Dismantling Systemic Racism 2026: The Journey to an Empowered Future

Dismantling Systemic Racism 2026:

The Journey to an Empowered Future

Friday, May 8, 2026

8:30 am to 3:30 pm (Registration begins at 7:45 am)

Keynote Presenters:

Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, Environmental Justice Warrior, Rhodes Scholar & Founder of Black Girl Environmentalist

Laura Chávez-Moreno, Assistant Professor, University of California

Audience: Educators, Administrators, Family Members, Community Members, Business Leaders, Students, and all who play a role in a child's life.

The 10th conference on Dismantling Systemic Racism, sponsored by the State Education Resource Center (SERC) in collaboration with the SERC Foundation, focuses on ways to support, promote, and develop racial equity in education. The full-day conference supports educators, families, and community leaders who seek to confront racist structures and practices to better serve Connecticut’s students and their families, through advocacy and the development, implementation, and sustainability of innovative, culturally relevant programming.

Morning and afternoon breakout sessions will provide the opportunity for attendees to choose topics of personal and professional interest.

Registration Details:

• All attendees must register online. Walk-ins will not be accepted.

• Student registration is limited to 10 students per district at this time. Students must be accompanied by an adult chaperone throughout the conference (including breakout sessions).

• Registration fees include morning refreshments and lunch during the conference.

• Payment must be received by Monday, April 27, 2026.

• All refunds must be requested in writing five business days prior to May 8, 2026.

If you are hearing impaired and require an interpreter, please send an email request to Heather Dawes at [email protected] by Monday, April 6, 2026. SERC will make every effort to secure an interpreter, but may not be able to fulfill requests made after this date.

This conference, including general sessions, breakout sessions, the luncheon, and other activities, is considered to be a public event. Photographs or video taken by conference staff at this event may be used by SERC for promotional/educational purposes. As a registered participant in these events, you agree that photos/video of you, if taken, may be used in that manner and you waive any claim to compensation for such use.

Official conference hashtag: #RaceinEd2026

For content questions, please contact:

Daniela Alvarez, Consultant, (860)632-1485, ext. 302, [email protected]

Sophia Diamantis, Consultant, (860) 632-1485, ext. 382, [email protected]

Christina Simms, Consultant, (860) 632-1485, ext. 346, [email protected]

For registration questions, please contact:

Heather Dawes, Project Specialist, (860) 632-1485, ext. 263 or [email protected]

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Host or Publisher SERC - The State Education Resource Center of CT