Intersectionality Conference
Please join us for the Kennesaw State University 2022 Intersectionality Conference, sponsored by KSU’s Division of Diverse and Inclusive Excellence, which seeks to create a culture of inclusion at KSU where all members of the community can achieve excellence and success.
Below is information from the 2021 Intersectionality Conference.
At a Glance
When? Friday, November 5th, 2021, 8:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Where? KSU Center (3333 Busbee Dr NW, Kennesaw, GA 30144) / Online on ZOOM
Cost? Free!
In-Person Attendance
Because of the limitations imposed by the Coronavirus pandemic, in-person attendance will be limited to 50 in-person attendees. Those attending in person will be asked to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing practices. At this point we HAVE reached capacity for in-person attendance and ask all new registrants to choose the Online option.
Online Attendance
For those who cannot attend in-person, we will have unlimited online registrations. Online participants will be able to attend all sessions, including the keynote address, via Zoom. Online participants will be asked to adhere to our netiquette policies.
Find Out More
What is Intersectionality?
+ Back to TopThe term intersectionality is generally attributed to Professor of Law at UCLA, Kimberlé Crenshaw, who coined the term in her 1989 paper, "Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory and Antiracist Politics." [1] At its core, intersectionality is a way of thinking about things like privilege and discrimination by taking into account that there are multiple factors which make up the individual’s identity. A person’s experiences may be shaped by society’s marginalization of their race, but that discrimination may also intersect with experiences of discrimination against other factors of their identity such as gender, sexuality, disability, and other physical characteristics. Because of this, the impact on their lives can be even more devastating.
This is why, at the Kennesaw State University 2021 Intersectionality Conference, we are looking forward to learning more about intersectionality: both what it is and how concerned members of the community can make an impact.
Meet the Keynote Speaker
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Sessions & Schedule
+ Back to Top8:45 AM - Registration
Join us for introductions in person or online before the conference gets underway.
9:45 AM - Welcome
Meet your conference hosts and presenters and learn a little bit more about intersectionality at KSU.
10:00 AM - Keynote Address - Lift Every Voice: Centering the Intersections - Jayme Alilaw
Join us as we welcome Jayme Alilaw. Read more about Jayme here.
11:00 AM - Session 1
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A Dialogic Decade: Interracial, Interethnic, and Intergenerational Dialogue
Presented by Dr. Seneca Vaught, Dr. Jesse Benjamin, Dr. Neysa Figueroa, & Dr. Ernesto Silva
The practice of intersectionality at KSU has been pioneered by the President's Commission on Racial and Ethnic Dialogue (CORED) in some innovative and impactful ways since its inception in 2010. This panel outlines some of the challenges and accomplishments of this collaborative commission focusing on the outcomes of four former co-chairs of CORED. The panel explores some of the unique challenges of interracial and interethnic dialogue at KSU while highlighting some of the successful accomplishments that continue to shape the trajectory of the institution.
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The Identity Tree: Dissecting Identities and Exploring Areas of Privilege
Presented by Ryan Keesee
Join the Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Service as we explore the intersections of our identities through an immersive activity. The Identity Tree is an opportunity to consider what privileges you may or may not own, their implications, and debrief your experience. All participants leaf with their own Identitree!
Download PowerPoint Presentation
Session recording is not available for this presentation.
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Crossroads: Intersectionality in Latino/Hispanic Communities
Presented by the student group from Recruitment, Retention, and Progression to Graduate Program for Hispanic and Latino Students
In today’s culture of trying to be all-inclusive, the label Latinx (a term used to be gender-neutral or a nonbinary alternative to Latino or Latina), is not supported by more than two thirds of individuals who relate to or are of Latin American descent. Come join us as we ask why and find out how allowing members of their community to be move involved in proposing alternatives is better than just having a label imposed on them.
12:00 PM - Lunch
Take a break and network with peers and colleagues interested in issues of intersectionality.
1:00 PM - Session 2
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What does it truly mean to be an Ally to the LGBTQ+ Community?
Presented by James Stinchcomb & Maggie Thomas
Anyone, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, can support the LGBTQ+ community, but truly being an Ally takes action. Allies work to stay informed on current LGBTQ+ issues and events, speak up for what’s right, and support equality by fighting for policies that protect LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination. Allies are important supporters of the LGBTQ+ movement, as they have one of the most powerful and influential voices. They create platforms for activism and advocate for equal treatment for all people, regardless of sexual orientation. So, do you find yourself just saying you are an Ally or are you taking action? Find out more from firsthand stories and experiences about what it truly means to be an ally!
Download PowerPoint Presentation
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Campus Clothing Closets: Creating an inclusive and empowering space for students
Presented by Britt Pickering & Jessica Duvall
Every student deserves to feel confident in the clothes they wear. In this presentation, we’ll explore how the OwlSwap and Transcend closets serve the campus community through minimizing financial barriers to quality clothing, provide access to gender-affirming clothing, and promote sustainable consumption of clothing-- all in safe and inclusive environments.
