To explore larger conversations and efforts around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), seven members of the College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) community hit the road this summer and attended the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity. 

Held in New Orleans from May 30 to June 3, the conference—known as NCORE—included dozens of sessions, networking opportunities, inspiration, knowledge sharing, and community outreach. Elizabeth Martinez-Podolsky, CVM director of diversity, equity, and inclusion, saw the conference as a valuable resource and learning opportunity that can help shape DEI efforts throughout the College. 

“One of my priorities coming into my job was to offer a variety of training experiences for diversity, equity, and inclusion,” Martinez-Podolsky says. “This is the first time we decided to take more of a field trip—an ethnographic type of learning experience—in diversity, equity inclusion training, an opportunity to really unpack the work more in-depth and have committed conversation to this work.”

As part of the experience, CVM’s group participated in workshops, sessions, group discussions, and other learning activities. At a July 27 hybrid event, faculty and staff who attended the conference shared their experiences and lessons learned. 

For Rob Kulhanek, the program manager for Partners for Wildlife at The Raptor Center, one of the biggest benefits of attending was realizing what he learned at the conference could be used in many facets of his job—not just those pertaining to DEI. 

“So much of what I learned and so much of what was explored in the sessions I went to was so broadly applicable,” he says. “The content of the work that I do professionally isn't very explicitly linked to DEI, but I was shocked at how often I was coming out of a session thinking I could use those skills and lessons in a lot more of my work than just the DEI pieces.” 

With more than 5,000 attendees, the conference presents an opportunity for people across higher education roles to meet and share their perspectives, stories, and journeys. When it comes to her journey, Sara Mascari, executive administrative assistant for the Dean’s Office, considers herself new to DEI work but says she wants to take on challenges and seek new opportunities for self-reflection and self-improvement

“Going to NCORE, my goal was to learn different ways to be more inclusive here at the College—to bridge the gap between the different areas of the school so that we’re a stronger community,” she says. 

Conference attendees hope their experience will have impacts across the CVM community and inform DEI efforts of all types, including the upcoming Midwest Regional Diversity Summit, which CVM is hosting in May 2024. 

The 2024 NCORE will be held from May 28 to June 1, 2024, in Honolulu, Hawai'i. Those interested in learning more about the conference and how to plan toward conference attendance can reach out to Martinez-Podolsky.