Description

In this multimedia workshop, participants will work to define whiteness and identify concrete examples of how it works in higher education. They will also understand the consequences of whiteness for people of color. The group will then work together to develop strategies for naming whiteness and resisting whiteness on campus, in the classroom, and online.

Naomi Nishi

Naomi W. Nishi is a motherscholar of two children and a PhD candidate in the School of Education and Human Development at the University of Colorado Denver. Naomi’s research focuses on building racial inclusivity and deconstructing whiteness in the higher education classroom. Specifically, through her work, Naomi explores the interplay of whiteness and identity in college/university students and identifies and deconstructs projections and performances of whiteness particularly in the classroom. Naomi is also part of the group of scholars that has introduced and grown a body of work called Critical Race Parenting (ParentCrit) that looks at how racially just parents can raise children with a critical consciousness, especially as it relates to race and whiteness. Her theoretical approach is based in Critical Whiteness Studies and Critical Race Theory.

Naomi has worked in or with higher education for over a decade, including as an instructor at the University of Denver for seven years. She is currently a faculty development professional in research development for the University of Colorado Denver. Naomi received an MA from the University of Denver in International and Intercultural Communication and a BS from Michigan Technological University in Scientific and Technical Communication.