OUR STORY
Advance Equity Speaker Series
January 2024
Defining Colorism and Its Impact in the Workplace
January 25, 2024 at 11 am MT
What is colorism? How does colorism manifest within the workplace? Join us for a conversation with Dr. Sarah L. Webb who will define colorism, explain the systemic impact of colorism across cultures and across sectors of society, and share strategies for meaningful and sustainable action against colorism. Dr. Webb is the founder and owner of Colorism Healing. She has written and contributed to several academic and non-academic articles, presented at numerous conferences, and been featured on regional NPR stations, Forbes.com, TEDx stage, and other outlets.
Dr. Sarah L. Webb
Learn from our speakers as they share insights and perspectives on various topics.
WGU hosts the Advance Equity Speaker Series (AESS) as part of our commitment to change lives for the better by advancing equity and expanding access to opportunity. Our webinar series features guests who share insights and perspectives that foster understanding across different lived experiences.
September 2024
Believe in Your Ability to Succeed
Date: Thursday September 26, 2024
Time: 11 am MT
Join us for a conversation with Linda Alvarado who is a community leader, education advocate, CEO of Alvarado Construction, and National Women’s Hall of Famer. When Linda was rejected for a landscape laborer position for being a woman, she began a lifelong quest to prove them wrong and find success in construction. She would go on to found and run Alvarado Construction, one of the United States’ fastest growing construction companies. In addition, she became both the first Hispanic and first woman to own a Major League Baseball team.
Previous Webinars
May 2026
Finding Alternative Peaks After Change
Jamie MoCrazy explored navigating unexpected change, redefining success, and building resilience in the face of adversity. Drawing from her journey as a professional freestyle skier and brain injury survivor, she reflected on the mindset shifts that supported her recovery, including the importance of trust, reframing fear, and committing to small, consistent steps forward. She introduced the concept of “climbing alternative peaks,” emphasizing that when life takes an unplanned turn, new paths can still lead to purpose and fulfillment. She also shared insights on redefining what it means to achieve a personal best, acknowledging the emotional and mental health aspects of rebuilding identity, and the role of community and support in sustaining growth. She also encouraged a balanced approach to support, offering care while still creating space for challenge,reinforcing that individuals are often capable of more than they may initially believe.
February 2026
More Than Height: Lessons from NBA Legend Muggsy Bogues
Muggsy Bogues joined us for a powerful conversation that went beyond basketball, reflecting on redefining advantage, mental toughness, leadership, and belonging. Throughout the discussion, he shared stories from his life and career, including his upbringing in Baltimore, his experiences navigating spaces where he was underestimated, and his time in professional basketball, exploring what it means to stay grounded and confident when operating in environments not designed with you in mind. He emphasized that true leadership is about lifting others, meeting people where they are, and putting them in positions to succeed, while also speaking to preparation, resilience, accountability, and building a legacy rooted in character rather than circumstance.
November 2025
The Courage to Reimagine: Choosing Optimism in the Face of Adversity
J.R. Martinez (Army Veteran, Best-Selling Author, and Actor) delivered an inspiring conversation on how adversity can transform us and why resilience is a daily practice rather than a destination. His personal journey, from childhood challenges to military service and recovery, offered powerful lessons on optimism.
September 2025
Leadership Lessons for Every Journey: A Conversation with Dr. Juliet V. Garcia
The Advance Equity Speaker Series featured Dr. Juliet V. Garcia, Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree and first Latina to lead a U.S university or college. Drawing on her own journey, Dr. Garcia shared leadership lessons rooted in persistence, purpose, and the power of storytelling.
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