MSOE students strengthened connections and discussed ways to make MSOE a more inclusive space at the annual Student Diversity Retreat at the Milwaukee Public Market. Katie Toske, director of multicultural affairs, led the retreat, which was attended by international students, members of the Student Diversity Council, multicultural student orgs members and other student leaders from across campus.

“The retreat aimed to develop students outside of the classroom and focused on topics in diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging,” said Toske. “Students were able to connect with each other and discover their similarities and differences, while also discussing how to make MSOE a more inclusive space for all.”

Sumedha Sanjeev, computer science student and vice president of the International Student Association, enjoyed connecting with her peers at the retreat. “My favorite part was talking to other students at the retreat. I left the event with more friends and knowledge.”

The conversations at the retreat revolved around personal and social identity, privilege and how to make an impact. Sanjeev was especially moved by the conversion regarding the effects of immigration on the children of immigrant families, and how that can often create a sense of distance from their grandparents and older family members that still live in their country of origin. “As a child in an immigrant family, I felt a sense of connection to these stories that other students at the retreat shared,” said Sanjeev.

Toske explained that having these conversations, making new connections and finding commonalities among differences is important. “We have such a richly diverse group of students at MSOE, though they are still the minority. We learn and grow together by hearing their unique voices and learning about how they experience the world. These empowering discussions allow us to find ways to create value by making our community more inclusive and enhancing the sense of belonging for all members of the MSOE community.”

Sanjeev valued the opportunity to find these commonalities with others and establish a sense of community with students from different backgrounds. “We connected with other students through shared or similar experiences, and these experiences often shape our identity as a person. A sense of community like this is also important since it helps us get through the important milestone that is a college education.”

The annual retreat further strengthens MSOE’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.