Virtual Presentations and Resources

Financial Empowerment Initiative

In these workshops, U-M alum and financial therapist Lindsay Bryan-Podvin helps you make financial decisions with more confidence, explores the origins of your money beliefs, and helps you rewrite your money story for a healthier relationship with money. You learn how to identify and manage uncomfortable feelings related to money, set meaningful financial goals, and establish financial boundaries that work for you. By the end of the workshops, you’ll be better equipped to take control of your financial future.

Click here to register (click on “Finances” and look for workshops with “Financial Empowerment Series”)!

Click here to view the full flyer.

Next Stop: Grad School

Calling all graduate school applicants, or anyone considering grad school! Ever wondered what students/professionals would say to their younger selves about starting their graduate program? Now you have the chance to find out! Join us for this informative panel event where you will have the opportunity to hear from current and former grad students from a variety of backgrounds.

Click here to view the full event.

Shifting Gears: Preparing for a Career Change

This event is for anyone considering making a change in their career. The goal is to help participants identify when it feels right to make a career change, and how to start the process of looking for new opportunities. This will include activities to get to know yourself, exploring resources to find the right career for you, and how to market yourself as a strong candidate in your new field. Join us and start your career transformation journey!

Click here to view the Shifting Gears Workbook.

2023 Weerasinghe Lecture with Amali Tower

Amali Tower is the founder and executive director of Climate Refugees.

The Weerasinghe Lecture is named for Christobel Kotelawela Weerasinghe, who worked throughout her life to promote international understanding and communication. CEW+ thanks Emerita Leadership Council Member Menakka Bailey for making this fund possible in honor of her mother, Christobel Kotelawela Weerasinghe, a lifelong advocate of cross-cultural dialogue and advancement for women.

Preparing a Strong CEW+ Scholarship Application

Presenter: Erin Lane, Program Manager

CEW+ Scholarship applicants had the chance to ask questions about eligibility criteria and heard more about what the review committee is looking for in a competitive application. The workshop covered the full scholarship timeline, with tips on crafting each section of the application to address the selection criteria used during the review process. The workshop also clarified the different stages of scholarship review – from the recommendations of applicants based on merit to the final awarding based on financial need. The CEW+ Scholarship application is open now and will close on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, for funding available during the 2023-24 academic year.

Click here to view the full presentation.

The 2023 Sarah Goddard Power Award and Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Award Ceremony

This event celebrated the legacies of Sarah Goddard Power and Rhetaugh Dumas by recognizing current staff, scholars, and units that are carrying forward shared values through named awards.

The Sarah Goddard Power & Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Awards are presented on behalf of the Academic Women’s Caucus, which was founded in 1975 with the charge ”to develop an inclusive organization of all women faculty members of the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses of the University of Michigan which will serve as a forum for the exchange of information about the status of faculty women at the University and as a focus for action necessary to the investigation and resolution of their special concerns.”

Click here to view the full ceremony.

Preparing a Strong CEW+ Fellowship Application

Presenter: Erin Lane, Program Manager

Are you a graduate student conducting research of importance to women or traveling abroad while studying in a health-related field? CEW+ Fellowships may be a resource for you to fund your research or travel. This workshop covers the CEW+ Fellowship application components, timeline, and selection criteria. Gain insights from past committee reviews to craft a competitive application. The CEW+ Fellowship application closes on Monday, March 6, 2023, for funding available at the end of the Winter 2023 term, or Spring/Summer 2023.

Click here to view the recording from the workshop

6th Annual CEW+ Advocacy Symposium: Creating Change through Introspection, Dialogue & Action

The CEW+ Advocacy Symposium returned in person this fall to bring together staff, faculty, students, and community members to create change through introspection, dialogue and action. This year’s symposium featured:

• Opening Session: Financial Empowerment roundtable discussions and lunch hosted by Laurita Thomas, Executive in Residence, Center for Positive Organizations, President, American Research Universities Human Resources Institute; opening remarks from Anne Ollen, MA, CEBS, Managing Director, TIAA Institute; and Tiffany Marra, PhD, CEW+ Director.
  VIEW RECORDING HERE
  
