MSOE took its annual diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) student retreat on the road to Madison, Wisconsin to visit the farmers’ market and State Capitol to experience different cultures and learn about democracy from local elected officials.

The Dane County Farmers’ Market showcases a gathering of individuals from a multitude of different backgrounds. It is America’s largest producers-only farmers’ market. “It’s a unique meeting place where you can see a lot of international students and residents, as well as first-generation Americans who came here and are integrating into Wisconsin,” said Leo Schauer, assistant director of multicultural affairs.

The group then went to the Wisconsin State Capitol where they took a tour of the building and learned about the different areas of government and their functions. After the tour, students attended a panel discussion that included members of the Madison Metropolitan School District, the Wisconsin State Legislature, Madison International Partners and the County of Dane. Many students had never been to the State Capitol before and were able to take in the different symbolic elements that make up the building.

“My favorite part from the retreat was the discussion panel. I liked meeting with people and hearing about their journey on DEIB,” said Wilfred Wendpanga Tapsoba, computer engineering student. 

The panelists included Nicki Vander Meulen,  Madison Metropolitan School Board clerk; Samba Baldeh, Wisconsin state representative; Jean-Rene Watchou, executive director of Madison International Partners; Alex Joers, Wisconsin state representative; and Andrew Schauer, Dane County Board of Supervisors First Vice-Chair.

The goal of the panel was to provide students with a diverse group of individuals who shared their views on DEIB and how their work impacts the goodwill of communities across Wisconsin. “It was inspiring for our students to learn from these people because you don’t always see leaders like them,” said Schauer. "For example, Nicki is the first openly autistic school board member in the United States, and Samba, a Gambian-born immigrant, is the first Muslim elected to the Wisconsin State Legislature."

Students asked questions about the role of the School Board, how the School Board deals with challenges, panelists' experiences with DEIB and more. 

“I learned diversity is not only having people from different races, but also the experience and background of each individual,” said Tapsoba.

Although it was a short trip, it was a valuable opportunity for students to gain perspective and learn from external influences.