Welcome to the Winds of Change 2019 National Conference Wrap-Up issue! I hope the pictures and stories in this annual digital edition will bring back great memories of that incredible event, and if you weren’t able to be with us in Milwaukee, I hope you can share in the energy and inspiration through this special issue.
The Opening and Closing Ceremonies evoked the conference motto: “Indigenizing the Future of STEM.†My keynote discussion with author and philanthropy executive Edgar Villanueva focused on the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) when it comes to allocating society’s resources, and the keynote panel of distinguished business, government, and foundation leaders inspired us with their personal stories and their commitment to DEI in their own fields.
The Closing Ceremony gave us a chance to pause and recognize individual members who have made outstanding contributions to STEM and to AISES. Performance artist and musician Supaman entertained us during a delicious dinner of staple foods of the 11 tribal nations and communities that call Wisconsin home. Read more in “Ceremonies and Celebrations.â€
Everywhere, attendees were busy “Indigenizing the Future of STEM,†whether they were exploring at STEM Activity Day, investigating career options at the Networking Suites, or charting their own future among the myriad opportunities at the College and Career Fair. (For a roster of the many exhibitors at the fair, see “Find Your Fit.â€)
As always, the sessions were a destination for conference-goers at all stages along their STEM paths — there was truly something for everyone. Be sure to check out an overview of several of them in “Learning’s in Session.â€
None of this could have happened without the dedicated people on your AISES staff and the tireless Milwaukee Local Volunteer Committee. Every single person contributed countless hours to make this successful event run smoothly, from the inspiring opening ceremony to the Traditional Powwow — and I can’t thank them enough on behalf of the entire AISES family.
Enjoy revisiting your favorite conference highlights in this special issue, and start planning to be with us next year. See you in Spokane!
Ta’Tura Tsiksu (With Much Respect),
Sarah EchoHawk
Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma
AISES 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.
