The Divisions of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Student Affairs and the Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science invite you to join us for the Binghamton University Principles of Community DEI Symposium. The DEI Symposium will be held 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, November 13, at the Innovative Technologies Complex. The event is free and open to all Binghamton University and SUNY Broome Community College administrators, faculty, staff and graduate students.
Seating is limited, and advanced registration is requested.
Symposium Schedule
- Registration: 9:30 -10 a.m.
- Welcome: 10 a.m.
- Workshop Block 1: 10:45-11:45 a.m.
- Lunch: noon-1 p.m.
- Keynote: 1-2 p.m.
- Workshop Block 2: 2:15-3:15 p.m.
- Closing: 3:30-4 p.m.
For questions or more information, contact the DEI Symposium Committee co-chairs at dei@binghamton.edu
Symposium Speakers
Seena Hodges
Workshop: Moving from ally to accomplice
Hodges is an award-winning businesswoman, activist and intersectional feminist, also known as The Woke Coach®, who has spent her career advocating for historically underrepresented communities and training leaders to use their positions of privilege to create lasting change. In 2023, Hodges released her first book, "From Ally to Accomplice: How to Lead as a Fierce Antiracist," furthering her commitment to dismantling systemic oppression. As a thought leader, she was an Editor at Large for Twin Cities Business. She has been featured on and in various media outlets, including Good Day Chicago, Black Enterprise magazine and the Wall Street Journal.
Hodges holds a master’s degree from Columbia University and is pursuing a PhD in Management and Public Service at Hamline University. She is a trained equity, diversity, and inclusion facilitator and certified administrator of Clifton Strengths® and the Intercultural Development Inventory®. An advocate for the arts and entrepreneurship, Hodges serves on the Board of Trustees at the Walker Art Center and is involved with the Black Trustee Alliance for Art Museums, The Women’s Presidents’ Organization, Minnesota Women’s Economic Roundtable, and Women Elevating Women.
Hodges is a connector who loves to see people and organizations thrive and is committed to creating brave spaces for all.
Clyde Wilson Pickett
As vice chancellor for equity, diversity, and inclusion and chief diversity officer, Clyde Wilson Pickett leads the University of Pittsburgh’s comprehensive equity, diversity and inclusion strategy. Pickett joined Pitt following a national search after serving as the chief diversity officer for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System.
Prior to his role at Minnesota State, Pickett held positions at several other colleges and universities, including special assistant to the president for diversity and inclusion at the Community College of Allegheny County, director of multicultural development/director of new student orientation at Ohio Northern University, and roles at Morehead State University and the University of Kentucky.
Pickett holds a doctoral degree from Pitt’s School of Education and a master’s degree from Morehead State University. He earned his undergraduate degree in agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky.
Ronald Milon
Defining academia's future through inclusive leadership
Ronald Milon, PhD, is the executive director of Diversity and Culture at the Nederlander Production Company of America. As one of the largest owners and operators of live theaters and music venues in the United States, the Nederlander Organization is most well-known for its nine Broadway venues in New York City. As executive director, Milon works with senior leadership and DEI committees to oversee and build upon the organization’s ongoing DEI strategy. He is also a facilitator for eCornell’s DEI certificate series and a trainer on inclusive leadership for SUNY Sail and Tensile Mind ©.
Milon has a PhD in Adult Education from Capella University, an MA in political science from the New School for Social Research, an MA in history from the University of Buffalo, and a BS in political science and history from SUNY Brockport. For three years, he was a Ralph Bunche Fellow as part of a City University Graduate School and University Center program. He earned certificates in Executive and Performance Leadership from Cornell University, Academic and Inclusive Leadership from Penn State and Leadership New Jersey, and diversity certification on the professional standards provided by NADOHE and SUNY for chief diversity officers.
Jen Smith
Restorative practices: Building a sense of belonging on campus
Jen Smith, coordinator of restorative practices at Binghamton University, has extensive experience as a teacher and restorative coordinator in the K-12 setting, which has helped to equip her with a deep understanding of the transformative power of restorative practices. Her dedication to fostering a culture of care at Binghamton University is evident in her efforts to integrate these practices into various aspects of campus life.
From classrooms to department meetings and team-building to conflict resolution, Smith's approach emphasizes the importance of relationship-building and community. Her commitment extends beyond her professional life, as she cherishes the time spent with her family, loving husband and two boys, ages 24 and 14, reflecting the balance she maintains between her passion for restorative justice and her personal life.
Alison Twang
Civil dialogue: Facilitating meaningful conversations across difference
Alison Twang, PhD, is the director of the Center for Civic Engagement at Binghamton University. In this role, Twang develops connections between Binghamton University and the local community and supports students in developing the knowledge and skills to participate in civic life. Before joining CCE, Twang worked in the nonprofit sector, focusing on philanthropy and youth civic engagement.
