EAST LANSING, MI (4/11/26) — Registration is now officially open for the 3rd Annual Inclusive Impact Conference, set to take place Monday, August 3, at Michigan State University. The full-day event, running from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., will bring together campus leaders, community partners, and participants from across the state, nation, and globe for a day centered on collaboration, equity, and transformative dialogue.

Building on the momentum of its first two years, the Inclusive Impact Conference continues to grow as a signature gathering focused on fostering meaningful connections and advancing inclusive practices. Organizers encourage attendees to explore highlights and testimonials from prior years through the 2024 and 2025 conference reports, which reflect the event’s expanding reach and impact.

Headline Speakers Highlight National Thought Leadership

This year’s conference will feature two prominent voices whose work bridges academia, culture, and public engagement.

The opening keynote will be delivered by Yomaira C. Figueroa-Vásquez, an Afro-Puerto Rican writer, scholar, and professor of Africana, Puerto Rican, and Latino Studies. Currently serving as Director of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at CUNY Hunter, Figueroa-Vásquez is widely recognized for her award-winning book Decolonizing Diasporas and her leadership in major Mellon-funded initiatives focused on Black feminist digital humanities and diaspora solidarity.

A first-generation college graduate, her work emphasizes mentorship, equity in higher education, and interdisciplinary approaches to understanding diaspora and identity. Her return to Michigan State University—where she previously launched multiple initiatives supporting underrepresented students—adds a meaningful full-circle moment to the conference.

Closing the event will be Joshua Doss, a nationally recognized pollster, data scientist, and founder of Discourse Media. Known for his ability to translate complex data into accessible insights, Doss focuses on the intersection of culture, identity, and political behavior—particularly among young voters and communities of color.

Through his research and media presence, Doss has influenced national conversations on democracy, economic mobility, and civic engagement. His keynote will challenge attendees to rethink how institutions connect with and respond to the communities they serve.

Registration and Participation Details

Conference registration is now open to both MSU and non-MSU participants, with tiered pricing:

• MSU Participants: $60 (early bird through June 1), $75 after
• Non-MSU Participants: $75 (early bird through June 1), $100 after

Organizers emphasize that the conference is open to all, with no restrictions based on personal identity, reinforcing its commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Community organizations, departments, and partners are also invited to support the conference through sponsorship opportunities. Contributions include recognition in promotional materials, acknowledgment during the event, and inclusion in post-conference publications.

Sponsorship tiers include:

• Platinum ($5,000+): 10 tickets
• Gold ($3,000+): 6 tickets
• Silver ($1,000+): 2 tickets
• Bronze ($500+): 1 ticket

Additionally, sponsors will receive two conference tickets for every $1,000 contributed. Interested partners can contact event organizers directly for more information.

A Collaborative Effort

The conference is organized by a diverse planning committee led by Meaghan Kozar and supported by a broad coalition of campus and community leaders. Their collective efforts reflect the conference’s mission: to create a space where ideas, experiences, and strategies for inclusive impact can be shared and expanded.

As Michigan State University continues to serve as a hub for innovation and dialogue, the Inclusive Impact Conference stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in shaping more equitable communities.

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