Transformative Public Engagement: Pitfalls, Possibilities, and Promise Keynote
Keynote speaker, Dr. Jamila Michener, Associate Professor at Cornell University, emphasized the need for reflexive, intersectional approaches to public engagement. She advocated for creating space for meaningful participation, driven by equity, dignity, and democracy. Michener also urged researchers to reflect on their values and positionality when engaging with communities.
Transformative Public Engagement Representation, Inclusion, and Legitimacy Panel Discussion
Following the keynote presentation was a panel discussion featuring recent and emerging research on engagement. The panel explored Black community-led engagement, deliberative policymaking, and engagement with marginalized groups like sex workers. Speakers emphasized the need for structural changes, sustainable funding, and recognizing marginalized communities as knowledge holders. Building public trust requires humility, honesty, and a commitment to continuous action.