November 8, 2022
Two guest speakers highlight the 2022 KSUnite DEIB Conference
The 2022 KSUnite Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, or DEIB, Conference, "A Journey to Justice: Bridging Distances and Differences," features two amazing and unique guest speakers.
On Monday, Nov. 14, from 1:30-2:20 p.m., we kick off the traditional KSUnite afternoon — all classes are canceled from 1:30-4:30 p.m. — with the KSUnite plenary speaker, Shamiel Gary. Gary is a former Oklahoma State University football star who went on to play in the NFL for the Patriots, Bears, Dolphins and Bills. He has since turned his talents to speaking and mentoring on a variety of topics revolving around leadership and self-motivation. His talk is titled "Leading with love: Create an environment where people feel valued and appreciated. Embrace our differences using empathy to connect with one another." The plenary session will be live in the K-State Student Union Ballroom, with viewing locations available in the Union's Forum Hall and the Union courtyard. The plenary session will also be livestreamed; check the KSUnite 2022 event homepage for links to streaming sessions on the day of the event.
The 2022 KSUnite DEIB Conference keynote speaker is April Hernandez Castillo. Many will know Castillo from her roles in films and television. She is best known for her film debut in "Freedom Writers" in 2007, starring alongside Hilary Swank and is known for recurring roles in the television series: "ER," "Dexter" and several others. Castillo has channeled the events of her traumatic past into a message of hope and inspiration for those suffering from abusive personal relationships and has told her story to thousands of students nationwide and internationally. Her keynote presentation, "Moving Forward," will be from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in the Union Ballroom and will be followed by an invitation-only breakout session for selected K-State students titled "Embracing Me." Castillo's keynote presentation will be livestreamed; check the KSUnite 2022 event homepage for links to streaming sessions on the day of the event. Free lunch will be served for those who would like to attend in person. Free registration is required to attend the luncheon. Please register by 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, if you intend to attend the luncheon and keynote presentation.