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Created by a University of Vermont (UVM) faculty member and staff members in the Mosaic Center, Racial Aikido is a Student of Color empowerment Retreat designed to affirm their experiences and provide them the skills needed to navigate predominantly White campuses. Held over three-days, Racial Aikido creates an experience where students will get to know each other better as a cohort and learn how to recognize problematic behaviors in their peers, respond respectfully, and replenish their mental health.
In 2022, Adnan Giriharadas book “The Persuaders – At the Front Lines of the Fight for Hearts, Minds and Democracy, he outlines in extensive detail the attempts our enemies are making to dismantle US democracy through the concepts of contempt and dismissal, which fuel polarization and sow doubts in our governmental and democratic systems. But he also argues that there are still millions of Americans who he calls the Persuaders, who are willing to sit in the discomfort of difficult dialogue to help bridge the communication divide and strengthen relationships and community. This student retreat takes the concepts of the Persuaders and puts them into action by bringing students of opposing viewpoints together for a day-long dialogue that allows them to engage with students they consider “other” to help support higher levels of empathy and understanding.

Every year, students from all walks of life take their first steps on college campuses, excited, uncomfortable, and nervous. Many will gravitate to what feels most familiar, while others will venture into uncharted territory all to learn and connect. But college is about change, challenge, and growth, and as we know the best experiences are the ones that take you out of your comfort zones. This funny and highly interactive keynote is designed to help students understand the discomfort they feel as they enter their new academic community, while challenging them to think differently about diversity.
As a follow up to their orientation session, first year student’s will go even deeper on the lessons learned during the summer about how to better navigate difference, get out of their comfort zones, and expand their sense of empathy and community.

One of the most difficult aspects of leading is creating a culture of belonging, one that affirms and empowers those you work with. This keynote is designed to encourage leaders to consider the Harvard Business Review’s endorsed model of Fair Process as a way to lead with people in pursuit of more welcoming, inclusive, and equitable work environments.
Once a res lifer, always a res lifer. This keynote is an affirming reminder to res life professionals that their time in housing is well spent, as it provides them all the necessary skills they need to grow and ascend to their next professional endeavor. A perfect session for res life and housing associations.