Courageous Conversations Series

The Office for Inclusive Excellence is excited to introduce to the UCI community our Courageous Conversation Series which aims to foster civil discourse on challenging topics that affect our community. Through facilitated discussions, it is our goal to:

• Create a brave space for diverse perspectives to be heard and valued
• Address difficult issues, promoting mutual understanding and respect
• Empower participants with knowledge and tools for constructive engagement
• Bridge divides by finding common ground and shared values
• Inspire action towards positive change in our community

  We truly hope you will join us as we tackle tough topics with courage, compassion, and a commitment to growth. Together, we can build a stronger, more unified community. All voices are welcome. Let’s have the conversations that matter because each of YOU matter!

Upcoming Sessions

We’re actively developing the next round of Courageous Conversations to continue fostering dialogue and connection. Check back soon for newly added sessions.

Previous Sessions

FALL 2025 Series:

Topic – Navigating Forward: Leading During Challenging Times

Thursday, October 30, 2025, from 3:00 -5:00 PM. In Person Meeting Location: Pacific Ballrooms – UCI Student Center

• Featured Speakers
  • Alondra Arevalo, Associated Students UCI (ASUCI) President
  • Dr. Willie Banks, Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs
  • Dr. Bernadette Boden-Albala, Founding Dean, Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health
  • Dr. Naomi Tabak, Director of the UC Irvine Psychological Services Center

WINTER 2025 Series:

Topic – Healing Together: Navigating Collective Trauma

Monday, January 27, 2025, from 12:00-1:30 PM. In Person Meeting Location: Dome of Stars Meeting Space – Middle Earth Towers

• Featured Speakers
  • Professor E. Alison Holman, Associate Dean for Academic Personnel of Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing.

FALL 2024 Series:

Topic – Perspectives on the Middle East

Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 1:30-2:30 PM. Webinar.

• Featured Speakers
  • Professor Ussama Makdisi, UCB Department of History and Chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Muslim and Palestinian Student Life and Campus Experience
  • Professor Ethan Katz, UCB Department of History and Chair of the Chancellor’s Advisory Committee on Jewish Life and Campus Climate

Topic – Two Truths in One Heart, Two Peoples in One Land

Thursday, November 14, 2024, from 11:00-1:00 PM. Webinar.

• Featured Speakers
  • Rabbi Hanan Schlesinger, director of international relations for Roots/Shorashim/Judur, a joint Palestinian-Israeli grassroots peacemaking initiative
  • Noor A’wad, Palestinian Roots activist who organizes joint Palestinian-Israeli activities, speaking on personal experiences and current conflicts