• A capstone presentation by outgoing CEW+ Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist, Theresa Anderson, Senior Researcher, Urban Institute. Dr. Anderson’s work explores the networks that Michigan student parents navigate, providing insights on policy and practice changes that would make it easier for parenting students in the state, and specifically in the U-M system, to meet their educational goals. CEW+ also announced the incoming 2023 CEW+ Twink Frey Visiting Social Activists.
  VIEW RECORDING HERE
  
• Workshops hosted by CEW+, the Ginsberg Center, the Program on Intergroup Relations, and SAPAC designed to showcase a variety of approaches to advocacy. Workshops allowed attendees the opportunity to engage in self-reflection, group discussion, and action planning to advance their advocacy efforts on behalf of causes central to their personal and professional goals.
• The awarding of the 2022 Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change. Awardees included faculty, staff, and students whose sustained efforts have resulted in greater equity with regard to gender, race, class, age disability, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Awardees presented lightning talks and participated in a panel discussion.
  VIEW RECORDING HERE
  
• The Christobel Kotelawela Weerasinghe Lecture, “From Protests to Policy Reforms: Advancing Gender Equality in a Complex, Multi-ethnic and Multi-Religious Nigeria,” presented by Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, founding Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Center and executive board member of the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding and the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund. Dr. Akiyode-Afolabi is a professor, lawyer, and civil rights activist whose work is focused on maternal and reproductive health advocacy, gender-based violence, social justice, and the underrepresentation of women in governance.
  VIEW RECORDING HERE
  

What Comes after Roe?: Michigan Experts Discuss Law, Policy, Health, and Economics

Click here for resources from the panel (please note that this event was not recorded)

Laughter and wisdom filled the Center on the morning of Thursday, May 12, as a panel of five remarkable women shared their career journeys. The panel was moderated by Ms. Christine Euritt, Senior Consultant at The Leadership Group, and friend and donor to CEW+.

The panel included Dr. Rose Bellanca, President of Washtenaw Community College; Ms. Donna Doleman Dickerson, brand builder, certified diversity professional, and marketing and strategy expert; Dr. Eva Felman (PhD ’79, MD ’83), Russel N. DeJong Professor of Neurology at U-M School of Medicine; Dr. Lynda K. Jeffries, Senior Consultant at The Leadership Group; and Ms. Mary Vandewiele (MBA ’15), real estate broker, investor, and business entrepreneur.

Each panelist shared their career journey and definitions of success. The paths varied from the outwardly more traditional academic route to jumping between seemingly unrelated fields, to steady growth in their field by fostering high-performing teams. Their diverse paths of success resonated with event attendees, one of whom commented, “It really helped to hear from multiple women who didn’t take the classical path to success and how they dealt with big changes. I worry about my work and my happiness in the short term but I also worry about how I will feel in my 50s and 60s and 70s when society really writes women off, and I’m so encouraged by what I saw and heard from the panel.”

In keeping with the Center’s approach to holistic career support, panelists shared stories about their professional journeys interwoven with personal and family stories that shaped their trajectory and growth. From challenging the expectations that parents have for their daughters, to demonstrating determination and resilience in interview processes, to seizing opportunities to care for family members during times of career change, comments by the panelists reflected a wide variety of experiences that apply to situations encountered by the nontraditional students and community members that CEW+ serves.

The intimate setting afforded attendees the opportunity to ask the panelists detailed questions and learn more about their thoughts on their definitions of success. Remarkably, all panelists’ personal definitions shared the element of bringing other women along with you through mentorship. As one participant noted, “There was a common theme from the discussion: Support each other, and when you have an opportunity to be in leadership use that to your advantage and bring other women up with you.” CEW+ was also honored to welcome Laurita Thomas, President of the American Research Universities Human Resources Institute, as a guest during the event. Dr. Thomas shared her own advice, suggesting that attendees, “Make sure you have agreement with your team or your client, ‘What does success look like?’ and then deliver it.”

Sharing Our Paths of Success: Career Panel and Networking Event

CEW+ was privileged to welcome Dr. Rose B. Bellanca, Donna Doleman Dickerson, Dr. Eva L. Feldman, Dr. Lynda K. Jeffries, and Mary Vandewiele for a networking and panel event, Sharing Our Paths of Success, earlier this summer. The event was envisioned and moderated by long-time friend and supporter of CEW+, Christine Euritt. Enjoy the career stories of these six distinguished leaders as highlighted in one-page summaries, or review key takeaways in the event summary.

