Now in its second year, the Students of Color Symposium—coordinated by the Division of Student Affairs Office of Multicultural Student Affairs—aims to further support diversity efforts at the University of Miami.
Created as an educational initiative for students, the symposium provides a space where attendees can engage in dialogue and explore issues that affect their personal and professional growth.
“Our student coordinators Tia Black, Jane Huh, and Camila Rodriguez-Rojas have done an amazing job at putting together this symposium,” said Renee Dickens Callan, the director of the Multicultural Students Affairs office. “The Students of Color Symposium was created to bring cultural awareness and social responsibility to the University community by providing opportunities for meaningful engagement.”
The symposium opens Friday with a keynote presentation by entrepreneur Sharon Bui, the 26-year-old co-founder of Frill Clothing. Bui and her business partner pitched Frill successfully on ABC’s “Shark Tank,” and have since been featured in Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Entertainment Weekly. Bui now works in the tech sector, but continues to pursue various entrepreneurial endeavors.
“There are a lot of times in different spaces (class or work) that I would like to discuss certain issues surrounding oppressed and marginalized communities but there's a societal pressure and apprehension to do so,” Rodriguez-Rojas said. “The symposium provides a space for us to speak and learn freely about issues that we face every day.”
Saturday, students are invited to participate in interactive workshops and networking opportunities exploring themes such as: Leadership, Student Advocacy, and Activism; Empowerment through Identity Exploration; Social Justice Education; Navigating the Work Environment as a Person of Color; and more. By participating in these workshops, students will enhance their understanding of diversity, multiculturalism, ethical leadership, and social responsibility associated with living in a global society.
“We want to emphasize the fact that the symposium is not restricted to only students of color,” Black said. “We encourage people of all backgrounds to come and learn about our experiences to emphasize the culture of belonging that President [Julio] Frenk is working hard to instill here at the University of Miami."
All UM students are invited to participate in the symposium. Those interested in attending the symposium and participating in Saturday’s workshops can register online.
