It's time to celebrate! Since 2020 our world has faced one hardship after another starting with a global pandemic, boiling racial tensions brought upon by centuries of systemic injustice, and ending with a contentious presidential election. However, as we look into what the future of 2021 holds, it is imperative that we move forward in a way that can heal humankind as a whole. Through WILD, we aim to build each other up by celebrating and unifying behind the different identities that make us who we are while also promoting inclusivity, self-discovery, and collaboration.
Identity
Intersectionality
Indivisibility
The WILD Conference seeks to recognize and celebrate the various identities that make up the Spartan community and beyond. Whether those identities are based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, or nationality, we seek to engage with those of the MSU community by facilitating discussion and cultivating an accepting and receptive environment. By doing so, we intend to amplify the voices of the marginalized so as to celebrate their diverse identities.
The WILD Conference wants to emphasize the fact that humans are three dimensional and that we experience life in different ways due to our various compounded and overlapping identities. Through an intersectional mindset, we intend to explore how interconnected societal systems have shaped our experiences and opportunities. With this in mind, we seek to build coalition and camaraderie within our Spartan community.
The WILD Conference intends to solidify the idea that each of our intersecting identities are pieces of ourselves that live in conjunction with each other. They make us whole and who we are, and they are not something that can be observed on the surface level. By understanding and celebrating the things that make us different from one another, we can stand with and support one another with more love and acceptance than ever before.
Meet our keynote speakers
Conference Keynote
Mikki Kendall is a writer, diversity consultant, and occasional feminist, whose work has appeared in TIME, the New York Times, The Guardian, the Washington Post, Essence, Vogue, The Boston Globe, NBC, and elsewhere.
An accomplished public speaker, she has discussed race, feminism, violence in Chicago, tech, pop culture, and social media on The Daily Show, MSNBC, NPR, Al Jazeera's The Listening Post, BBC's Women's Hour, and Huffington Post Live, as well as at universities across the country.
She is the author of the New York Times-bestselling HOOD FEMINISM (recipient of the Chicago Review of Books Award and named a best book of the year by BBC, Bustle, and TIME). She is also the author of AMAZONS, ABOLITIONISTS, AND ACTIVISTS, a graphic novel illustrated by A. D’Amico. In 2017, she was awarded Best Food Essay from the Association of Food Journalists for her essay on hot sauce, Jim Crow, and Beyoncé.
A veteran, Mikki Kendall lives in Chicago with her family.
student Keynote
Danielle is a senior at Michigan State University studying political science, with a focus on political philosophy, and a minor in African and African American studies. A recipient of the Michigan State University Diversity Torch award and a student of Oxford University’s summer legal program, Danielle is passionate about social justice and change. Though she finds much joy in her part time work helping to educate school children, she is currently headed to law school, pursuing a path which leads to legal advocacy work. Danielle hopes to one day have a career rooted in serving the voiceless and hopes to dedicate her life’s work to inspiring others to be the best versions of themselves.
Conference Schedule
9:30 - 10:00 AM
Check-In & Registration
MSU Union Ballroom Foyer
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Welcome & Opening Session
Conference Co-Chairs Welcome
Student Keynote Address: Danielle
MSU Union Ballroom
10:45 - 11:35 AM
Workshop Breakout Sessions - Block 1
MSU Union Meeting Rooms
11:45 AM - 12:30 PM
Banquet Lunch
Served in the MSU Union Ballroom
Engage in conversation with other people at your table!
12:30 - 1:15 PM
Conference Keynote Address: "Becoming an Accomplice" by Mikki Kendall
MSU Union Ballroom
1:15 - 1:30 PM
Q&A with Mikki Kendall
Moderated by Lexie Hampton & Gigi Shannon
1:40 - 2:30 PM
Workshop Breakout Sessions - Block 2
MSU Union Meeting Rooms
2:40 - 3:30 PM
Book Signing with Mikki Kendall!
MSU Union Ballroom Foyer
Celebration & Networking Snack Break
MSU Union Ballroom
3:40 - 4:30 PM
Workshop Breakout Sessions - Block 3
MSU Union Meeting Rooms
4:40 - 5:00 PM
Conference Closing and Evaluation
MSU Union Ballroom
PARKING
If you are planning on driving to campus, please plan on parking at the MSU Grand River Ramp found here: https://goo.gl/maps/GuuRAJTmi9vx63Wb7. Parking is free for visitors on Saturdays in the ramp.
MSU Union
The WILD Conference is held in the MSU Union on the campus of Michigan State University. The Registration/check in will be located on the 2nd floor of the building in the foyer of the Union Ballroom. All large-group sessions will be held in the Ballroom and breakout sessions will be held in the meeting rooms on the 3rd floor.
Conference Registration/Check-In
Please arrive at the MSU Union and check in at the registration desk at 9:30AM. We will be starting the opening session at 10:00AM, but we encourage you to arrive early. Upon checking in, you will receive a tote bag, lanyard with a nametag to wear throughout the day, and buttons for the conference. You will only receive a paper copy of the program if you indicated on your registration. To access the electronic version, please visit the conference website when you check in and download the pdf.