Event Summary
Dr. Rose B. Bellanca
Donna Doleman Dickerson
Christine Euritt
Dr. Eva L. Feldman
Dr. Lynda K. Jeffries
Mary Vandewiele

40TH ANNUAL WCTF CAREER CONFERENCE | THE TIME IS NOW!

Sponsored by TIAA.

The University of Michigan Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) hosted its 40th annual career conference virtually on March 4, 2022. The keynote speaker was social justice leader and movement strategist Tamika D. Mallory, an internationally recognized activist, co-founder of Until Freedom, and one of four co-chairs for the 2017 Women’s March on Washington.

Click here to view the full interactive conference program. Please take note of the fact that the conference program is interactive; feel free to click on bolded words, images, graphics, and ads to read and learn more.

Click the links below to view the recordings of the keynotes and many of the workshops:

• Opening remarks
• Transforming Culture Through Strengths-Based, Learning Conversations
• The Paradigm Shift: Leading Innovation through Fear & Failure
• Wellness in the Workplace: How Self-Care Can Help You be Happier and Healthier
• Keynote Session featuring Tamika D. Mallory, Social Justice Leader and Movement Strategist
• Wholistic Leadership: An Approach to Systemic Organizational Change
• A Mindfulness Approach to Goal Setting and Planning
• Cultivating a Shared Culture: Making Explicit Community Expectations & Accountability
• Grief and Loss: Supporting Ourselves and Those For Whom We Care
• Closing remarks

WCTF extends special thanks to TIAA, our Platinum Plus corporate sponsor, for its generous support of the 2022 Women of Color Task Force Conference.

Preparing a Strong CEW+ Scholarship Application

Join the CEW+ Funding team for a virtual information session about the CEW+ Scholarship Program. This workshop offers tips to strengthen your application and provides insights into the review and selection processes. The CEW+ Scholarship Application closes on April 1, 2022, for funding available during the 2022-2023 academic year.

2022 Sarah Goddard Power Award and Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Award Ceremony

This event celebrates the legacies of Sarah Goddard Power and Rhetaugh Dumas by recognizing current staff, scholars, and units that are carrying forward shared values through named awards. Read about this year’s awardees here.

The Sarah Goddard Power & Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Awards are presented on behalf of the Academic Women’s Caucus, which was founded in 1975 with the charge ”to develop an inclusive organization of all women faculty members of the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses of the University of Michigan which will serve as a forum for the exchange of information about the status of faculty women at the University and as a focus for action necessary to the investigation and resolution of their special concerns.”

Elevating Diverse Perspectives to Advance Organizational Outcomes | Presented by CEW+ and Fidelity

DEI experts from Fidelity and U-M joined together for a lively discussion on how diverse perspectives help our schools, colleges, and units develop leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future. Panelists shared real-world examples from their collective wisdom along with strategies to foster an environment that supports and celebrates diverse perspectives. They also shared how staff and faculty can learn how to draw on the strength of their unique perspectives to shape the priorities of their organization and inspire passion and action to further diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts in their own sphere of influence.

Click here to see the full recording of the session.

This panel featured:

• Wendy E. John, Head of Global Diversity & Inclusion at Fidelity Investments
• Sonya Jacobs, Special Advisor to the President and Chief Organizational Learning Officer U-M; Senior Director, Faculty and Leadership Development U-M Medical School
• Dilip Das, PhD, Assistant Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at U-M
• Kristen Howard, J.D., Senior Director, Office for Health Equity and Inclusion at U-M Medical School
• Moderator: Tiffany Marra, PhD, CEW+ Director

JUNETEENTH | WCTF 2ND ANNUAL CELEBRATION FOCUSES ON INTERCULTURAL SOLIDARITY

The Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) hosted its second Juneteenth celebration on Friday, June 18th, from 8:30 am – 1:30 pm. The overarching theme for this event was “Improving Intercultural Race Relations to Develop Intercultural Solidarity.” 

