Difference Matters -- Dr. Brenda Allen, Keynote Address

I had the opportunity to attend the keynote address given by Brenda J. Allen on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 on the Boise State University campus.

Brenda J. Allen is associate vice chancellor for diversity and inclusion and professor of communication at the University of Colorado, Denver. She is also is the author of the book “Difference Matters: Communicating Social Identity” (2011, Waveland Press)

Allen is an advocate and scholar in the area of diversity and difference.  Her expertise inspires others to engage in dialogue which encourages cooperative efforts in promoting diversity and difference on college campuses.

She shared her experiences as a teacher, published scholar and administrator in advocating for diversity in everyday practices and policies.

Dr. Allen set the stage with her beginning quote. "Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of the present system and bring about conformity, or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformations of the world.

She presented a compelling case about why we need diversity on our college campuses and why we should never assume anything, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, social status, religion, etc.  The "I-It" Theory came to mind.  When we accept people from all different walks of life, we go from an "I-It" relationship to an "I-You" relationship, making us more invested in each other and more whole as human beings.

Dr. Allen did a great job at engaging the audience, asking thought provoking questions, adding humor, using voice variation, SINGING, telling personal experiences, getting the audience to participate, and helping us feel invested in the topic.

WHAT I LEARNED:  I was impressed by Dr. Allen's knowledge, credibility, presence, and ability to create comfort zones with her audience.  Her presence especially stood out to me.  She not only had the credentials, but she looked and acted the part of a credible presenter.  She was confident, well dressed and at ease with herself. 

It felt as if Dr. Allen's presentation could have been scripted from the Train Smart program.   As I look to further develop my teaching and training skills, Dr. Allen stands out as a great example of what to do and how to be!