An Engaging Look Back: Discussing the Vision and Impact of a Decade of Intentional Inclusion

Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 1:00PM–1:45PM CT | Meeting Room 209 AB, Level 2
Session Type: Breakout Session
Delivery Format: Presentation/Panel Session
In a time where diversity, equity, and inclusion are under attack, it is that much more important that we show the impact efforts surrounding DEI can bring. When EDUCAUSE hired a new President and CEO in 2015, he quickly identified in conversations with the community that there was hard work ahead to increase the diversity of members who actively participated in the community. He committed to an intentional effort to listen to and amplify the voices of young professionals. This year will be our 10th annual conference since establishing the Young Professionals Advisory Committee (formerly Council). EDUCAUSE has made a decade of continual investment in and intentional support of young professionals. In this session, multiple current/former YPAC members will sit down with EDUCAUSE Executive Leadership to take a look back at the impact of this intentional investment and support on young professionals, as well as the impact those young professionals have had on EDUCAUSE and the broader profession. We hope participants will walk away refreshed and energized that their efforts matter and encouraged to persist in their actions!            

Presenters

  • Tonya Bennett

    Director of Educational Technology @PennVet, University of Pennsylvania

  • Jonathan B. Hardy

    EDUCAUSE Alumni

  • John O'Brien

    President & CEO, EDUCAUSE

Resources & Downloads

  • EDU25 A Decade of Intentional Inclusion

    Updated on 6/24/2026