• Click here to view the digital program for the 2021 WCTF Juneteenth celebration.
• Click here to view the morning welcome activities and three panel discussions for the 2021 WCTF Juneteenth celebration.

Self-Care during COVID-19

In this workshop, presenters Annie Strickland, MSW Candidate & CEW+ Counseling Intern and Danielle Norman, MSW Candidate & CEW+ Management Intern discussed the importance of self-care, especially during this time of collective stress and heightened difficulty balancing concerns, obligations, and priorities.

Topics such as the importance of self-care, how to make time for self-care, and how to create a self-care plan were covered. This workshop focused on individual reflection and planning and provided tangible knowledge, resources, and next steps to feel better prepared to incorporate self-care in your daily life.

Click here to view the recording

Click here to view the workbook.

39th Annual WCTF Career Conference

Defining the New Normal: Shaping A Post-COVID, Anti-Racist Workplace

The University of Michigan Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) hosted its 39th annual career conference virtually on March 4-5, 2021.

On Thursday, March 4, the opening keynote program featured U-M alumnae Corie Pauling, senior vice president, chief inclusion and diversity officer, and head of corporate social responsibility for TIAA, who discussed strategies for creating inclusive anti-racist workspaces. Following her remarks, a nationally renowned panel of healthcare experts responded to questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and how it works to develop immunity.

The closing keynote program on Friday, March 5, featured US State representative the Honorable Rashida Tlaib, MI-13 and U-M alumnae, state representative, and Davenport University vice president for strategic partnerships, Lisa Howze, discussing the role of women in the state’s economic recovery strategy.

• Click here to view the full interactive conference program. Please take note of the fact that the conference program is interactive; feel free to click on bolded words, images, graphics, and ads to read and learn more.
• Click here to view recordings, presentations, workbooks, and resources from the conference

Click the links below to view recordings of the keynotes and some of the workshops:

• 2021 WCTF Career Conference Keynote Thursday, March 4th (Day 1)
• 2021 WCTF Career Conference Keynote Friday, March 5th (Day 2)
• Intentional Inclusivity in Management: Lessons from Michigan Medicine’s Anti-Racism Oversight Committee
• Allyship: Journey to Accomplice in Anti-Racism Activism
• Tell It Like It Is!: Creating A Path to Your Own Success through Self-Promotion
• Take Your Professional Development to the Next Level with the U-M Development Journey and LinkedIn Learning
• MHealthy: Health & Fitness Resources @ U-M
• Intentional Inclusivity in Management – Fostering Diversity and Inclusion | The Inclusive-Leader Mindset

2021 Sarah Goddard Power Award and Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Award Ceremony

This event celebrated the legacies of Sarah Goddard Power and Rhetaugh Dumas by recognizing current staff, scholars, and units that are carrying forward shared values through named awards.

The Sarah Goddard Power & Rhetaugh G. Dumas Progress in Diversifying Awards are presented on behalf of the Academic Women’s Caucus, which was founded in 1975 with the charge ”to develop an inclusive organization of all women faculty members of the Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Flint campuses of the University of Michigan which will serve as a forum for the exchange of information about the status of faculty women at the University and as a focus for action necessary to the investigation and resolution of their special concerns.”

Click here to view the full ceremony.

Click here to view the program book.

Utilizing individual and collective experiences, presenters trace the legacy of Black women and girls’ activism to promote racial justice in schools, communities, and in higher education. Mirroring the principle of Sankofa, presenters draw from the untold stories of our ancestors and elders to narrate our social justice journeys. Presenters provide best practices for how to support Black girls’ engagement in future revolutionary efforts.

Virtual Study Day: Creating Goals & Organizing Yourself

Click here to view the presentation.

A Roadmap to Virtual Home Learning Success: Tips for Student Parents

The pandemic has brought many challenges for parents who have children in virtual school-at-home situations while the parents are also still working – either in the office, from home, and/or in school. This Lunch and Learn session provided tips to keep your students, engaged and on track, along with strategies to combat Zoom fatigue.

This workshop features:

• Home school design strategies (physical space, monitoring participation, supplies list);
• Ways to create COVID-compliant community support groups;
• Self-help tips to navigate important conversations with school representatives as you advocate for your student’s needs;
• U-M Policies & Resources for managing discussions with your professor/supervisor regarding flex schedules and release time; and
• Opportunities to network with other student parents and share successful best practices.

