Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Creating Community at UW–Madison
A preson speaks into a microphone while sitting at a table on a stage with four other people.

Diversity Forum

For the past 20 years, the UW–Madison Diversity Forum has been the university’s premier all-campus and community platform to discuss, share and learn about contemporary issues on diversity and inclusion.

Hosted by the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA), the Diversity Forum is a two-day, conference-style event that is free and open to the public. Each fall the Forum attracts more than 1,000 participants from the campus and greater community.

The goal of the Diversity Forum is to

  • update attendees with the latest knowledge and research in the diversity and inclusion fields,
  • educate them about perspectives and best practices for equity and social justice, and
  • activate attendees so they go on to make positive changes in the world.

Attendees get the chance to hear from authors, community organizers, activists, researchers and others working in the areas of diversity, equity, social justice and inclusion, as well as participate in engaging workshops and small group discussions to further their personal and professional growth and development and find new ways to make a positive impact on the world around them.

Diversity Forum 2021

Rising Above and Reshaping our World in the Image of Justice

The 2021 UW–Madison Diversity Forum will be held on Nov. 2 & 3 as a hybrid in-person/virtual conference, featuring keynote addresses by Dr. Russell Jeung and Steven Canals.

Both days of the 2021 Diversity Forum will be streamed online. Limited seating will be available at Union South on day one for UW–Madison students and employees who wish to attend in person. The second day of the conference will only be available for online access.

Diversity Forum 2021 poster

"As a person of color, working in a predominantly white university is intimidating and sometimes difficult. Getting the opportunity to have events like this one that educate others and make them reflect on their privilege is necessary. This made me feel like others could be more educated about the struggles we have and find ways to be allies in the work place. I really loved all of the topics covered and how well this was planned."

“I learned many things including how to begin the process of challenging my own thoughts, values and ingrained personnel bias. The sessions I attended will lead to some soul searching. This is something I welcome. Thanks to all who organized these events.”

Past Keynotes

John Quiñones

Host of the hidden-camera television series “What Would You Do?” and veteran ABC News correspondent John Quiñones provided the keynote address at the 2019 Diversity Forum on Nov. 5 and 6 at Union South’s Varsity Hall.

Talithia Williams

A professor of Mathematics at Harvey Mudd College who came into national prominence with her TEDTalk “Own Your Body’s Data," Dr. Talithia Williams provided the 2018 Diversity Forum keynote address.

Walter Echo-Hawk

A Native American attorney, tribal judge, author, activist, and law professor, Walter Echo-Hawk provided the keynote address at the 2017 Diversity Forum.

History of the Diversity Forum

A person gestures and speaks while standing in front of a large, seated audience.The Diversity Forum has been a campus tradition for more than two decades. The event builds upon more than 50 years of history of UW–Madison working to create and promote initiatives designed to make the university a more globally inclusive institution, prepare leaders for a changing world and conduct cutting edge research.

Learn more about the legacy of the Diversity Forum on our History page, or jump to a particular year at the links below.