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, April 9, 2025
Bridging
Futures: Enhancing College Pathways for Youth in Care and Students
Experiencing Homelessness Symposium Premiere Discuss what is ahead at the upcoming
Bridging Futures Symposium, including what attendees can look forward to
experiencing, learning, and contributing throughout the day. The Bridging
Futures Symposium is a transformative event that brings together educators,
policymakers, and advocates to advance equity in higher education by
strengthening support systems and removing barriers for foster youth and
students experiencing homelessness. Presented by Dr. Kim Major-Ford, Director of Counseling
and Wellness Center, GovState Dr. Sharva Hampton-Campbell, Assistant
Professor, Chicago State University LaTerrian McIntosh, Program Manager for
DCFS and Foster Progress’s Youth in Care—College Advocate Program (Y-CAP) Meagan
Washington-Sims, GovState - INLD Doctoral Candidate | 
|
Wednesday, April 30, 2025 – E-Lounge (In-Person Only)
Perceptions
of Justice Join
us for a special Lunch and Learn discussion where undergraduate students from
Criminal Justice and Art disciplines will share the results of their
collaborative project on justice. This cross-listed course, completed this
spring, brought students together to explore the theme of justice through
both dialogue and artistic representation. During
this session, students will present their creative artworks – each piece
reflecting their personal perception of justice – and how their artwork
connects with key issues in criminal justice and social change. This event
will also serve as an opportunity to engage in thoughtful conversations on
the role of art as activism and its power to foster societal change. We
invite you to participate in this important discussion and explore the
students’ work, which will be on display as part of the exhibit showcasing
GovState’s commitment to inclusiveness and diverse perspectives. Presented
by Ms.
Caron Jacobson, Senior lecturer in the Criminal Justice Department Dr.
Rebecca Siefert, Associate Professor of Art History   | |
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:
Dr. Roberta O’Shea
Professor Emeritus
Michelle Sebasco
Program Coordinator, School of Extended Learning
Recent Presentations
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
Assistant Professor, feminist philosopher, and scholar-activist
Ciclón Olivares
a trans media storyteller that is moved by quantum connectivity within and beyond the technosphere
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:
Mr. Emmanual Lopez
Director of Latinx Resource Center, and Undocumented Student Liaison
About the Lunch and Learn
The Institutional Engagement and Excellence Lunch and Learn
Series promotes inclusive dialogue and professional growth across the GovState
community. These interactive sessions support a university-wide commitment to fostering
an environment where all students and employees can engage meaningfully and thrive.
Open to GovState faculty, staff, students, and community
partners, each session explores timely and relevant topics essential to
institutional excellence. Through shared learning and open conversations,
participants gain valuable insights and skills that enhance our ability to
support individuals from all identities and backgrounds.
These sessions provide a welcoming space for safe and courageous
conversations, encouraging thoughtful dialogue, personal reflection, and actionable
takeaways. By engaging together, we cultivate a campus culture that values empathy,
equity, and shared responsibility for the success of student and employee.
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 FormPlease submit the Request for Presentation proposal six (6) weeks prior anticipated presentation to jpatterson3@govst.edu.