Syracuse Sun

Six representatives from Syracuse University are set to participate in the upcoming Faculty Women of Color Academy (FCWA) annual conference, where they will join women from various academic institutions across the United States. The event, scheduled to take place from April 11 to 14 in Arlington, Virginia, aims to provide networking opportunities and knowledge-sharing platforms for Indigenous and women of color in higher education.

The attendees from Syracuse University include Eliana Abu-Hamdi, Noura Allen, Charquetta Nicole Hudson, Suzette Meléndez, Miriam Mutambudzi, and Beth Patin. According to Meléndez, the conference is a place characterized by camaraderie and support, offering a valuable space for professional growth amidst the challenges faced by higher education and society.

Keynote speakers at the conference will include Menah Pratt from Virginia Tech, Cherrie Moraga from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Gabrielle Tayac from George Mason University. Additionally, a panel discussion titled "Pathways to Leadership" will feature prominent figures such as Miriam Lam, Javaune Adams-Gaston, and Verona Terriquez, discussing important topics related to leadership and diversity in academia.

The event will also host leading educators and authors like Stephanie Adams from the University of Texas, Dallas, and Victoria Reyes from the University of California-Riverside, who will share their insights and experiences with the attendees.

As the representatives from Syracuse University gear up to participate in the 2024 FCWA conference, they are expected to engage in workshops, presentations, and discussions aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in higher education. The University's support for the event as a gold sponsor underscores its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and supportive academic environment for women of color.