Click here to view the full recorded presentation.

Click here to view the resource guide.

CEW+ Fall Advocacy Symposium

On Friday, October 23rd, 2020, CEW+ held its annual fall Symposium themed Creating Change through Introspection, Dialogue, and Action. Dr. Martha Jones, along with U-M professor Angela Dilliard, discussed the role of Black women in the civil rights and voting rights movements and the ongoing struggle for voting rights for different populations. The keynote included a review of Dr. Jones’ new book, with a discussion regarding current existing barriers to voting for different populations.

The kickoff also highlighted the 2020 CEW+ Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change awardees who presented insightful and engaging lightning talks about their work as a precursor to full-length workshops that will happen throughout the upcoming academic year.

Click here to view the recording of the full event on Google.

• opening remarks by Christina R. Cutlip, PhD, Senior Managing Director, Head of Client Engagement and National Advocacy at TIAA
• the Mullin Welch Lecture given by C. Nicole Mason, PhD, president and chief executive officer of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. The keynote was facilitated by Catherine Hadley, a U-M senior majoring in Political Science and U-M’s 28th Truman Scholar.
• the awarding of the 2021 Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity and Social Change. Awardees participated in a panel discussion titled Amplifying Narratives and Engaging Communities to Create Systemic Change.
• a capstone presentation by outgoing CEW+ Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist Dessa Cosma, MA, founder of Detroit Disability Power.
• the announcement of the 2022 CEW+ Twink Frey Visiting Social Activist, Theresa Anderson, MPP, PhD, senior researcher at the Urban Institute.

The CEW+ Advocacy Symposium was made possible with support from TIAA, our platinum corporate sponsor.

Arriving and Settling:
Virtual Recorded Mindfulness Sit for Wednesday, September 23

Please find the link to this week’s pre-recorded virtual mindfulness sit below to download and experience at your convenience.

Click to view the September 23 Mindfulness Sit.

Identifying Emergency Funds and How to Advocate for Making Room in Your Financial Aid Package

This session provided information about how you can seek emergency funds should you experience an emergency situation or one-time, unusual, unforeseen expense while in school. Information about the types of situations that qualify for emergency funds and where to seek funding was covered during this presentation.

Click here to view the full recorded presentation.

Loving Kindness:
Virtual Recorded Mindfulness Sit for Wednesday, August 26

Please find the link to this week’s pre-recorded virtual mindfulness sit below to download and experience at your convenience.

Click to view the August 26 Mindfulness Sit.

Holding On Letting Go:
Virtual Recorded Mindfulness Sit for Wednesday, August 19

Please find the link to this week’s pre-recorded virtual mindfulness sit below to download and experience at your convenience.

Click to view the August 19 Mindfulness Sit.

Understanding Differences Between Fellowships, Scholarships, and Aid

Fellowships, scholarships, and aid can help finance your education, but each type of funding has different intent and requirements. The panelists in this workshop discussed the differences between funding types so that you can determine what is most appropriate for meeting your needs. Strategies were shared for how to identify sources of funding across U-M and externally.

Click here to view the full recorded presentation.

Click here to view the slides.

Panelists:

• Donna Huprich, Director of Admissions and Academic Records & Dissertations; Interim Director of Fellowships & Financial Aid
• Paul Barrow, Foundations and Grants Librarian, Library Research – Social Sciences and Clark Library, University Library
• Vickie Crupper, Senior Associate Director of Financial Aid

Four Elements:
Virtual Recorded Mindfulness Sit for Wednesday, August 12

Please find the link to this week’s pre-recorded virtual mindfulness sit below to download and experience at your convenience.

Click to view the August 12 Mindfulness Sit.

Body Scan:
Virtual Recorded Mindfulness Sit for Wednesday, August 5

Please find the link to this week’s pre-recorded virtual mindfulness sit below to download and experience at your convenience.

Click to view the August 5 Mindfulness Sit.

