Calling all

change makers

Join us for The AREDI Summit on August 7th.
2025 Theme: Collective Solidarity in the Face of Fear

What is AREDI?

The Advancing Racial Equity, Diversity & Inclusion summit (AREDI) is the annual education, networking, and change makers event of the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition (SWEC).

This one-day event will bring community members together to foster connection, build collective strength and deepen understanding and engagement in racially just leadership.

The AREDI summit is designed to ignite action. Through dynamic panels, workshops, and intentional networking, this event will equip individuals and organizations with the tools and inspiration needed to lead with equity and justice at the forefront. It's more than just a summit. It's a call to transform passion into impact, and to strengthen the coalitions that move us closer to a just future.

Summit Agenda

Registration and Breakfast
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM

Opening Remarks
9:15 AM - 9:40 AM

Workshop Session #1
9:50 AM - 11:05 AM

Lunch
11:15 AM - 11:45 AM

Awards Presentation
11:45 AM - 12:00 PM

Keynote Panel
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Workshop Session #2
1:10 PM - 2:25 PM

Workshop Session #3
2:35 PM - 3:50 PM

Networking Session
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Vendor Market
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Session 1

Accessibility Beyond Compliance: Our Collective Responsibility to Community Progress
Presented by Jen Dugger Spalding

Advancing Equity by Supporting Environmental Candidates and Equitable Climate Policy
Presented by Heidi Cody and Joy Stanford

Power in the People: Grassroots Organizing and Collective Impact Across Communities
Panel Moderated by Rev. Michael Jones Jr.

Silence to Resilience Youth and Advocacy
Presented by Caiden Mizrahi-Boyarsky

Session 2

Rest As Resistance: Sustaining ourselves in the Fight for Equity
Presented by Dr. Rashida Willard

Rest Is Radical: Implementing a 4-Day Workweek Through a Racial Justice Lens
Presented by Brittini Lasseigne and Jasmine Tolbert

Fundamentals of Equitable Decision Making
Part 1
Presented by Alyssa Montminy and Vanessa Neal

Building Alliances (as non-targets)
Presented by Rebecca Ahlidobu

Session 3

Equitable Urban Planning for the Long Haul: The City of Vancouver's Equity Lens in Action for the Comprehensive Plan
Presented by Siobhana McEwen and Rebecca Kennedy

Doing Advocacy Different: Taking Back the Narrative
Presented by Heather Sheppard and Ma.Caroline Malabanan Alonzo Lopez

Fundamentals of Equitable Decision Making
Part 2
Alyssa Montminy and Vanessa Neal

Power in the People: Grassroots Organizing and Collective Impact Across Communities
Panel Moderated by Rev. Michael Jones Jr.

Workshops

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