2026 Equity Symposium
Fires Rising: Igniting Resilient Movements
April 15 | Join us as we rise together to learn from the fires of the past and tend to the flames that ignite and sustain us
Fire can be a force for destruction but also regeneration. It creates warmth and light that is essential to life. Fire is a powerful symbol for sparking courage to take action. When fire spreads in moments of chaos and uncertainty, it can ignite inspiration for individuals and collectives to come together to create meaningful change. When social movements for justice and liberation catch fire, communities move away from fear and come together toward collective power.
Opening plenary session: 10 a.m.
Led by Mapuche Educator Silvia Calfuqueo Lefio and documentary filmmaker Kelly Baur. In the Mapuche world, fire is considered a “gen”, an energy, just like water, wind, and earth. Ancestrally, people gathered, learned, and made decisions around the hearth. In the Western world, fire has become a weapon, often used against Indigenous peoples. This talk invites us to rethink our relationship with fire. It is an invitation to gather around the hearth to converse, organize, and take the time to make collective decisions.
Lunch: 12 –1 p.m.
Community lunch in the House of Welcome catered by Coalescence Event Services featuring locally sourced ingredients prepared by Chef Lela.
Workshops: 1–5 p.m.
Student, staff, and faculty-led concurrent workshop sessions.
Keynote with Cristina Jiménez Moreta: 7 p.m.
An award-winning community organizer, bestselling author, and a leading voice in movements for social justice. She is Co-Founder and former Executive Director of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country. Cristina is a MacArthur "Genius" Fellowship recipient and was named one of Time 100's most influential people.
Reserve Your Spot Reservations Required.
The Equity Symposium Planning Team strives to center the needs of our diverse community by hosting inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you have accessibility needs, please contact us at socialjusticecenter@evergreen.edu