2026 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit This year, we are expanding to two full days of programming and we are doing so under a theme that feels especially timely: “Strong People. Strong Workforce. Strong Nevada.”

April 13, 2026
Morrill Hall sits on the south end of the University of Nevada, Reno quad, a large lawn area surrounded by trees and a walking path.

2026 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit

This year, we are expanding to two full days of programming and we are doing so under a theme that feels especially timely: “Strong People. Strong Workforce. Strong Nevada.”

April 13, 2026

Dear Wolf Pack Family,

The weeks ahead are among the most exciting of the academic year, and there is one event I especially hope you’ll make time to attend.

Please mark your calendars for the 2026 Northern Nevada Diversity Summit, taking place on Thursday and Friday, April 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Joe Crowley Student Union. The event is free and open to faculty, staff, students and community members, and is held in close collaboration with Nevada System of Higher Education institutions across the state.

This year marks the 13th annual Northern Nevada Diversity Summit. For 13 years, this gathering has brought together faculty, staff, students and community members statewide, sharing information relevant to educating and ensuring the success of all Nevada’s citizens. The Summit also serves to showcase private and public sector advancements that are direct outgrowths of teaching, learning, research and professional training being performed across all NSHE institutions. This year, we are expanding to two full days of programming – something our attendees have asked for – and we are doing so under a theme that feels especially timely: “Strong People. Strong Workforce. Strong Nevada.”

Both days will feature workshops, panel discussions, research presentations, poster presentations and dialogue sessions that examine workforce readiness, opportunity and advancement in relation to the lived experiences, identities, cultures and community contexts that define our people, and in relation to the policies and practices that shape educational and employment pathways across our state. Day two will also spotlight student contributions, showcasing community-engaged research and applied projects that address the impact of lived experience, identity, culture and community on educational and employment pathways across Nevada.

We are proud to welcome Wendy Owens as this year’s keynote speaker. Wendy is a serial entrepreneur, federal policy advisor and published author who has spent her career at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and economic opportunity – work that speaks directly to this year’s theme.

Wendy is the founder and CEO of Hexas Biomass, a nature-based solutions company developing sustainable, plant-based raw materials for use in bioenergy, advanced composites and structural applications. Before founding Hexas, Wendy served for 14 years as an executive-level appointee advising the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and the U.S. Trade Representative on global economic trade policy. She holds a Master of Arts degree from Tufts University and is a published author across a range of fields.

I encourage you all to attend and take full advantage of what promises to be two meaningful days of learning, connection and community. Registration is free and now open at nndivsummit.org. If you have any questions, please reach out to Cheyenne Magpantay at cheyennem@unr.edu.

Go Pack!

Sincere regards,

Brian Sandoval
President

April 13, 2026