Virtual Interviewing 101

Presenters: Sarah Cissell, LLMSW (CEW+ Career Counselor) and Courtney Reid, LMSW (CEW+ Career Counselor)

Are you currently on the job market and wondering how to best navigate virtual interviewing? This webinar provided information on preparing and executing a virtual interview, and participants were guided through research and preparation, answering interview questions, and post-interview follow-up. Attendees were provided with a workbook and had the opportunity to practice answering interview questions together in breakout rooms. 

Click here to view the full recorded presentation in Google Drive.

Click here to view the Virtual Interviewing 101 Workbook.

Focus on the Breath:
Virtual Recorded Mindfulness Sit for Wednesday, July 22

Please find the link to this week’s pre-recorded virtual mindfulness sit below to download and experience at your convenience.

Click to view the July 22 Mindfulness Sit.

Transferable Skills

Considering a new role or expansion of duties in your professional future, but unsure of how your skills may transfer from one setting to the next? CEW+ Career Counselor Courtney Reid, LMSW, discusses ways to identify your transferable skills and package them for your next opportunity.

Click here to view the full recording.

Click here to view the presentation.

Click here to view the workbook.

Click here to view the interviewing guide.

CEW+Inspire Workshop: Addressing Healthcare Disparities for Individuals with Disabilities – Identifying What YOU Can Do

On Thursday, June 25, Michelle Meade, PhD, Associate Professor, U-M Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and CEW+ 2019 Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award Winner, sat down via Zoom to talk about the experiences of individuals with disabilities and the resulting poorer health outcomes, enhanced rates of hospitalizations, and less satisfaction with healthcare services. Participants learned about the impact of environmental factors on the outcomes and were challenged to identify modifiable factors in their own environments that can be enhanced to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities as patients, providers, leaders, and learners.

Click this link to view the full recorded presentation.

Workshop Description: Individuals with disabilities comprise about 20% of the population of the United States. This group experiences poorer health outcomes, enhanced rates of hospitalizations, and less satisfaction with healthcare services. Despite their overrepresentation among patients receiving care at Michigan Medicine and other healthcare systems, most healthcare systems take only limited steps to recognize and address their needs through centralized, integrated approaches. This workshop will describe the work that I and my colleagues at the Center for Disability Health and Wellness and the Michigan Medicine Disability Council are doing to enhance outcomes for this underserved group. Participants will learn about the impact of environmental factors on the outcomes and be challenged to identify modifiable factors in their own environments that can be enhanced to improve outcomes for individuals with disabilities as patients, providers, leaders, and learners.

Presenter Bio:

Michelle A. Meade, PhD is an Associate Professor in the U-M Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. As a rehabilitation psychologist, she conducts research with, provides clinical services to, and advocates for individuals with physical disabilities. Dr. Meade is currently the Principal Investigator and Director of two federally funded interdisciplinary Centers focusing on disability issues – the U-M Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) and Technology Increasing Knowledge: Technology Optimizing Choice (TIKTOC) which is focused on developing and evaluating mobile technologies to enhance health management and independence among adolescents and young adults with disabilities; and the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Investigating Disability factors and promoting Environmental Access for Healthy Living (IDEAL RRTC), which is focused on promoting healthy aging for individuals with long-term physical disabilities. Dr. Meade also serves as co-chair of the Michigan Medicine Disability Council and the Co-director for the U -M Collaboratory for Disability Health.

Setting a Budget and Building Credit During Critical Times

On Tuesday, June 23, Andrea Darden, Founder of Darden Wealth Group, and Ciara Merriman, Fidelity Retirement Planner, sat down via Zoom to talk about strategies for creating a budget, sticking to it, and improving your credit score in the process.

Click this link to view the full recorded presentation.

Click here to view a sample budget.

Special thank you to presenters Andrea Darden and Ciara Merriman. Here is their contact information:

Andrea B. Darden, AAMS

[email protected]

Ciara C. Merriman

[email protected]

Workshop Description: Knowing how to set a realistic budget can be challenging, especially when money is tight, your checks arrive in large lump sums, and in times of crisis. This workshop will teach you strategies for creating a budget, sticking to it, and even thinking about how to improve your credit score in the process.

