BOCA RATON, FL (October 2, 2009) – The South Florida Diversity Alliance (SFDA) will host its inaugural Diversity Summit on Saturday, November 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nova Southeastern University, Carl DeSantis Building, 3301 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale.

            The summit, titled “Multiple Identities: A Nation of Cowards,” will feature Dr. Phillip J. Bowman as the keynote speaker.  Bowman, the founding director of the National Center for Institutional Diversity at the University of Michigan, is a social psychologist with a strong interest in cultural diversity issues in research methodology, higher education and pressing public policy challenges.

The SFDA includes representation from Florida Atlantic University, Nova Southeastern University, St. Thomas University, Barry University, Lynn University, University of Miami, Broward College, Florida Memorial College and Florida International University.

“The main purpose of this summit is to rally the South Florida community together to embrace its diversity and start a dialogue,” said Dr. Maria Santamarina, co-founder of the SFDA and diversity officer of FAU, the only higher education institution in South Florida to have this designated position. “Together we can challenge participants to discuss subjects that are still off limits in many segments of society.”

            The Diversity Summit seeks to raise participants’ awareness of the many perspectives that make up worldviews; provide an opportunity to examine issues impacting the diverse communities; and supply applicable tools and strategies to participants to take action in order to improve the world.  The summit will also engage participants in dynamic discussions about complex issues related to not only race, but a host of other cultural, social and personal identities.

                The purpose of the SFDA is to unite the higher education community in South Florida to support and promote diversity awareness, competence and inclusion. 

            The Diversity Summit is open to the public and registration is necessary to attend. Cost is $20 before October 30 and $30 thereafter. Group registration of five or more will receive a $5 discount. The conference is free for students, faculty, and staff of FAU, Lynn and NSU.

            For more information or to register, visit www.nova.edu/studentleadership/ma/diversity.html   or e-mail af647@nova.edu.

-FAU-

Lisa Freed

Assistant Director, Media Relations

Florida Atlantic University

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