Briar Cliff University holds its annual Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship on September 29 and 30. The two-day event covers topics on diversity, equity, and inclusion, with nearly 100 participants registered. The guest speaker for the event is Dr. Rashida Fisher.
Sister Muriel Ford passed away in 1979 and was the chairperson of the sociology department from 1937 to 1972. She was recognized as a champion of social justice, and an educator that stirred her students with the desire to serve the community.
“The Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship is an endowment created by the alumni of Briar Cliff to honor the person who served for 20 years as director of alumni relations, was the chairperson of the sociology department for many years, and was and advocate for social justice,” says Heidi Kammer-Hodge, Briar Cliff University Assistant Professor for Social Work. “We are honored to reinstate the annual Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship in 2022 featuring keynote speaker Dr. Rashida Fisher from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who will present two unique sessions on strategies for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
Dr. Fisher is a native of Minneapolis Minnesota, and provides counseling, coaching, consultation, and training services. She specializes in culturally responsive care and trauma- informed service delivery. Her primary research interests are in trauma, addiction, sexuality, multicultural, and social injustice issues, restorative justice practices, and workforce development in the counseling profession.
During session one, topics will cover considerations for diversity, equity, and inclusion as a social justice issue. Attendees will learn about the systematic issues, as well as factors and causes about the topics. They will also gain resources, tools, and concepts to strengthen and enhance their work environments in these aspects.
Session two will educate attendees on the key concepts related to diversity, equity, and inclusion. They will learn a multidisciplinary approach to promote the concepts, in work areas that include but are not limited to, healthcare, human services, social work, education, and legal services. Attendees will have the opportunity at the end for self-reflection and identify strengths and growth areas on promoting and ensuring diversity.
The lectureship is offered to students, professionals, and community members at no cost or charge. Continuing education credit hours and certificate of attendance will be available after the completion. Attendees will learn about tools and resources to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.