Presenter Bios:  

Andrea Darden founded Darden Wealth Group in her quest to empower and educate clients and continue changing wealth management.  Andrea holds the Accredited Asset Manager Certification or AAMS and has taught Certified Financial Planning Courses or CFP®.  Currently, Andrea oversees all firm activities and strategies and is responsible for all the wealth and financial plans for the firm’s clients. Andrea attended Stetson University on a basketball scholarship, later winning two National Championships as a semi-pro basketball player.

Ciara C. Merriman, a Fidelity retirement planner, has more than five years with the company. She was previously a financial consultant for Fidelity’s Novi Branch Office. An investment advisor representative, registered securities representative, and licensed insurance representative, Ciara holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and english from the University of Michigan.

WCTF Juneteenth Staff Town Hall on Social Justice, Health Equity and Police Reform

The Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) hosted a staff town hall via Zoom in honor of the Juneteenth holiday to join together staff voices in discussions about police reform, disparities in healthcare access especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and working together for transformative social change.

Click here to view the recording that combines both The Role of Staff in the University Discussion and Response to the Global Pandemics of COVID-19 and Racism and Health Equity in the Midst of COVID (beginning at 56:51).

Click here to view the recording of Police & Justice System Reform.

Click here to view the recording of From Ally to Accomplice: Working Together for Social Justice Reform.

———————————————————

Event Agenda:

10:00 am
Welcome, Janice Reuben, CEW+

10:05 – 10:55 am
The Role of Staff in the University Discussion and Response to the Global Pandemics of COVID-19 and Racism

Panel Participants:

• Steve Lin, DSA Housing
• Imara Dawson, JD, MPA, International Institute
• Gloryvee Fonseca-Bolorin, MA, CEW+ (moderator)

During the COVID-19 pandemic and the more recent social unrest stemming from police violence toward African-Americans the University of Michigan, has had a number of statements, town halls, and events to address these issues and concerns and to formulate a university response. These discussions have largely focused on faculty and students yet have inadequately included and engaged the thousands of staff members, particularly staff of color, in these discussions and responses. This panel will help set a framework for how the university can and should address these issues that impact the lives of those in its community and what is the role of staff in these efforts. Panelists will share their experiences within the academy as they relate to these issues.

11:00 am – 12:15 pm
Concurrent Breakout Discussions

A. Police & Justice System Reform

Panel Participants:

• Samuel V. Jones, JD, LLM John Marshall Law School
• Latreece Taylor, MS, Planned Parenthood of Michigan
• Rachel Dawson, JD (moderator)

This discussion will explore the historic violence toward and over-policing of African Americans as criminal suspects. Panelists will examine the racial discrimination, arbitrary enforcement, and abuse of authority by police, as well as what reform may be effective is addressing police and prosecutor misconduct. Participants will gain an understanding of the problems that exist between police, prosecutors and the black community and begin to appreciate what reforms may be effective in addressing the problem. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage the panel in this important dialogue.

B. Health Equity in the Midst of COVID

Panel Participants:

• Phyllis Blackman, MPA, OHEI Michigan Medicine
• Preeti Malani, MD, Chief Health Officer, University of Michigan
• Rama Mwenesi, MSE, PeriOperative Services Quality Assurance
• Chinyere Neale, MPA, School of Public Health
• Zarinah Aquil, MEd, Michigan Medicine Medical School Administration (moderator)

This panel will discuss the issues of health access and disparate care for people of color during COVID-19. Panelists will examine what factors contributed to the heightened impact of the virus on African Americans, including historic factors that made diverse populations more vulnerable. Panelists will discuss how access and treatment of patients of color can be improved by Michigan Medicine and beyond and what is being done to address these issues, as well as how the diversification of staff and medical professionals within the health system can improve care for all patients, but especially people of color. Participants will be able to ask questions and engage with members of this panel.

C. From Ally to Accomplice: Working Together for Social Justice Reform

Panel Participants:

• Tazin Daniels, PhD, Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (moderator)
• Patricia Coleman-Burns, PhD, School of Nursing
• Shana Schoem, JD, Program on Intergroup Relations
• Angela Ebreo, PhD, Center for the Education of Women+

This discussion will explore allyhood as a developmental process of engaging in education about the issues; reflecting on your own privilege; and taking concrete action to stand in solidarity with marginalized and oppressed groups. Panelists will explore strategies for becoming an accomplice in the workplace and in their communities as well as how multicultural groups can work collectively for meaningful and sustained social change.

