Programming

The Office of Diversity Initiatives develops and facilitates programming to educate our students for lifelong learning and success in a constantly evolving and multicultural world.

Fall 2023 Programs

Note: This list of programs is also available as a printable brochure (.pdf).

Welcome to Our Neighborhood Social

Sep 14 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Max Roth Center, room 105

Meet and greet the Office of Diversity Affairs! Stop by for light refreshments.

City of Wilkes-Barre Multicultural Parade

Sep 16 | 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. | Public Square

The Multicultural Parade is a free community event and an opportunity to enjoy Wilkes- Barre's rich diversity. They will have food trucks and live performances.

If you would like to walk with Wilkes, contact Erica Acosta for more information!

NEPA GAYLA! Theme: Satur-Gay Night Fever 

Sep 23 | 6 - 10 p.m. | Best Western Plus Wilkes-Barre (Genetti's)

RSVP with Erica, limited spots available

The purpose of 2023 NEPA GAYLA is to bring people together in the spirit of open celebration and create opportunities for people to connect with new and old friends and allies.

Night on the Town!

SEP 26 | 5 p.m. | Thai Thai

RSVP with Erica, limited spots available

Night on the Town provides students the opportunity to experience a local area restaurant. The focus is on learning the history and customs of a cultural group through food and other activities.

Adulting 101: Elevator Pitch

Oct 3 | 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Savitz Lounge

Bridget Turel, Director, Professional Development and External Engagement at Wilkes University

RSVP is required for this event. Come learn how to draft an elevator pitch! The elevator pitch can help you when meeting new employers, internships and a way to better introduce yourself to others. At the end of the session, we will be award the top three pitches with a gift! 

Dr. Frank LittleBear

Nov 2 | 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | JPAC, Henry Student Center 2nd Floor

Frank LittleBear is of Cree Nation Ancestry. A renowned lecturer of Native American Culture, he is also a Musician, Artist, and Author who has been recognized by universities, colleges, museums, and historical societies.

11th Annual International Diversity Series: Citizenship, Immigration and Refugees

Becoming a US Citizen

Nov 14 | 5 - 6:30 p.m. | Miller Room

Come and learn about the process of becoming a US citizen with Sra. Joyce Alive. This will be an interactive session.

A Conversation with Fred Ushu Mukelo

Nov 15 | 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. | Savitz Lounge

Join Fred Ushu Mukelo of Scranton and Amy Kuiken to talk about what it means to be a refugee. We will hear about Fred's own experiences as a refugee, and his ongoing work supporting the resettled Congolese / Central African families in the Wilkes-Barre-Scranton area.

The Voices Project: Immigration Documentary

Nov 16 | 5 - 7 p.m. | LOCATION TBA

Note: This video includes themes of trauma and is for mature audiences only. It is supported by the Lackawanna Arts Council and the Soyka Fund for the Humanities.

Immigration is a heated concept in our country today, but who exactly are we talking about? From the creator of The Voices Project comes the fifth chapter in a series that highlights stories of real people from groups that are often misunderstood. The Voices Project: Immigration documentary shares the stories of five people who are first- and second- generation immigrants and their experiences living in America. This poignant film will ask audiences to reconsider their idea of what being an immigrant means and how similar and different we are from each other.

The producer is Alicia Nordstrom, Ph.D. and the Director is Timothy McDermott. There will be a Q&A after with Lalaine Little and Kevin Amaya from 80 minutes Around the World: Immigration Stories.

Pizza will be served! 🍕

Past Diversity & Inclusion Student Conferences

Maintaining Hope in Adversity

Keynote Speaker

Rev. Shawn Walker

Education is Key

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Cassandra St. Vil, Founding CEO, Amateka College Prep

Understanding & Addressing Social Inequalities

Keynote Speaker

Blake Lamberti Mackesy, Ed.D., School of Education at Wilkes University Doctoral Department

Challenging our Unconscious Biases

Keynote Speaker

Vicki T. Sapp, Ph.D., Student Affairs Director for Student Engagement, Diversity, and Inclusion Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Sciences at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine

Connecting with Social Responsibility & Inclusion in Changing Times

Keynote Speaker

SRA. Joyce M. Avila, President of Cafe, Creating and Facilitating Equality