EDI Symposium ‘The Power of Role Models’

Opening Symposium and Role Models of Incluusion: 10 Years of Impact! - 12.30 - 13.30 PM
Presented by: Mr. Dr. Elaine Mak, Dean of the Faculty of Law, Economics and Governance

Workshop session 1 - 13.45 - 14.45 PM:
Option 1: Role Models Workshop - Unfortunately, this workshop is fully booked. You can still register for one of the other workshops.
Presented by: Dr. Isabella Spaans, lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences
Language: English
This workshop explores the science behind role models: how they work, how important (representative) role models are, and how they have shaped you. You will then get hands-on with practical steps you can take to consciously and actively set a good example from tomorrow onwards.
Option 2: Workshop on Microaggressions – ‘Your Dutch is excellent!’
Presented by: Sonja El Yandouzi, Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Tamar Aprahamian, Education Policy Advisor
Language: Dutch
Everyone experiences microaggressions from time to time: little remarks that really get under your skin. But when they
happen every day and so often, it takes a toll on you—how does it affect you, and how can you defend yourself against
them? After a brief introduction, we’ll have a conversation with a diverse student-panel, featuring plenty examples and the opportunity for the audience to ask questions and for discussion.
Option 3: Workshop Poetic Admiration
Language: Dutch/English
The African Caribbean Heritage Network organizes an inspiring workshop, that connects poetic creativity with the theme of role models. Anyone interested is welcome to participate. Participants may write their poems in a language of their choice and share them (if they wish).

Diversity & Inclusion Award Ceremony - 14.50 - 15.30 PM
Language: English
John de Wit, EDI Dean, will present the Diversity & Inclusion Award 2026.

Workshop session 2 - 15.45 - 16.45 PM:
Option 1: Workshop from Pitiful Tigure to Superhero: using role models and countering ableism
Presented by : Eline Pollaert: PhD researcher at VU Amsterdam and public historian specializing in disability history in the Netherlands.
Language: English
What are the do’s and don'ts regarding role models with disabilities? In this workshop, we will discuss three case studies together. Whether you work in education, research, or in a support role, you will leave with more practical tools to confidently incorporate disability, (un)accessibility and ableism in your work. This workshop is organised by the U-AccessAbility staff network.
Option 2: Role Models Workshop - Unfortunately, this workshop is fully booked. You can still register for one of the other workshops.
Presented by: Dr. Isabella Spaans, lecturer, Faculty of Social Sciences
Language: English
This workshop explores the science behind role models: how they work, how important (representative) role models are, and how they have shaped you. You will then get hands-on with practical steps you can take to consciously and actively set a good example from tomorrow onwards.
Option 3: Role model in the Dutch House of Representatives
Language: English
The Queer@UU staff network is having a conversation with Lisa van Ginneken, the first transgender person elected to
the Dutch House of Representatives. D66 – Lisa van Ginneken