12:15 – 12:50 pm
Groups Report out

12:50 pm
Closing Remarks

1:15 pm
Michigan Medicine Juneteenth Tribute & Solidarity Kneel
(8 min, 46 seconds)  – at the hospital or at your home
click for information

Recovery During a Pandemic

On June 18, 2020, Susan Quackenbush, U-M alumna, and member of the Ann Arbor recovery community and Matt Statman, LMSW, CAADC, and program manager of the U-M Collegiate Recovery Program sat down via Zoom to talk with CEW+ Director Tiffany Marra about their experiences taking their recovery and communities virtual during COVID-19.

Click this link to view the full recorded presentation.

Below you will also find a resource guide for your reference.

Resource Guide

Workshop Description: A conversation with Susan Quackenbush, U-M alumna, and member of the Ann Arbor recovery community and Matt Statman, LMSW, CAADC, and program manager of the U-M Collegiate Recovery Program sit down via Zoom to talk with CEW+ Director Tiffany Marra about their experiences taking their recovery and communities virtual during COVID-19. If you are in recovery, know and love someone in recovery, or support U-M students, staff, or faculty who may be in recovery, this conversation will have candid information for you. Participants will receive information with additional resources.

CEW+Inspire Workshop: Confronting our Climate Grief in the time of COVID-19

On May 7, 2020, Dr. Natalie Sampson, Assistant Professor of Public Health at UM-Dearborn, led an online workshop for CEW+ discussing the impacts of COVID-19 and climate change on our collective grief. She shared strategies on coping, including confronting and validating our fears, identifying ways our community or professional work may be affected and discussed tools and resources for building resiliency.

Click this link to view the full recorded presentation.

Below you will also find links shared by Dr. Sampson during the workshop, presentation slides, and a resource guide for your reference.

Urge your members of Congress to cosponsor the Climate Change Health Protection and Promotion Act
Union of Concerned Scientists – Take Action
Presentation Slides
Resource Guide

Workshop Description: In 2017, the American Psychological Association, Climate for Health, and ecoAmerica published, “Mental Health and our Changing Climate: Impacts, Implications, and Guidance.” In October 2018, the U.N. released a report warning that without “unprecedented” political actions, we will likely see catastrophic climate conditions by 2040. In 2019, the first cases of COVID-19 were documented and the World Health Organization declared it an Emergency of International Concern in January 2020. Both COVID-19 and climate change are disastrous for humanity, and the poorest members of society remain most vulnerable at the intersection of these global emergencies. Our collective grief is real, particularly as the climate crisis is largely beyond any individual’s ability to control, and there is much uncertainty about how we will re-emerge from this pandemic. As a scholar studying environmental health, Sampson has sought emerging strategies in hopes of coping with climate grief. In this workshop, together we will: 1) confront and validate our biggest fears related to climate change and COVID-19, 2) identify ways our community or current professional work may be affected by climate change, and 3) discuss tools and resources for building resiliency in these uncertain times.

Presenter: Natalie Sampson, PhD, MPH, CEW+ 2019 Carol Hollenshead Inspire Award for Excellence in Promoting Equity & Social Change Award Winner
Natalie Sampson, PhD, MPH is an Assistant Professor of Public Health at UM-Dearborn, where she teaches courses in environmental health, community organizing, and health promotion. Grounded primarily in Southeast Michigan, she studies transportation and land use planning, stormwater infrastructure, vacant land reuse, and climate change planning efforts, particularly their implications for health. She applies participatory research approaches with diverse partners using a broad methodological toolkit, including photovoice, concept mapping, and health impact assessment. In 2017, Dr. Sampson received the American Public Health Association’s Rebecca Head Award, which recognizes “an outstanding emerging leader from the environmental field working at the nexus of science, policy, and environmental justice.” Dr. Sampson holds a Bachelor of Science from U of M’s School of Natural Resources and the Environment (now U-M SEAS), an MPH from the Portland State University, and a PhD from U-M’s School of Public Health.

38th Annual Women of Color Task Force (WCTF) Career Conference Keynote Address