The following description comes from the event organizer.

There is a well-known saying, “The only constant in life is change.”  Yet, when it comes to higher education, particularly in some areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), it is hard to move beyond “the way we’ve always done it.” It seems oxymoronic – disciplines known and respected for creativity, innovation, and discovery are stagnated when it comes to change in how we solve problems and in who gets to engage in problem solving.  Building on her concept of ENGINEERING CH∆NGE®, Dr. Pearson will share challenges that come with change and insights on navigating those challenges through intentional, iterative, people-centered strategies.

Dr. Yvette E. Pearson joined The University of Texas at Dallas as Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) in 2021. A Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Pearson is recognized globally for nearly 30 years in higher education, particularly for her work to advance sustainability, justice, equity, diversity and inclusion (JEDI) in engineering education and practice. Her university-based and consulting efforts have led to over $40M in funding for initiatives to support JEDI in STEM and changes to policies and practices of global engineering organizations. 

Pearson is a registered Professional Engineer, an ENVISION® Sustainability Professional and a Commissioner on ABET’s Engineering Accreditation Commission. Among her awards and honors are ABET’s Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity and Inclusion, ASCE’s Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award, the Society of Women Engineers’ Distinguished Engineering Educator Award, and ASCE’s President’s Medal. She has been an invited speaker for events hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; the American Association for the Advancement of Science; the UN Foundation and Brookings Institution. Her podcast, ENGINEERING CH∆NGE®, has audiences in over 80 countries. Her book, Making a Difference: How Being Your Best Self Can Influence, Inspire, and Impel Change, was released in February 2023.