia M. Valdes, Esq., the first woman prosecutor in Passaic County Courts and the first Latina county prosecutor in the state, share her personal success story and discuss as a response panelist how educators can help the next diverse generation gain greater career opportunities.

CELEBRATE the recognition of Ed Bullock, former vice president of diversity and inclusion at L’Oreal and a long-time supporter of our organization and this event, with our “Pursuit of Excellence in Higher Education” award.

LEARN from a prestigious panel of educational thought leaders, including Dr. Rochelle Hendricks, New Jersey Commissioner of Higher Education, and Ebony Thomas, Director, Campus & Diversity Recruiting, Prudential.

PARTICIPATE in the question-and-answer session with panelists and fellow attendees, following the keynote response discussion.

EXPERIENCE thought-provoking and insightful workshops. Eight experiential workshops, each facilitated by academics, diversity practitioners, social-justice leaders, or EEO experts, will be conducted:

●Navigating Diversity: The Role of Corporate, Non-profit and Government Employers in Positioning this Diverse Generation in the Modern Workplace

●The Screwed Generation? Fact or Fiction?

●School Choice: Making NJ Education More – or Less – Accessible?

●Multicultural Education: Serving the Underserved and Undocumented

● Digital Access: Technology and the Digital Divide

●The Value of a General Liberal Arts Education and the Practical Application of Professional Studies: Keys for Access and Professional Success

●ACCESS Beyond the Degree: Retooling and Developing Job Skills to Provide You Access in a Knowledge-based Society

●Affirmative Action and Diversity: The Legal Landscape for Access and Diversity Initiatives since the Bakke Decision

NETWORK with fellow educators, faculty, alumni, students, diversity and inclusion professionals, state government officials, and community leaders. “This conference is an opportunity to meet new people,” says Bari Katz, Director of Youth/Collegiate Development Services Consultant at the American Conference on Diversity. “Whether you’re looking to form strategic alliances or advance your own career, you are sure to gain a renewed sense of the field at this event.”

Registration rates are $65, including breakfast and lunch, and $35 for students (ID required). For the full agenda and to register, visit https://www.kintera.org/AutoGen/Register/Register.asp?iev....

Conference sponsors include: Bergen Community College; Bloomfield College; Brookdale Community College; College of St. Elizabeth; Drew University; Georgian Court University; Kean University; Monmouth University; Montclair State University; New Jersey City University; Rider University; Rowan University; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Saint Peter’s University; Seton Hall University; UMDNJ; William Paterson University, and Community Partner PSEG.

About the American Conference on Diversity

The programs, services, and initiatives of the American Conference on Diversity are among the most important work focused on creating a more inclusive society. It is the unfinished business of living in a highly diverse nation: educating and empowering our next generation of leaders; enhancing our workplaces; and helping to create inclusive communities. The American Conference on Diversity builds on a historic mission and creates programs and activities relevant and vital to 21st Century life. It is a journey we can all take together. The American Conference on Diversity operates eight chapters to help us to educate and empower leaders and bring our messages of inclusion and respect to communities throughout New Jersey: Atlantic County Chapter, Bayonne Chapter, Central Jersey Chapter, Essex County Chapter, Greater Bergen Chapter, Hudson County Chapter, Jersey Shore Chapter, and Mercer County Chapter. Visit www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org to learn more.