You’ve probably noticed a lot more folx talking about the importance of belonging over the past year. The Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy raised the alarm in a late spring advisory report, identifying what he called an “epidemic of loneliness and isolation [that] has been an underappreciated public health crisis.” Many companies, including Google, Apple and Ford Motor Co. have been busy developing policies, practices, and initiatives to foster a stronger sense of belonging and connection in their workplaces and on their factory floors. And schools have also been more eager to talk about belonging and its importance to campus life—especially for their students.
But many of these discussions have paid less attention to the sense of joy and purpose that can come from feeling connected to our communities. “In fact, dozens of studies, including the longest one ever to look at happiness (the Harvard Study of Adult Development) have shown that strong relationships are a crucial component for living a good life,” says Mary Ann Villarreal, vice president for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (EDI) at the University of Utah. That’s why she says EDI is launching the “Celebrating U Completely” campaign—a new platform focused on increasing the strong sense of community and belonging on the U campus. “These things are so critical—not just for how we feel, but how we perform, and even the quality of life and health we enjoy,” the VP adds.
Join us for this first Reframing the Conversation event of the ‘23-24 school year when Vice President Mary Ann Villarreal will lead a discussion with campus and community leaders on the new campaign, EDI initiatives, and the importance of belonging.
Reframing the Conversation is a monthly hybrid series. Attendees can join in person at the Hinckley Caucus Room (GC 2018) or virtually on the Reframing the Conversation webpage. Pizza will be served at the event.
ASL interpretation will be provided and auto-captions will be available. All requests for event access support and other questions or concerns may be directed to edi-events@utah.edu.
Speakers
Emma E. Houston
Assistant Vice President for Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion
Chief Diversity Officer
The University of Utah
Moderator
Emma E. Houston brings significant experience in working with teams to create inclusive spaces and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion to create a positive impact across the community. She is a longtime community advocate and volunteer who serves on several boards and commissions. AVP/CDO Houston is the former diversity & inclusion director for Salt Lake County Government, the former chair of the Utah MLK Jr. Human Rights Commission, and a member of the Utah COVID-19 Task Force. She was honored with a 2022 Individual Human Rights Day Award by the Human Rights Commission and Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office in December 2022.
CJ Drisdom
Founder & CEO, Utah Creative Chamber & Changing Lanes Entertainment Group
Panelist
CJ, born Carey Arnell Drisdom Jr, hails from Lynwood and grew up in Compton, CA. He’s the eldest of 4 brothers. CJ pursued Vocal Performance at Cal State University of Long Beach, earning a scholarship from the Jenkins Family Trust. Under opera star Marvelee Cariaga’s guidance, he excelled. CJ owns Changing Lanes Entertainment Group, LakeHouse Studios and The Utah Creative Chamber 501(c)(3). Managing diverse artists under the LakeHouse label since 1996, he’s developed energetic band sets spanning genres. CJ is a sought-after act in the high-end event scene, winning 40_40 as well as a Grammy Nomination. He’s rocked stages across the US and abroad, representing esteemed companies. With over 20 years in the music industry, CJ adapts to any crowd. This DREAMER with his heart attuned to the rhythm of possibilities. Refusing to accept limits that others perceive is a small testament of who CJ Drisdom lives to be.
Julie Lucero, MPH, PhD
Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; College of Health
Panelist
Julie E. Lucero, MPH, PhD, (she/her) is an associate professor in the Department of Health and Kinesiology and associate dean for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the College of Health, University of Utah. Her research is focused on health inequities, diversity and inclusion, and implementation science. Using a community engaged research orientation, Dr. Lucero strives to achieve health equity by means of education, research, and policy development. Through the identification of modifiable social determinants, community-academic partnerships can reduce the burden of health inequities experienced by underrepresented populations.
Jack O’Leary
Student Body President, ASUU
Panelist
Jack O’Leary (he/him) is a senior undergraduate student majoring in honors economics and political science with an emphasis in pre-law at the College of Social and Behavioral Science. Jack is currently the Student Body President of the Associated Students of the University of Utah (ASUU). He has been heavily involved across campus including leadership positions in prior ASUU administrations, Ivory Innovations, the Daily Utah Chronicle, the Business Economics Society, the Sigma Chi Fraternity, and other clubs and committees across campus. Jack was originally born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, but is now proud to call Utah home and is grateful for involvement opportunities having allowed him to find his passion, purpose, and people here at the U. O’Leary and his team want members of our campus community to trust in the meaning of positive change, be empowered to succeed on this campus, feel a sense of belonging, and have a unique, life-changing college experience.
