Conference Info
Draft Schedule
When
April 17, 2026
8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Where
Morning Main Stage
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8:15 – 9:00 | Breakfast and Networking
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9:00 – 9:15 | Kick-off and Welcome
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Dr. Jennifer Berne and Dr. Damira Grady Saffold
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9:15 – 10:00 | Morning Keynote
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Dr. Crystasany R. Turner
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Breakout Block I: 10:10 – 11:00
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Session A: Examining Community Engagement
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Presenter: Nicole Soulier
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Session B: Embedding Success: SWTC
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Presenters: Christena Bowers, Carolyn Laufenberg, and Danielle Carlson
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Session C: Warm Demanders in Math
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Presenter: Tony Cina
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Session D: From Chaos to Cohesion
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Presenters: Carrie Cooper and Vanessa Kent
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Breakout Block II: 11:10 – 12:00 (Student Track Begins)
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Session A: Social Media Best Practices (Student Session)
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Presenter: TK
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Session B: Belonging Is the Work
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Presenter: Darryl Anderson
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Session C: From Inclusion to Belonging
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Presenter: Dr. Donna Smith Bellinger
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Session D: The Folding Chair
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Presenter: Dr. Raven C. Major
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Afternoon Main Stage (Student Track Continued)
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12:00 – 12:30 | Lunch
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12:30 – 1:15 | Keynote Address
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Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings
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Breakout Block III: 1:25 – 2:15 (Student Track Conclusion)
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Session A: Global Education Panel (Student Session)
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Presenter: Stephanie Belmas
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Session B: Team Models to Support All Learners (Panel Session)
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Presenters: Tony Cina, Amy Garvoille, Rhonda Alexander, Megan Foley, Sedenia Furlow, and Adrian
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Session C: Beyond Theory: The Actions and Reactions of Whiteness
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Presenter: Beth Giles
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Session D: Serving vs. Enrolling: Centering Latino Students
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Presenter: Ro Encizo Jr.
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Breakout Block IV: 2:25 – 3:15
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Session A: The Future of Student Success (Panel Session)
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Presenters: Amanda Captain, Ruth Schneider, Ali Salzmann, and Dr. Thomas Timothy Mtonga
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Session B: Psychological Safety and Leadership
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Presenters: Clintel Hasan and Emmanuel Godoy
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Session C: How ELL Camp Builds Early Success
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Presenters: Chantel Hampton, Danielle Carlson, Whitney Schwindenhammer, and Delaine Weber
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Closing Events
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3:25 – 3:35 | Raffle Draw
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3:35 – 4:00 | Final Remarks and Closing
In Person & Virtual
1701 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704
Room D1630
Registration is now open.
Registrants, please keep an eye out for updates in your inbox.
Learn • Grow • Succeed
scope
Description
Thrive Conference is a free event.
Breakout sessions are first-come, first-served for in-person registrants. No pre-registration is required, so please arrive early to secure your spot.
You will earn a Credly Badge by attending three breakout sessions.
The event serves as a vital platform for sharing evidence-based practices, compelling narratives, and practical strategies designed to foster belonging and advance equity. Our focus is clear: to collaboratively design and implement initiatives that significantly enhance the retention and success of underrepresented faculty, staff, and students. We believe that fostering belonging is key to advancing equity and retention in higher education.
By participating in this conference, attendees will gain insights into creating inclusive policies, supporting diverse leadership, and promoting institutional practices that honor the voices of all community members. Our goal is to address systemic challenges, amplify voices of empowerment, and build supportive, welcoming spaces for everyone within higher education.
Hybrid Event
Madison College is providing technical support to connect all virtual participants to an accessible event.
Breakout sessions
Hybrid • free to attend
Thank you to Madison College
Higher education professionals interested in enhancing retention and fostering belonging for underrepresented groups.
Educators
Undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about equity and inclusion in higher education.
Students
Individuals seeking to implement transformative policies and practices at their institutions.
Administrators
Higher education faculty and staff interested in enhancing retention and fostering belonging for underrepresented groups.
Advocates
Practitioners
Students
Advocates dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through research and community engagement.
Undergraduate and graduate students who are passionate about equity and inclusion in higher education.
Administrators
Individuals seeking to implement transformative policies and practices at their institutions.
Community
Advocates dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through research and community engagement.
Join Us
The Institute for Equity & Transformational Change is an inclusive hub where faculty, staff and the college community actively advance equity-based practices through faculty and staff-led research and development.
The Division of Organizational Impact and Culture builds and nourishes relationships to create initiatives and experiences aligned with the college’s goals and community needs.
About Us
Check out Thrive Conference News featured in
Madison 365.
Get in Touch
This conference is sponsored by IETC, a part of The Division of Organizational Impact and Culture. If you are interested in attending or have a question about THRIVE, contact us!
Email:
ThriveConference@MadisonCollege.edu
