June 6-8, 2020 in Ellicott City, MD
WHAT IS THE SWOCC
The STEM Women of Color Conclave (SWOCC) is the largest national forum for STEM women of color from institutions of higher education. The Conclave serves as a catalyst harnessing a centralized body of knowledge and best practices related to women of color and holistically promoting the personal and professional development of women of color in the academy.
"For Such a Time As This. . . "
Since their entrée into the hallowed halls of higher education decades ago, STEM women faculty of color have been called upon to do the impossible, withstand the unconscionable, shed light on the disguised, and maneuver through the unimaginable. Nevertheless, we have increased in number and status. Of course, not without cost. But also not without having developed the warrior’s mind for strategy, the Christian’s heart for love, and the freed person’s desire for Truth.
Our being here – no matter the cost – demands that we not simply adjust, conform, and comply with the very systems and structures that make us credible yet perpetuate our own marginalization. Rather, we are here for such a time as this to re-adjust how we and the academy view and value STEM women faculty of color, to assimilate deeper into our professions for the purpose of bringing about change, and to disrupt the destructive patterns of the academy that often give us pause, sicken us, and, at times, make us cry.
This year, the STEM Women of Color Conclave focuses deeply, and without apology, on our purpose, position, and place – offering its sisters (and honorary sisters) unique professional development opportunities that authentically emphasize our lived experience and our collective and individual rights to persist in STEM disciplines without diminution or diminishment of, or to, our intellect, accomplishment, health, wellbeing, or spirit.
We invite you to join us for this year’s 2020 Conclave for STEM Women of Color where we will feature another uniquely-designed Leadership Colloquium and a newly added Writing Institute.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Junior, Mid, and Senior level faculty (assistant, associate, full professors) and administrators of institutions of higher education. Educators challenged in balancing life, work and studies, as well as navigating through the ranks.