Miami, Sept. 11, 2023 – Miami Dade College (MDC) will launch its inaugural Changemaker Week (CMW) Sept. 18-24, a weeklong celebration and activation of MDC’s collegewide commitment to changemaking. The initiative will kick off at North Campus with an inspirational keynote speech by distinguished MDC alum Desmond Meade, who currently serves as president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) and chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy. Activities are free unless otherwise noted and open to the public.
CMW events and activities are designed to focus attention and efforts on six of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals from the United Nations: Good health and well-being (SDG 3); Quality education (SDG 4); Decent work and economic growth (SDG 8); Reduced inequalities (SDG 10); Climate action (SDG 13); and Peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG 16).
“CMW events will raise awareness, engage the community, initiate calls to action, offer professional development opportunities, and support the MDC community in embracing and making the most of its changemaker identity,” said Dr. Malou C. Harrison, MDC Executive Vice President and Provost. “The weeks’ worth of opportunities will catalyze our collective intentionality to do better by all of us who call Miami-Dade County home.”
CMW will host workshops, expos, speaker series, film screenings, service events and professional development opportunities. Below are some of the highlights. For a complete list of events, please visit https://calendar.mdc.edu/event/changemaker_week_2023.
JOURNEYS IN CHANGEMAKING: THE DESMOND MEADE STORY
North Campus, Lehman Theater
Monday, Sept. 18, at 10 a.m.
Livestream at: https://tinyurl.com/mvxnkvtc
Recognized by Time magazine as one of the “100 Most Influential People in the World” in 2019 and awarded the prestigious MacArthur “Genius” Fellow award in 2021, Desmond Meade will inspire with his story of resilience and action as he recounts his journey to becoming one of South Florida’s most impactful changemakers. Currently president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) and chair of Floridians for a Fair Democracy, the MDC alum share his insights and advice on how to build and sustain community together.
NATIONAL VOTER REGISTRATION DAY EVENTS
MDC Hialeah, Homestead, North, and Wolfson Campuses
Tuesday, Sept. 19, starting at 11 a.m. and noon
Your vote is your voice! In association with ENGAGE Miami, students, staff and faculty will discover the significance of voting, learning about the various resources available to be election-ready, and have the opportunity to register to vote on-site.
ELEVATING FINANCIAL WELLNESS AND SUSTAINABLE OUTREACH
Wolfson Campus, Idea Center, Room 8525
Wednesday, Sept. 20, 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Livestream at: https://mdc-edu.zoom.us/j/85958321458
Aspiring entrepreneurs interested in learning more about how SDG 8 comes to life in our daily lives and work as global citizens can join a panel discussion with experts in finance, hospitality and business, which will unlock the keys to financial wellness and sustainable marketing. Dive into strategies that blend entrepreneurship with ethical and responsible practices to equip you to thrive in today’s rapidly changing world.
KENDALL ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER WORKDAY
Friday, September 22
8 – 11 a.m.
The MDC Kendall Environmental Center will hold its inaugural workday to bring this hidden nature reserve and certified wildlife habitat back to life and reopen its doors. Work will include the removal of invasive exotic plant species, cleaning around the chickees and trail improvement. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
7TH ANNUAL PINK WALK
North Campus, Science Complex
Sunday, Sept. 24 at 7 a.m.
MDC North Campus, in collaboration with The Women’s Breast & Heart Initiative (WBHI), will host the 7th Annual Pink Walk, a charitable event organized with the mission to transform and save lives while providing at-risk women, college students and low-income populations with the resources necessary to beat the odds of breast cancer and heart disease. General admission is $35. Participants receive a t-shirt and a finisher medal. Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/FL/Miami/ThePinkWalk.
For more information about Changemaker Week at MDC, please visit www.mdc.edu/changemaking or contact Sandra LaFleur, Director of Changemaker Education and Social Innovation, at slafleur@mdc.edu.