Ho-Chunk Nation member, a nationally-trained Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) facilitator, and owner of Key Change Consulting, LCC; a firm committed to providing high-quality social justice and diversity-oriented professional development.  He has presented at both national- and state-level conferences, regional diversity and inclusion workshops, and as a keynote speaker at several universities.

Please join us for our third event of the year! This Lunch and Learn session presented by Dr. Marcus Lewis will help business, industry, government, and non-profits promote inclusive excellence in their workplaces. We will explore specific ways to craft or reimagine your organization’s diversity statement, reevaluate your organizational image to attract diverse clients, provide strategies on how to transform difficult conversations into productive dialogue, and discuss methods to implement an organizational culture committed to the affirmation of all employees, customers, and clients.

Register here.

Our first event this year, “Creating a Culture of Inclusion in the Workplace,” was a valuable networking and educational opportunity for our members, community leaders, and students in the La Crosse area. Dr. Patricia Markus and Shaundel Spivey gave a valuable and dynamic presentation on strategies to create a more welcoming and inclusive workplace, which sparked further conversations about our shared vision for an inclusive community where individuals feel welcome, have access to opportunities, and feel a sense of belonging.

La Crosse area companies and organizations also took part in a related forum held at Altra Federal Credit Union’s headquarters’ in Onalaska.

Is your organization or company working to create an inclusive workplace? Stay tuned! GLADC is planning three more events this year.

Embracing a Diverse Perspective

Dr. Markos, Director of the Institute for Professional Studies in Education at UW-La Crosse currently manages nine different graduate programs including Educational Leadership, and incorporates culturally responsive teaching strategies into each program. And Shaundel Spivey, College Connections Manager at Western Technical College, is the co-founder and president at Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge (BLACK).

Their engaging presentation and forum was based on their expertise and experiences, and kept attendees interested. Their involvement in helping to foster a more equitable and collective community was an inspiration to all of the participants. The audience truly embraced the topic of Creating a Culture of Inclusion in the Workplace. A few of their comments when brainstorming about next steps, were:

  • “Establishing a culture of inclusion is a must-do in every successful business.”
  • “Education is key.”
  • “We want to practice and embrace a diverse perspective.”

Local companies have great strategy ideas. Like, *Innovation Board.* Would like to know more? Inquire with the Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (at no charge) on how to create one for your business. GLADC will be happy to connect you with an incredible diversity team that is implementing this tool in their inclusivity planning.

Thank you to our new member WisCorps Inc. for accommodating a high number of participants at Myrick Park Center. And thank you to Altra Federal Credit Union for co-hosting our Forum Sessions this June.

Event Notice

Fierce Foundation's Empower Generations LIVE Event

FIERCE Foundation recognizes the transformative power of the 1Life Fully Lived approach, which personally guided Carolyn Colleen out of generational adversity and into success. Now, we’re excited to bring this […]

Learn More

Multi­cultural Resource Guide

This guide lists established and emerging resources that reflect and celebrate cultural diversity in our area.

View Guide