Seats are limited — reserve your place today!
In a year marked by profound national and global challenges, one truth has become undeniable: communities and workplaces thrive when people feel that they truly belong. The Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (GLADC) invites you to join us for our Annual Conference on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 7:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Lunda Center, Western Technical College.
Belonging as The Blueprint for Leadership
This year’s theme explores how belonging is not simply a value, but the very foundation for courageous and effective leadership. Through a blend of practical strategies, lived experiences, and shared wisdom, participants will gain tools to cultivate inclusion and resilience in both workplaces and communities.
Objectives and Takeaways:
- Understand how belonging drives innovation, retention, and community well-being.
- Explore actionable leadership practices rooted in equity, inclusion, and respect.
- Learn how belonging can serve as a blueprint for navigating uncertainty and change.
- Connect with peers and leaders committed to creating spaces where everyone thrives.
Panel: Shaping Courageous Leaders
This year’s panel will bring together regional leaders to discuss what courageous leadership looks like in 2025 and beyond, highlighting how they are creating environments where belonging is central to organizational and community success.
Why Attend?
GLADC’s mission is to strengthen workplaces and communities by promoting and cultivating diversity, access, inclusion, and equity. Our vision is for the Greater La Crosse Area to be a place where all people can live, work, contribute, and belong. This conference is your opportunity to engage with that mission in action—through learning, dialogue, and collaboration.
Featuring welcoming speaker
Mayor Shaundel Washington-Spivey
Before taking office, Mayor Washington-Spivey co-founded B.L.A.C.K. (Black Leaders Acquiring Collective Knowledge), Inc., a nonprofit organization where he served as Executive Director. Under his leadership, B.L.A.C.K., Inc. has been deeply involved in supporting La Crosse youth through programs like Ujima Circle, LOTUS, the Summer Youth Experience program, and various other initiatives.
Over the years, Washington-Spivey has been a leader in La Crosse, and the State of Wisconsin, engaging in a variety of roles that have positioned him as an effective change agent in the community. He has served as an elected member of the La Crosse School Board and is an active member of Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers’ Advisory Council on Equity and Inclusion. In addition, he serves on multiple boards and advisory committees throughout the region.
The Mayor is a proud two-time alumnus of the University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in student affairs administration. Shaundel also holds an associate’s degree from Western Technical College. In May 2025, the Mayor was awarded a master’s degree from Viterbo University in mental health counseling and counselor education.
Awards and Honors
- 2024 University of Wisconsin La Crosse Morgan Improving the Lives of Others Alumni Award
- 2022 Most Influential Black Leaders in Wisconsin
- 2021 TRIO Achiever Award
- 2019 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award
Keynote Speaker
Thomas Thibodeau
Associate Professor, Servant Leadership
Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership
Dahl School of Business
Education:
MAE, Saint Mary’s College
BA, Saint John’s University
Thibodeau is a husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and an active community member from Wisconsin Rapids who has done nothing since coming to Viterbo in 1984 but inspire students and change the world. Through the years his infectious enthusiasm, compassion, and commitment to leadership and service have also inspired countless colleagues and community members. He is the founder of the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership, the first master’s degree of its kind in the nation, and also a founding member of hospitality and fellowship resource Place of Grace, in La Crosse. Thibodeau is a popular professor, talented public speaker, and an extremely active community member who lives the Viterbo values. He regularly leads The Ethical Life seminars, often team teaching with Rick Kyte, and also offers a Serving the Common Good seminar focused on homelessness.
Panelist
Marlene De La Cruz-Guzmán, PhD
Viterbo
Viterbo University’s first vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As vice president for diversity, equity, and inclusion, De La Cruz-Guzmán serves as a member of Viterbo’s senior leadership team and will lead the university’s social justice and equity initiatives.
De La Cruz-Guzmán served as the director of the Office of Multicultural Success and Retention at Ohio University for six years prior to arriving at Viterbo. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and American Literature and Theology from Barry University, a Master of Arts degree in English and American Literature from Michigan State University, and a PhD in African Literature in English from Ohio University. She also earned a graduate certificate in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from Ohio University.
