Diversity in Action
Event Strategy & Production Plan · Role: Lead researcher and event logistics · Spring 2025
Team: Katie Kohlhepp, Maya Battle, Yasmin Kelly
Overview
With the national conversation around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion growing more charged, our team set out to plan a DEI-focused event at Ringling College. We wanted it to give students a real space for learning, open conversation, and reflection. We started by figuring out what makes a DEI event matter to the students its for. From this, we developed a research report, an event production plan, and a full branding package.
Designed by Yasmin Kelly
Research
Before planning, we surveyed Ringling students about their interest, preferred formats and the topics they cared about most. We also interviewed the Dean of the Center for Diversity and Inclusion about gaps in current programming and what actually brings students in.
Students most wanted art showcases, panel discussions and personal storytelling, especially about lived experiences and representation in the arts. The Dean pointed out that the campus had no structured DEI conference. She also told us that students respond to casual, social settings more than formal lectures, and that evening events draw better than those scheduled near finals or against other major campus programming.
As the lead researcher, I also conducted secondary research to fill potential gaps. I studied inclusive event guides from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Event Service Professionals Association. I also looked at how peer schools such as UC Davis, Otis College and the School of Visual Arts use art to drive DEI engagement.
The Event Plan
We turned the research into a detailed production plan. It’s built around a student-led art exhibition, where students submit work that reflects their own perspectives, and a panel of speakers from a range of backgrounds.
Designed by Yasmin Kelly