Lunch & Learn

Where great people come together to learn and have uncomfortable conversations

Date: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays
Time: 12:30 – 1:15 p.m.
Location: D34011
Snacks Provided

Virtual Participants

Please click the link associated with the presentation.
Use the Password “dei”


Upcoming Presentations

Wednesday, October 23, 2024
Jaguars Jumps: Increasing Access for Students with Disabilities at GovState

We will discuss how faculty and staff can work together to create allyship for students with disabilities.

This session aims to increase your knowledge of:

  • • Understanding students with disabilities
  • • Promote effective allyship, and
  • • Develop inclusive communication skills.

Presented by:

Roberta O'Shea

Dr. Roberta O’Shea
Professor Emeritus

Michelle Sebasco

Michelle Sebasco
Program Coordinator, School of Extended Learning


Recent Presentations

Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Supporting LGBTQIA+ Students and Employees

Join us for an interactive exploration on "Gender Diversity and Gender Play”. This workshop includes an interactive discussion of gender diversity, a guided exploration of the "gender galaxy”, and invitations for participants to playfully explore their own gender expression and identity in a safe space.

Presented by:

Kelly Gawel

Kelly Gawel
Assistant Professor, feminist philosopher, and scholar-activist

Ciclón Olivares

Ciclón Olivares
a trans media storyteller that is moved by quantum connectivity within and beyond the technosphere


Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Championing Equity: Supporting Undocumented/DACA Students on Campus

Join us for a vital discussion on how we can champion equity and create a supportive environment for undocumented and DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) students on campus. This session will explore the unique challenges these students face, from navigating legal and financial barriers to finding a sense of belonging in the academic community.

Presented by:

Emmanual Lopez

Mr. Emmanual Lopez
Director of Latinx Resource Center, and Undocumented Student Liaison


About the Lunch and Learn

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) development is crucial to building a safe and equitable workspace for GovState employees and a conducive learning environment for GovState students.

We invite GovState faculty, staff, student organizations, and friends of GovState to discuss scholarly DEIB-related topics and issues openly. The information shared and discussed is designed to support employees at all levels in all departments to better work with colleagues and students of differing identities and backgrounds. It aims to build awareness and skills that support marginalized students and employees and help cultivate a safe, compassionate, and equitable environment where everyone feels valued.

The DEIB Lunch and Learn sessions are the perfect format for safe and brave conversations because participants can talk freely. These open dialogues give participants a chance to activate new skills and passions.

Past Presentations

Presentation Format

  • • 45 minutes: 30 minutes of presentation and minimum 15 minutes of conversation
  • • Interactive
  • • Face-to-face or Virtual (with a preference of face-to-face)
  • • Sessions are recorded and shared

Presentation Submission

Submission of the following at least three (3) weeks in advance of presentation:

Request for Presentation Form

Please submit the Request for Presentation proposal six (6) weeks prior anticipated presentation to jpatterson3@govst.edu.