Social Justice Education Programs provide educational opportunities that support exploration and engagement in topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. UW community members are able to request trainings and workshops as well as participate in other learning opportunities about social justice. Collaboration with student organizations and campus partners is encouraged and occurs regularly.
Our area focuses on:
Meet Our Professional Staff
Triston King (he/him/his) is the Assistant Director for Social Justice Education and Engagement in the Office of Inclusion Education. He is originally from Milwaukee, WI and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens-Point in 2015 with a Bachelors in Communication and a minor in Women and Gender Studies and from Marquette University with a Masters in Student Affairs of Higher Education in 2017. Prior to working at UW-Madison, he worked at Clarke University in Dubuque, IA and UW-Platteville, working in areas related to diversity and inclusion. Triston is dedicated to promoting inclusion and diversity as both a personal and professional priority. Triston is also a huge gamer and animation fan. He enjoys swimming and traveling with friends and family. He is a “blue” personality type in reference to True Colors, and values building relationships with students and fellow colleagues.
Abbi Stickels (she/her/they/them) is an alumna of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Abbi serves as the Social Justice Education Specialist at the university, where she has developed a passion for student affairs and elevating a sense of belonging for all students on campus. Abbi is a versatile artist, practitioner, and researcher, with a primary focus on diversity, inclusion, and education in both dance and education. Balancing her roles as a freelance artist and an advocate for social justice, Abbi strives to unite communities, audiences, and perspectives, fostering a more inclusive and diverse society.
Alongside her professional careers Abbi is currently pursuing a MS in Higher Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Abbi’s academic journey explores the intersection of arts and education, with a particular focus on the benefits of arts integration on a sense of belonging in higher education. Her research also delves into the transformative power of dance in shaping social identities and self-perceptions, especially for transracial adoptees.
Passionate about merging the worlds of art and advocacy, Abbi finds fulfillment in both disciplines and continually seeks opportunities to intertwine them, creating a space where creativity and equity intersect.
Tiffany Lee (she/they) is a Black queer femme from New York City. She has Master’s degrees in Gender and Women’s Studies and Afro-American Studies from UW–Madison. Her scholarship and activism are centered on queer folk of color. She enjoys (good) spoken word, clever Internet memes, and challenging oppressive structures – small and large. She is extremely excited to bring her passion and experience to help create and sustain an empowering environment for queer people and our allies on this campus.
Meet Our Interns
Interns with Social Justice Education offer unique perspectives, interests, and experiences that propel our programming and facilitations throughout the academic year. Interns work alongside the Social Justice Education Specialist to develop their skills in student affairs programming and social justice advocacy and understanding. They play an integral part in the advancements of the Social Justice Education programming!
Chance Joseph (He/Him) is a third-year student studying Political Science on a Pre-Law track, with a certificate in Sports Communication. This is his first year working with OIE and the Social Justice Education team. He is a passionate advocate for educational equity and economic empowerment and is excited to learn more about all facets of social justice. Outside of the In his free time, he enjoys writing poetry, going to the gym, playing video games, and rewatching The Great Gatsby.
Forrest Jensen (he/him) is a third-year student majoring in Sociology and plans to get a PhD in the study. This is his first year with the Social Justice Education team and OIE. He is passionate about LGBT rights, criminal justice reform, and food and housing security. Some of his past work includes volunteering with the Social Justice Center and working to increase student voter turnout. In his free time, Forrest enjoys going to thrift stores, drawing, and spending time with his tabby cat, Ori.
Haleigh (She/her/hers) is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in History and English with certificates in Graphic Design and Religious Studies. She enjoys podcasts, reading, and all things music. She is passionate about social justice issues such as affordable housing, queer rights, and reproductive justice. Haleigh is very excited to aid in creating a cohesive environment for learning and growth around social justice topics.
Ishita Luitel (She/Her) is a third-year student studying Sociology and Political Science interested in attending law school. This is her first year with the Social Justice Education team and OIE. She is interested in a plethora of social justice issues, including but not limited to intersectionality, reproductive rights, economic inequalities, and immigration rights. Ishita is a proud member of the Nepali-American Friendship Association here in Madison. In her free time, Ishita enjoys trying new foods, hanging out with friends, and watching Law and Order SVU.
Shu Lan Schaut (she/her) is a third-year student studying Neurobiology and English Literature. This is her third year working with OIE and the Social Justice Education team. She’s passionate about intersectionality, economic equality and BIPOC solidarity in social justice. Outside of the office, Shu Lan enjoys reading, baking, and enjoying the outdoors.
Thamyres Costa (she/her/hers) is a third-year student majoring in Journalism-Strategic Communication and International Studies-Policy and Politics in the Global Economy, with certificates in Digital Studies and Digital Media Analytics. She is originally from Florianopolis, Brazil, and is interested in promoting fair access to education and amplifying marginalized voices through strategic communication and digital media. Thamyres enjoys reading books, listening to true crime podcasts and music, and dancing in her free time. She is very excited to use her knowledge and experience in this internship with the Social Justice Education team. She is looking forward to learning about and addressing social justice issues.
Sarah (She/her) is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Neurobiology with a certificate in Integrated Studies of Science, Engineering, and Society. This is her second year with the OIE team and is looking forward to continue learning more about social justice. She is passionate about reproductive justice, interfaith dialogue, and social justice in healthcare. She enjoys reading, playing tennis and soccer, and hanging out with friends in her free time.
The mission of Social Justice Education Programs is to cultivate learning opportunities that develop and support self-exploration, critical dialogue, and the capacity to build just and inclusive communities.
Social Justice Education Programs envisions a campus community that addresses and challenges systems of power, privilege, and oppression to cultivate an inclusive and equitable environment that values and affirms all members.