De La Cruz-Guzmán’s extensive experience in leadership, planning, engagement, and training helps guide the university toward its vision of a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive educational setting.
Panelist
Tashyra (Shy) Jackson
Hope Restores La Crosse
Executive Director of Operations
Community Advocate | Equity Educator | Leader for Change
Tashyra Jackson has been a dedicated resident of the La Crosse community for over two decades. Originally from Milwaukee and a transplant from Madison, she moved to La Crosse during her high school years and has called it home ever since. A graduate of Viterbo University with a bachelor’s degree in business and psychology, Tashyra combines her professional expertise with her deep passion for community empowerment and equality.
As a mother and advocate, her lived experiences have shaped her understanding of the challenges faced by Black and Brown families in predominantly white communities. Her commitment to creating spaces of belonging and justice stems from her desire to ensure that her children — and all children — have access to equitable opportunities and true inclusion.
Tashyra’s work is rooted in fostering courageous conversations, building accountability, and dismantling systemic barriers. She believes that lasting change begins with awareness, empathy, and action — and that each of us holds a role in building a better, more inclusive world. Through her leadership, integrity, and compassion, she continues to inspire others to step forward with purpose and hope.
Panelist
Sam Przywojski
Vendi
Agency growth principal
Driven by curiosity, connection and a passion for helping organizations thrive, Sam Przywojski brings strategic insight and genuine enthusiasm to everything he does.
After earning his degree in economics from UW-La Crosse, Sam began his career with an international packaging company, traveling across North America and learning the ins and outs of client-side sales and marketing. Today, he leads Vendi and its team in creating great work and great partnerships. Sam champions inclusive, equitable and forward-thinking workplace practices that make Vendi a great place to work—and led Vendi to a Best Workplace in Wisconsin award in 2023.
A La Crosse native, Sam stays active in the community through the Downtown Rotary Club and River Clean Up leadership committee. Outside of work, Sam enjoys golfing, boating, hiking, traveling and spending time with family—especially his two rambunctious kids. He’s also on a never-ending quest for the best sandwich on the globe.
Panelist
Sam Scinta
La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce
CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce
Sam Scinta is the CEO of the La Crosse Area Chamber of Commerce. He has been a Lecturer in the Political Science Department at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and a Lecturer in servant leadership and political science at Viterbo University. He is the creator, in partnership with Viterbo’s Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership, of Rebuilding American Civics, a program providing civics education and a space for civil discourse for community members, and Civics and Cinema, in partnership with the Rivoli Theater. For over 25 years, he served as president and publisher for an independent book publisher and was the founder of a nonprofit focusing on critical thinking and civil discourse within regional high schools. He received his JD from the University of Denver and has served on several boards in the Western Wisconsin region, including Leader Ethics and the Reinhart Institute.
Building Inclusive Leadership: How Trane Technologies Shapes a Culture of Belonging
Miranda Eisermann
Trane Technologies
Learning Programs Manager
1:30pm – 2:30pm
Discover how Trane Technologies is cultivating a workplace where every voice matters through intentional inclusive leadership education. This session will showcase how the company equips its staff with tools and training that foster belonging, strengthen collaboration, and drive innovation. With high-level insights, participants will learn practical strategies for embedding inclusion into leadership development and creating a thriving organizational culture.
Key Take Aways
- Deliberately evaluate your impact
- Increase understanding of individual and organizational growth
- Determine how you can create an inclusive culture every day
- The work of an Inclusive Leader is
- NEVER DONE and takes ALL of us!
With over 20 years of multi-functional experience, Miranda is a seasoned expert in leadership and early talent development. Passionate about uplifting people, culture, and communities, Miranda is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, playing a pivotal role in the La Crosse Leadership Campus team and the La Crosse Inclusion Network Community. Recently, Miranda completed the prestigious Trane Technologies Women’s Leadership Program, highlighting her commitment to continuous growth and leadership development. Please join me in welcoming Miranda a dynamic leader committed to driving meaningful change and empowering others.