Intersect: Diversity and Leadership Conference

In accordance with Elon University’s commitment to diversity and global engagement and the fostering of respect for human differences, the Center for Leadership and the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education have collaborated to provide attendees with an unprecedented look at the disciplines of diversity, leadership, and the cross-sections of the two. Intersect educates students, faculty, and professional staff on topics of diversity and leadership.

Why should you invest in learning about DEI?

College students should learn about diversity, equity, and inclusion for several important reasons:

  • Global Awareness: In an increasingly interconnected world, understanding and appreciating diversity is crucial. As a college student you will likely encounter people from various backgrounds in their personal and professional lives. Learning about diversity helps foster global awareness and prepares you to engage with people from different cultures, ethnicities, religions, and perspectives.
  • Cultural Competence: Exposure to diverse perspectives and experiences enhances cultural competence. This skill is essential in today’s multicultural societies and global workplaces. Being culturally competent means understanding, respecting, and effectively interacting with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
  • Social Justice & Equity: Learning about diversity, equity, and inclusion will help you recognize and challenge systemic inequalities and injustices. It empowers you to become an advocate for social justice and equity, both on and off campus. This knowledge is particularly important for addressing issues related to race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and other forms of inequality.
  • Enhanced Problem Solving: Diverse teams are often more innovative and better at problem-solving. Exposure to diverse perspectives will help you develop critical thinking skills and the ability to approach challenges from different angles. This can be beneficial in academic settings as well as in future professional environments.
  • Preparation for a Diverse Workforce: The workforce is becoming increasingly diverse, and employers value employees who can work effectively in diverse teams. Understanding diversity, equity, and inclusion is a valuable skill set that can enhance your employability and effectiveness in a variety of workplace settings.
  • Personal Growth: Learning about diversity challenges individuals to examine their own beliefs, biases, and assumptions. This self-reflection can lead to personal growth, increased empathy, and a broader understanding of the world. It contributes to the development of well-rounded, open-minded individuals and leaders.
  • Global Citizenship: College education is not just about acquiring knowledge in a specific field; it’s also about preparing yourself to be responsible global citizen. Understanding and embracing diversity is a key aspect of being an informed and responsible member of the global community.