The Diversity Center at Gustavus Adolphus College hosted its first Women of Color Summit to support and empower young Women of Color who attend post-secondary education institutions within Minnesota. The summit hosted keynote speaker Minnesota State Representative Susan Allen, the first Native American woman to serve in the Minnesota Legislature and the first openly lesbian Native American to win election to a state legislature. In addition to Allen, Rosaling R. Sullivan, Esq., an attorney practicing in the areas of immigration, who has previously worked on issues of diversity and civil rights in the Minneapolis area, served as a keynote speaker. The Women of Color Summit was held on Saturday April 8.

The summit acted as a day where women were able to network and hear advice from successful women in their field. Beyond the keynote speakers, a full schedule of events were planned during the day.

During open mic, women from colleges attending were able to perform original pieces. Shentoria Cobbs ’17 from Gustavus Adolphus College performed her work The Pain of My People, followed by other students of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and the University of St. Thomas. The poetry performed related to the struggles of African-American women, and of women who have felt ostracised by society. The pieces were a personalized approach to the Women of Color Summit.

This approach was a common theme of the Women of Color Summit. Many women expressed that the summit was personal, being that the common dialogue echoed throughout the summit was one of self-love, advocacy, and empowerment. During the debrief section, women shared their experiences of the day.

“It was uplifting and energizing. The one thing I really enjoyed about the conference is how the second keynote speaker talked about building a support system through the connections we already have. ”  a student from the University of St. Thomas said.

“Loving yourself and being true to who you are, … women of color are put into a stereotype or mold that many times we do not fit. Being able to express yourself and not give into that mold, not allowing anyone to tell you who you are and can become is the first step to empowerment,” Marissa from the University of St. Thomas said.

The Diversity Center collaborated with Gustavus students and program assistants, Hanan Mohamud’18 and Yeng Lee’ 19 , to plan this program for students whose identities are often marginalized. The center hopes to continue this event for future years to come.