2025 Racial Justice Conference
All virtual sessions of the conference will be recorded by YWCA Rock County. All other recordings of conference sessions are prohibited.
YWCA Rock County is proud to announce its 11th Annual Racial Justice Conference, a two-day event aimed at addressing the crucial issue of racism and the role we all play in eliminating it. This year’s theme, “Stand Up, Reach Out” invites participants to engage in deep, meaningful conversations about how each of us can contribute to the fight against racism and ask ourselves “Is racism shaping my everyday life?” The conference will take place over two days, with a half day virtual session on Thursday, November 13, 2025 beginning with a welcome at 8:15 a.m. and our final session ending at 12:45 p.m., and an in-person full day event on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Blackhawk Technical College. Breakfast and check in begin at 8:30am on Friday with the keynote beginning at 9:30 a.m. The conference will close with a wrap-up session ending at 4:30 p.m.
The half day virtual portion of the conference will feature an impressive lineup of thought leaders and activists. More details will come soon.
On Friday, November 14, 2025, attendees will gather at Blackhawk Technical College for interactive sessions and engaging presentations. More information to come shortly.
Spaces are limited for the in-person event, so early registration is encouraged. For more information or media inquiries, please contact: Heidi Deininger at hdeininger@ywcarockco.com.
1/2 Day Virtual Conference: Thursday, November 13, 2025
8:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.: Welcome - Heidi Deininger, Vanessa Beckham
8:35 a.m. – 9:35 a.m.: Keynote Speaker - Dr. Rick Daniels
9:40 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.: Break
9:50 a.m. – 10:50 a.m.: Community Leader Speaker - TBD
10:55 a.m. – 11:05 a.m.: Break
11:05 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.: Keynote Speaker - Vicki Clark
12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.: Closing - Heidi Deininger
Full Day In Person Conference: Friday, November 14, 2025
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m.: Breakfast and Check In
9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.: Welcome - Heidi Deininger, Vanessa Beckham
9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.: Keynote Speaker - Dr. Rick Daniels
10:30 a.m. – 10:40 a.m.: Break
10:45 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.: Choice of attending: Community Leader Speaker - Genia Stevens, Wellness Activity - Victoria Cross or Keynote Breakout Session - Dr. Rick Daniels
11:55 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.: Lunch - Guided Conversations with Dale Griffa & Vanessa Beckham
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Choice of attending: Community Leader Speaker - Mark Holzman, Wellness Activity - Randa Noble & Brianna Porter or Panel Discussion - MMG Law
2:00 p.m. – 2:10 p.m.: Break
2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Community Leader Speaker - Ashley Morse
3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.: Closing - Heidi Deininger
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.: After Conference Networking with Table Conversation