Welcome to the Winds of Change 2020 National Conference Wrap-Up issue! I hope you were able to join us for this year’s remarkable conference-like-no-other. If you were part of the virtual experience, I think you will agree that even though we could not be together in Spokane, the 2020 conference was a high-quality event full of opportunities for learning, networking, and recharging.
So my first post-event message is a big “thank you” to all the nimble, resilient, and flexible people — especially our Board of Directors and your wonderful AISES staff — who dealt with an ever-changing pandemic reality to pull off an engaging, effective virtual conference. I’d also like to thank everyone who attended and supported the event. Together the AISES family lived the conference motto: “Achieve, Inspire, Support, Explore, Succeed.”
If you weren’t able to be with us online, you can share in the energy and inspiration through this annual special issue. One highlight of the Opening Ceremony was a keynote panel discussion with Oscar-winning Cherokee actor Wes Studi that ranged from his amazing film career to social justice. In discussing the endemic issue of the “invisibility” of Indigenous people, Studi said that he hopes to be part of future films on contemporary topics that “strike a harder blow on invisibility.”
I’d like to thank everyone who attended and supported the event. Together the AISES family lived the conference motto: “Achieve, Inspire, Support, Explore, Succeed.”
In an AISES tradition, the Closing Ceremony gave us a chance to recognize members who have made outstanding contributions to STEM and to the organization. Entertainment for the event was provided by Indigenous solo musician Sage Cornelius, who offered a lively set on his seven-string violin. Closing remarks by Board of Directors Chair Gary Burnette inspired us all, as did the final blessing by AISES elder Cecelia Lucero. Read more in “Ceremonies and Celebrations.”
In addition to traditional ceremonies, there was a range of options for members at all stages of their STEM path. Pre-college attendees had plenty to explore at the Boeing STEM Day, professionals and aspiring professionals could investigate career options at the virtual networking suites, and all attendees could discover the wide range of opportunities at the College and Career Fair. (For a roster of the exhibitors, click here.)
As always, the sessions had something for everyone, and all the sessions were enhanced by the inquisitive, intelligent, and lively contributions to the accompanying chats. Be sure to check out an overview of several of them in “Learning’s in Session.”
I hope you enjoy revisiting the conference highlights in this special issue, and will start planning to be with your AISES family next year. See you in Phoenix!
Ta’Tura Tsiksu (With Much Respect),
Sarah EchoHawkPawnee Nation of OklahomaAISES Chief Executive Officer
The generosity of our Full Circle of Support (FCS) Partners and Circle of Support Partners is integral to the AISES mission. FCS Partners are organizations that have established a multiprogram partnership with AISES for three or more years, while Circle of Support Partners assist in funding a diverse range of programs and events in the STEM fields. We wish to thank each for their continued effort to serve AISES student and professional members.