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Fall 2026 SUNY Oswego Equity Summit

On Thursday, September 17, and Friday, September 18, 2026, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at SUNY Oswego will host the the SUNY Oswego Fall 2026 Equity Summit.

This inaugural event is a comprehensive gathering designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among institutional and regional partners needed to elevate our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Over the course of the two-day summit, we will explore critical issues related to university climate, unveil the university’s new Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and examine the broader landscape to identify and leverage strategic opportunities to move our work forward.

The Equity Summit will be held in Hewitt Ballroom. See below for a description and agenda detailing the two-day event. Please confirm your attendance by completing the Equity Summit Registration Form by Friday, September 11, 2026.  If you have any questions or require special accommodations, please contact Jennifer Westcott at 315-312-4478 or [email protected].

Highlights of the Equity Summit include:

  • A keynote address by Dr. Michael Benitez, a nationally recognized educator, scholar, and strategist, whose work offers critical insight into leadership, organizational culture, and institutional change in higher education. 
  • Dinner and dialogue facilitated by the El-Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action at InterFaith Works and the James A. Triandiflou Institute for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Transformative Practice, 
  • A professional workshop led by Dr. Jamie Washington, President and Co-Founder of the Social Justice Training Institute and Past President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA).
  • A panel discussion: Shaping the Future: Opportunity & Innovation in Equity Work, Special Guests TBA
Dr. Michael Benitez Jr
Keynote: Dr. Michael Benitez, Jr.

Dr. Michael Benitez, Jr. is a nationally acclaimed educator, scholar, and strategist who brings critical insight and authentic perspective to conversations about leadership, culture, and change in higher education and workplaces. Known for his dynamic presence and ability to connect across lines of difference, Dr. Benitez draws from a lifetime of experience and a distinguished record of leadership at top institutions to help build environments where people feel seen, valued, and empowered.

Dr. Jamie Washington
Featured Speaker: Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington

Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington, (He/Him/His) is the President & Founder of the Washington Consulting Group (WCG). WCG was named by the Economist as one of the Top 10 Global Diversity Consultants in the world. Dr. Washington has served as an educator, administrator, and consultant in higher education for over 36 years.  He serves as an invited instructor in the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Lancaster Theological Seminary.  He is the President and Co-Founder of the Social Justice Training Institute and a Past President of the American College Personnel Association (ACPA). 

Fall 2026 Equity Summit at SUNY Oswego Schedule of Events
September 17, 2026 - September 18, 2026
Hewitt Ballroom

Thursday, September 17th

4 – 4:30PM Doors Open/Arrival
4:30 – 4:45PM Opening Welcome: Kendra N. Cadogan, Chief Diversity Officer
4:45 – 5:30PM Dinner
5:30 – 6:15PM Keynote Address: Dr. Michael Benitez
6:15 – 7:15PM Dialogue:     Dr. Michael Benitez, El Hindi Center for Dialogue & Action staff, and ODI Team
7:15 – 7:30PM Closing Remarks Lillian Evans, Director, Triandiflou Institute

Friday, September 18th

Regional Morning Symposium

8:45 – 9:15 AM Continental Breakfast/Arrival
9:15 – 9:30 AM Executive Welcome Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D., President
9:30 - 10:30 AM Keynote Address Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
10:30 – 10:45 AM Break
10:45 – 12 PM Panel Discussion: Shaping the Future: Opportunity & Innovation in Equity Work
12 –1 PM Networking Lunch

Institutional Action & Implementation Forum

1 – 1:30 PM Preparing for the 2026 Thrive Climate Survey, Anneke McEvoy, Deputy CDO
1:30 – 2:15 PM Unpacking the Strategic Implementation Plan for Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
2:15 – 2:30 PM Break
2:30 – 3:15 PM Working Group Session:  ODI Team
3:15 – 3:45 PM Working Groups Share: Out ODI Team
3:45 – 4 PM Closing Remarks:   Kendra N. Cadogan, Chief Diversity Officer