Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves is Professor and Chair of the Dept. of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at UW-La Crosse, teaching on topics of women’s history and women’s leadership. Dr. Vandenberg-Daves is involved in community education initiatives and corporate consulting, bringing research-based and real-world applicable assessments and solutions to employers interested in increasing diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.
She spent three years of service as the Executive Director, Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council (2015-2018), where she provided leadership for the Council’s efforts to create diverse and inclusive workplaces and communities. She is the author of two history books, including Modern Motherhood: An American History (Rutgers University Press), 2014), a book of poems, and numerous research and popular articles on gender issues.
Matt Glowacki was born in 1973 in Janesville, Wisconsin. His birth drew attention because even though he was healthy, he was born without legs. In his professional career as a disability speaker and advocate, he has delivered his messages to over a million people at hundreds of regional and national conventions along with two sitting presidents of the United States.
In addition to presenting at a variety of corporate events, Matt serves as the chair of the Jefferson County HR Management Association’s Diversity and Inclusion committee. He is also a member of the State of Wisconsin’s Partners in Policy Making for People with Disabilities Council, and has been selected for and served on the State of Wisconsin on the Governor’s Rehabilitation Council over the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Wisconsin Easter Seal’s State Board, and the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater’s College of Arts and Communication Dean’s Advisory Board.
Matt was a member of the US Paralympic Sitting Volleyball Team for eight years. While playing matches in 26 countries, he competed in the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia, and in the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt in 2002.
In 2017, he published his first book, Able-Bodied Like Me. Reviewed by Kirkus as a, “Perceptive discussion of disability and bias.”
7th Annual Workforce Forum 