Unity in Diversity: A Recap of SOC's Inclusive Excellence Week 2024

Starting Thursday, February 29 and ending on Thursday, March 7, the SOC DEI Committee orchestrated an enriching symphony of events aimed at fostering engagement, resonating dialogue, and education in an inclusive atmosphere. The week commenced with a delectable inaugural event, "Donuts with the Dean." Where interim Dean Leena Jayaswal warmly greeted students entering McKinley Building, SOC's home, with an assortment of treats and beverages amid the midterm and morning rush. The aroma of fresh coffee mingled with conversations with students, faculty, and staff from across campus.

That evening, "AU PRSSA presents Mocktails, Networking with the Gurus," came alive at Bridge, with a large turnout of students and professionals. It was an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage in insightful conversations and formulating connections with some of the DMV's most seasoned communication practitioners.

Friday evening showcased a harmonious blend of music and art in a creative medley that celebrated the artistic expression of cultural identity. The "Creative Celebration Across Cultures/Identity Photo Exhibit" brought together the talents of Congolese musician and instrumentalist Jaja Bashengezi and the work of SOC student photographers in a celebratory fusion event. The exhibited student work explored self-portraits and touched upon contrasting themes of identity. Accompanied by a captivating concert, Bashengezi's performance added to the rich theme of cultural identities and their convergence through artistic expression.

Saturday brought faculty and administrators from several colleges and universities across the DMV to AU's campus to discuss their strategies and success in furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives at their institutions. SOC DEI Coordinator and professor Gemma Puglisi hosted "Celebrating DEI Excellence in the Community" which featured two panels, including SOC professor Jane Hall, SOC professor Aarushi Sahejpal, and representatives from the University of Maryland, the University of the District of Columbia, Trinity Washington University, Towson University, Marymount University, George Mason, Gallaudet University, and the Catholic University of America. Professor Priya Doshi, AU Associate Dean of Faculty and Inclusive Excellence, moderated and AU Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Nkenge Friday gave opening remarks.

The following week "Experience Cultures Through Study Abroad" featured students and SOC student ambassadors who shared their study abroad experiences and opened up a space to share what it was like to navigate across cultures and inspiring learning achievements. The event shed light on the profound growth that can come from living and studying abroad.

Throughout the week, AU hosted phenomenal guest speakers, invitees and welcomed back alums. "Breaking Barriers & Bridging Gaps: A Workshop," was a midday event hosted in the Mary Graden Center that touched upon the hands-on approach to creating safe and authentic working environments. Expertly guided by industry experts and SOC alumni panelists, the talk enlightened attendees with current strategies and practices for fostering inclusive workspaces.

"We See YOU at SOC" was organized by the SOC Student Ambassadors. They brought together many SOC-affiliated student-led groups, clubs, and organizations, as well as advisors so students could explore the many opportunities for engagement and community that exist for communication students. Professors and students engaged with the tables and mingled among themselves. Professor Paula Weissman attended the event and shared her thoughts, "We see you at SOC event" provided a fun opportunity to mingle in a relaxed way. I really enjoyed visiting the club tables and talking with SOC students I hadn't met before."

After a screening of "The Test," a documentary directed by SOC's Claudia Myers and Laura Waters Hinson that tells the story of an immigrant studying for the citizenship test with support from seniors living at the Goodwin Living Foundation, where he worked, Interim Dean Leena Jayaswal moderated a discussion panel. The film was developed in the SOC Community Voice Lab with the support of Graduate Film and Media Arts students.