Klymyshyn Symposium

Storytelling nurtures organizational growth by turning ideas into relatable experiences, inspiring purpose, fostering connection, and shaping a culture of trust and collaboration.

• Break bias, building bridges: Authentic storytelling across all age groups in K-12 schools (Jiao).
• Story Stewardship: Centering Disabled Narratives for Collective Liberation (Buzard).
• BlaQueer Style: The Politics of Storytelling and Self-Definition in Black Queer Women's Fashion Work (Blake).
• Satirical Political Comedy’s Effect on Audiences (Castillo).
• Compassion Fatigue: A Physician's Story (Wily).
• Discussion of Menopause for Marginalized People (Bergman)
• Enhancing medical education by amplifying marginalized voices: Incarcerated women, mental health care, and principles of narrative medicine (Garces).

Skill development and inclusion together create a thriving workplace by providing equal learning opportunities for all, fostering collaboration, innovation, and belonging, which in turn boost engagement, productivity, and long-term organizational success.

• Conversation Do-Overs: A Simple Practice to Reflect, Connect, and Thrive (Irwin).
• Creating Mic Drop Moments: TEDx Inspired Storytelling (Moore.)
• Empowered to Thrive: Strength-Based Strategies for Resilience and Connection in Higher Ed. (Wilson).
• The Power in Our Stories: Building Pathways to Belonging and Impact (Ross-Pierre).
• Developing Cross-Departmental Relationships; Capacity Building Collectively (Baker, MSU).

Higher education remains essential, not just for career preparation but for fostering curiosity, adaptability, and critical thinking. In a fast-changing world, it offers a space to explore ideas, challenge assumptions, and connect with diverse perspectives. Its value lies in preparing people not only for work, but for a lifetime of learning and contribution.

• Utilizing the BCSSE and NSSE to Better Understand Student Success and Experience (Scherr.)
• From Digital Access to Digital Thriving: A Call to Action for Our Campus Community (Jervinsky.)
• Challenges of Recruitment, Retention and Advancement: How Gender Shapes Experiences of Faculty.
• Narratives of Change: How service and volunteerism shape student learning (Hornak.)

Supportive learning creates inclusive spaces where individuals feel valued and safe to share ideas. This environment fosters collaboration, creativity, and resilience—skills essential for navigating change. By embracing different perspectives and promoting equity, supportive learning empowers people to grow and succeed, driving innovation and stronger communities.

• The Use of Looking While Listening to Examine Spoken Language Production in Children with Down Syndrome (Wright).
• Student Resiliency Pedagogy: Supporting Student Growth in Higher Education (Johnson).
• Stories From Our Students: Hearing and Teaching All Voices (Likavec).
• Navigating Controversies toward Liberation through GRIOT strategies (Flowers.)
• In the Room Where It Happens: Intentional Conversations for Student Success (Bulger.)
• Breaking Barriers: Redesigning Academic Affairs for First-Generation Student Success (Wilkins.)

Seeing women lead with confidence and integrity is transformative. Role models break down outdated norms, proving that leadership is about vision and capability, not gender. They spark ambition, guide personal growth, and show that challenges can be faced with resilience.

• Managing Your Plate, Owning Your Power (Jackson.)
• She Leads: The Real, Raw, and Relentless Truth about WIL (Pruitt.)
• The Myth of Women Empowerment (Chaudry.)
• Positively Powered Professional Development (Osborn.)
• A Journey to Liberation through Dialogue (Matyorauta.)