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Student Writing for Accessibility
Presented by Dr. Erin Kathleen Bahl and Tyra Douyon
As course participants who help create and shape online learning spaces, students can contribute to academic web accessibility in important ways. This presentation shares an in-progress research/teaching project sponsored by a Disability Strategies and Resources faculty fellowship through KSU's Office of Diverse and Inclusive Excellence. The project's goal is to create resources to help KSU students write and design accessibly in online course spaces such as D2L. Presenters will share preliminary findings from an ongoing classroom study and a literature review on accessible writing pedagogy, then invite attendees to respond with feedback, recommendations, and further discussion.Download PowerPoint Presentation
2:00 PM - Session 3
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At the Intersection of Accessibility Efforts at KSU
Presented by multiple members of the Presidential Commission on Disability Strategies and Resources
An overview of the work of multiple KSU departments demonstrating how KSU is responding to the needs of students with disabilities, what resources are offered, and how you can participate.
Download PowerPoint Presentation
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Intersectional International Identities: An Interactive Inquiry (Part One)
Presented by Theresa Alviar-Martin, Kathryn Gaylord-Miles, and Marcella Araujo
What is a global perspective? How have you developed a global perspective, and how has it informed your identity? In this interactive inquiry session, we invite KSU faculty, staff, and students to share stories and experiences that helped shape their understanding as members of an interconnected human community. The session will challenge our assumptions and culminate in discussions to explore how global perspectives can contribute to campus-wide efforts in building a more inclusive culture.
Download PowerPoint Presentation
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Reparative Description: Historical Inequities of Finding Aids in Libraries, Archives, and Museums
Presented by Megan Williams and Samantha Torres
The prevalence of oppressive, euphemistic, or misrepresentative language within descriptions of collections found at research institutions such as libraries and archives is abundant. Inherent bias is deeply embedded in our finding aids and classifications, so what steps are being taken to redescribe collections with transparency and accountability in our 21st century world? Find out more about how archivists and librarians are doing their part to recognize and challenge institutional power imbalances and false historical narratives.
Download PowerPoint Presentation
Note: This recording did not capture the full session.
3:00 PM - Session 4
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Working on Gender Inequality in Collegiate Athletics
Presented by the Presidential Commission on Gender and Work Life Issues
This panel will explore current, visible examples of gender inequality in sport. It will explain the requirements of Title IX and clear up common misconceptions. The panel will cover how institutions comply with Title IX and ensure equitable experiences for their students.
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Intersectional International Identities: An Interactive Inquiry (Part Two)
Presented by Theresa Alviar-Martin, Kathryn Gaylord-Miles, and Marcella Araujo
What is a global perspective? How have you developed a global perspective, and how has it informed your identity? In this interactive inquiry session, we invite KSU faculty, staff, and students to share stories and experiences that helped shape their understanding as members of an interconnected human community. The session will challenge our assumptions and culminate in discussions to explore how global perspectives can contribute to campus-wide efforts in building a more inclusive culture.
Download PowerPoint Presentation
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Black Masculinity & Femininity: Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race & Gender for the Black Psyche
Presented by Kandice Fowlkes
As the intersection of race and gender is a feat for the strong Black man and strong Black woman, the double-edged sword is the deterioration of mental health overlooked by the need to maintain the guise of perfection. The social disadvantages of this intersection include a myriad of traumas such as financial stability, violence and oppression, and the internal stigma of judgment, which causes Black men and Women to delay or go undiagnosed for mental health disorders. In turn, this enables an unstable community to unite for mental health reform. Aside from seeking medical help, the conversation of mental health reform can begin with creative outlets that help gauge the strong Black man and woman’s appeal to emotions, and thus demarginalize the intersection of race and gender for the Black psyche.
Download PowerPoint Presentation
Presidential Commissions
The Intersectionality Conference is hosted by the six Presidential Commissions that serve as advisory committees to KSU’s President and the Chief Diversity Officer. The commissions are:
- Disability Strategies and Resources
- Gender and Work Life Issues
- LGBTQ Initiatives
- Racial and Ethnic Diversity
- Sustainability
- Veterans Affairs
The six commissions are tasked with identifying and implementing programming and policies that provide an increased understanding and acceptance of diverse viewpoints and perspectives among KSU’s diverse community.
Conference Sponsors
Community Partners
Netiquette Statement: Because online participation will be open to members inside and outside the KSU
community, the Zoom rooms will be set up to allow entrance without signing in. Participants
may interact with the moderator (including submitting questions for breakout presenters)
and interact with one another using the chat feature of Zoom.
Participants are asked to please be considerate and follow standard netiquette protocol
in their interactions. While open dialogue and honest questions are encouraged, participants
will remain respectful in their interactions. To ensure the quality of experience
for all participants and the integrity of the speaker, topic, and conference, all
rooms will be actively monitored by moderators, who will watch closely for any disruptive
behavior (such as foul or abusive language) in the rooms. Any participant deemed by
the moderator to be disruptive will be removed from the virtual session.
[1] Carbado, Devon W. (2013). "Colorblind Intersectionality". Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society. 38 (4): 811–845.
