DEI Speakers Series
Upcoming Events
- February 25: "Black Exclusion in Oregon" presented by Oregon Black Pioneers' Mariah Rocker
- March 18: "Celebrating Women's History Month" presented by Women in STEAM Industries Panel
- May 20: "Celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month" presented by Judy Margles, retired CEO of the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education Center
- June 26: "Celebrating Immigrant Heritage Month" presented by former Oregon State Representative Teresa Alsonso Leon
Recent Events
Watch: "PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network"
September 2024
Presented by Anthony Veliz
Watch: “Fleeing Displacement and Escaping El Salvador’s Civil War for Life in America”
February 2024
Presented by Elizabeth Brashear & Karla Brashear
Watch: "LGBTQIA+: Understanding and Allyship"
March 2024
Presented by Erika Pham
Watch "One Couple's Struggle for Sanctuary"
April 2024
Presented by Bob, Kiana, Ellie and Fariba Furughi
Watch "Building Community Through Culture"
May 2024
Presented by Renee Roman Nose
Program History
In 2023, the City's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee piloted a new program to help educate the community on DEI-relevant matters.
The five-event DEI Speakers Series, held at locations throughout Wilsonville, was funded by a Community Opportunity Grant. Engaging speakers were tapped by the committee to provide one-hour interactive talks that included a period of Q&A. The results were educational, entertaining, and sometimes sobering.
Archive
The City retained the services of Willamette Falls Studios to record the series, so that community members may continue to benefit. Four of the five events are now available on the City's YouTube channel.
"Growing Up Muslim in Clackamas County"
April 2023
Imran Haider, Professor
Washington State University, Murrow College
"The Mainstreaming of Antisemitism in America"
May 2023
Bob Horenstein, Director of Community Relations
Jewish Foundation of Greater Portland
"Systemic Racism in Oregon Schools"
June 2023
Rudyane Rivera-Lindstrom, Director of DEI
Higher Education Coordinating Commission
"The Culture, Language, and Etiquette of Disability"
July 2023
Ian Jaquiss, Community Engagement Manager
Relay Resources
Speaker Series to Continue in 2023-24!
The DEI Committee is pleased to announce plans to continue to bring informative and engaging speakers to Wilsonville. Work is underway now to identify future programs and topics. Have an idea? Submit it here. Expect an announcement of new fall events soon.
