CERF 2025 Inclusive Culture

The CERF 2025 Inclusive Culture Committee is committed to making the conference a safe, welcoming, and inclusive place, as well as a place for expanding our understanding and knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility (DEIJA). This page collates all DEIJA conference efforts in one place for easy reference.

Safe and Welcoming CERF

• Code of Conduct and Form to Report Violations
• Safety and Accessibility
• CERF Navigators Program
• Conference Ombuds: Nnena Odum serves as CERF’s Conference Ombuds, a neutral, independent, off-the-record resource who is available on-site to hear concerns confidentially. The Ombuds can assist with identifying options and resources to address conflicts or issues such as harassment, microaggressions, discrimination, or any violation of CERF’s Event Code of Conduct. This new resource is available to all attendees, staff, exhibitors, and anyone participating in CERF 2025. The Conference Ombuds website has Nnena’s walk-in consultation hours as well as ways to contact her via email, phone, or confidential web form.

Inclusion and Belonging

• Family Friendliness
• Affinity Groups
• Mentorship Program and First Time Attendee Orientation

Financial Support

• Student/Early Career Participation Awards
• Student Volunteer Worker Program
• Caregiver Support Grants (CSG)
• Needs-Based Grants (NBG)

DEIJA-related Programming

• Workshops
• Using the Ocean Identity Model to Evaluate Program Impact Workshop
• The Japanese Art of Gyotaku
• Field Trip: Walking Tour of Jackson Ward
• Sessions

Local Resources

• BLK RVA: A celebration of Black culture in the Richmond Region, including food and drink, experiences, and events.
• Out RVA: A resource for the region’s best in LGBTQIA+ events, nightlife, dining, arts, culture and more.

Sessions

• Navigating Career Uncertainty with Courage and Purpose - Collab Session C, Wednesday, 12 November 2025  |  3:00 PM – 4:30 PM ET
• CERF’s Inclusive Leadership Program: Cohort 1 Reflections - Collab Session B, Tuesday, 11 November 2025  |  1:00 PM – 2:30 PM ET
• Navigating Turbulent Waters: Leading Through Conflict, Crisis, and Change - Collab Session A, Monday, 10 November 2025  |  10:00 AM - 11:30 AM ET
• Rising TIDES Alumni Connections - Collab Session C, Wednesday, 12 November 2025  |  3:00 PM – 4:30 PM ET

Low Sensory Room E24-AB

At CERF, we offer a "Low Sensory Room" as an escape from the stimulation of conference activities. This quiet space provides an area for individuals to recharge and relax. Inside, you'll find a variety of tactile activities designed to help calm the senses, including fidget spinners, thinking putty, and our custom CERF coloring pages. The Low Sensory Room is the perfect location for those looking to take a break from presentations and networking, allowing them to refocus and return to their conference activities feeling refreshed.

Family Room E25-B

At the CERF conference, we offer a welcoming "Family Room" where kids can come along with their guardian or caregiver. This dedicated space is designed for little ones to enjoy themselves with a variety of fun activities like games and puzzles, as well as our very own CERF custom coloring pages. Here, kids can express their creativity, socialize with other young friends, and take breaks whenever they need it. The Family Room is also a cozy spot for families to hang out together during downtime, providing a reprieve from conference activities.