KINGSTON, R.I. — April 10, 2017 — With hundreds of attendees, innovative workshops, and a moving presentation by American actress Selenis Leyva, the fourth annual D.I.V.E. RI 2018 was an event that inspired its participants.

The student-led-conference, Diversifying Individuals Via Education (D.I.V.E. RI), promotes intercultural competence and inclusion. This year’s theme was “Untold Stories: A New Beginning” and focused on enhancing student leadership and social change on college campuses.

Like last year, URI students joined those from Rhode Island College, Johnson & Wales University, the University of Connecticut on the Kingston Campus. Boston University was a new participant this year.

Luckson O. Omoaregba, a URI graduate assistant and Providence resident hosted this year’s conference.

He facilitated the “World Cafe,” a discussion of common stereotypes, how to represent minorities, and becoming leaders for change on campus.

“Every single presentation and workshop was carefully crafted to inspire,” Luckson said. “The students who participated in this year’s conference were fearless, and I know they will challenge the URI community to continue growing.”

Brianna Vega, a URI junior nursing major from Providence is the D.I.V.E. RI marketing chairwoman. “The students who attended left with a new perspective. It was amazing to witness them develop a hunger for change. They are the future leaders of our community.”

Founded in 2015, the annual conference allows the URI community to explore topics on race and ethnicity in higher education. The D.I.V.E. RI conference has become such a success that many students from other institutions were inspired to create their own version of the conference for their campuses.

Joshua Reyes, an intern in the University’s Department of Marketing and Communication and a public relations major, wrote this release.