Transformation in Action:
Critical Questions in Urban Education & Communities
Join us for the Universities of Wisconsin Institute for Urban Education’s first annual research symposium. The symposium will be an opportunity to engage with relevant and critical research focused on urban education.
April 3-4, 2025 | Milwaukee, WI
What to Expect
- Gain insights from leading scholars and practitioners in urban education.
- Explore innovative research that informs practices in the field of urban education.
- Network with professionals, scholars, and students in the field.
- Engage in dynamic and insightful discussions and Q&A sessions.
Who Should Attend?
Undergraduate and graduate students, university faculty, PreK-12 teachers, educational leaders, and specialized school and instructional support professionals are encouraged to participate.
In-person and virtual presentation options available!
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Latish Reed
Reed Leadership and Consulting, LLC
Dr. Latish Reed is a senior leadership consultant with over two decades of experience. She was Milwaukee Public Schools’ first equity leader, championing efforts to create more inclusive and just learning environments. She also led professional development initiatives, including the district’s first virtual leadership institute for over 1,200 leaders. Before her district role, Dr. Reed was an assistant professor at UNC-Chapel Hill and UW-Milwaukee, focusing on the cultural and social dynamics that shape school leadership. She has also been a college admissions counselor, teacher, and administrator.
Dr. Reed holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from UW-Madison, a master’s from Alverno College, and a B.A. from Marquette University. A sought-after speaker and strategist, she partners with organizations across industries to drive policy development, conduct evaluations, and provide executive coaching that leads to meaningful change. Her upcoming book, The Complexities of Equity: Navigating Shades of Gray in Schools and Organizations, helps readers navigate the challenges of leading in a diverse world. She finds joy in the arts, social media storytelling, and being Zion’s proud mom.
Panelists
Crystasany R. Turner (Moderator)
Crystasany R. Turner (she/her/ella), is an Assistant Professor of Teacher Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Grounded in Black feminist epistemologies, her research centers Black women educators and their cultural knowledge in caring for and educating Children of Color. Her work examines social power, institutional inequities, and systemic oppression in education. Dr. Turner’s scholarship appears in Race Ethnicity and Education, Journal of Teacher Education, and the Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Social Justice
Morgan Mayer-Jochimsen
Morgan Mayer-Jochimsen is a PhD Candidate in the Department of Educational Policy Studies at UW-Madison. Her research critically examines racial equity reform and the im/possibilities of student wellness in schools. Morgan’s ongoing work as an out-of-school STEM educator, mindfulness facilitator, and university instructor continues to shape her approaches to pedagogy and research with young people.
María Ruiz-Martinez
María J. Ruíz-Martínez is a PhD Candidate in Equity, Bilingualism & Biliteracy at the University of Colorado Boulder. A bilingual teacher, teacher educator, and researcher for two decades, she examines how transborder communities teach and learn across home, school, and community. Her current research deploys art inquiry and Chicana feminist methodologies to explore artistic interventions in Milwaukee, tracing how transborder artists create pedagogical moments that reflect and story the often obscured, intimate encounters of neighborhood, home, and self.
Dr. Keith E. Benson
Dr. Keith Eric Benson is a Camden public school educator, qualitative researcher, and former President of the Camden Education Association. He is committed to defending urban public education and pushing back against financial interests and political operatives working to dismantle public schools in Camden neighborhoods. Dr. Benson is also a Camden resident, a husband and a father who is committed to his loved ones, friends and community.
Nia C. Taylor
Nia Taylor is a devoted sister, advocate, and policy enthusiast committed to advancing equity and joy in underrepresented communities and youth. A proud master’s student in Adult, Continuing, and Higher Education Administration at UW-Milwaukee, she envisions a liberated future where education is rooted in inclusivity and equity. As the founder of Achieve with Purpose, Nia’s work is community-driven, centering educational justice and well-being.
REGISTRATION
Cost: No fee for registration
We are excited to announce that for this first annual research symposium, the Universities of Wisconsin Institute for Urban Education is covering the registration fee for all attendees.
Cancellation Policy: If you are unable to attend, please cancel your registration by Monday, March 31.
SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE
View Conference Program (.pdf)
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | In-Person Schedule
| (Central Standard Time) | |
|---|---|
| 3:30 – 5:00 pm | Reception |
| 3:50 – 4:00 pm | Welcome |
| 4:00 – 4:50 pm | Poster Gallery Walk |
| 5:00 – 5:50 pm | Keynote Speaker: Dr. Latish Reed Reed Leadership Coaching and Consulting, LLC |
| 6:00 – 7:15 pm | Round Table Presentation |
Friday, April 4, 2025 | In-Person Schedule
| (Central Standard Time) | |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 am | Reception |
| 9:00 – 9:15 am | Welcome |
| 9:15 – 10:00 am | Panel |
| 10:00 – 11:00 am | Poster Gallery Walk |
| 11:15 – 12:30 pm | Round Table Presentation |
Thursday, April 3, 2025 | Virtual Schedule
| (Central Standard Time) | |
|---|---|
| 5:00 – 5:50 pm | Welcome & Keynote Speaker |
| 6:00 – 7:15 pm | Virtual Roundtable Presentations |
Friday, April 4, 2025 | Virtual Schedule
| (Central Standard Time) | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 9:15 am | Welcome |
| 9:15 – 10:00 am | Panel |
| 10:15 – 11:30 am | Virtual Roundtable Presentations |
VENUE, PARKING AND TRAVEL INFORMATION
Conference Venue
University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Golda Meir Library Conference Center
2311 E Hartford Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53211
UW-Milwaukee Parking
UWM Parking Information (we recommend parking in the Union Parking Garage)
Union Garage (Lot #22) has 444 total spaces for public parking. Actual availability varies on demand (see availability). Please check our Occupancy dashboard for live availability.
Contact Information
Hotel Information
We recommend staying at Hyatt Place Downtown Milwaukee.
Using this link to book will apply a discount on your stay:
Hyatt Place Downtown Milwaukee
800 W Juneau Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233
(414) 808-3880
Location: Downtown Milwaukee (Deer District), 5.2 miles from UWM
Other area hotels:
Saint Kate The Arts Hotel
139 E Kilbourn Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(414) 276-8686
Location: Downtown Milwaukee (Theater District), 3.4 miles from UWM
Iron Horse Hotel
500 W Florida St, Milwaukee, WI 53204
(414) 374-4766
Location: Downtown Milwaukee (Walker’s Point neighborhood), 5.5 miles from UWM
Holiday Inn Milwaukee Riverfront Hotel
4700 N Port Washington Rd, Milwaukee, WI 53212
(414) 962-6040
Location: Milwaukee’s North Shore, 3.5 miles from UWM
Hilton Garden Inn Milwaukee Airport
5890 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53207
(414) 481-8280
Location: Close to Mitchell International Airport, 12.7 miles from UWM
Getting to Milwaukee
By Air: Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport
By Train and Bus: Milwaukee Intermodal Station
Getting Around
Rideshare: Lyft and Uber are abundantly available in Milwaukee.
By Public Transportation: Milwaukee County Transit Service (MCTS) Trip Planner