Calling In: A Conversation with Loretta J. Ross

Presented in partnership with Female Leaders of Color and the Multicultural Leadership Council, with promotional support by the Foreign Affairs Symposium. The event is co-sponsored by the Provost's Office and the Office of the Dean of Student Life.

Webcast recording

Join us for a discussion on the phenomenon commonly known as “call-out” culture. Loretta Ross is an activist, professor, and public intellectual who has argued against publicly shaming or silencing someone who has said or done something we consider unacceptable. She advocates an alternative—“calling in”—as a better way to advance social justice. Ross’s talk will examine how open, and perhaps difficult, conversations may be key to increased understanding and empathy.

Professor Ross’s presentation will be followed by an audience Q&A session moderated by student leaders from Female Leaders of Color (FLOC) and the Multicultural Leadership Council (MLC) at JHU.

This is a free online event, and registration is required.

Guest speaker:

  • Loretta J. Ross is an associate professor at Smith College in the Program for the Study of Women and Gender. She teaches courses on white supremacy, human rights, and calling in the calling out culture. Her newest book, Calling In the Calling Out Culture will be released later this year.

Student moderators:

  • Melanie Pillaca-Gutierrez (’22), director of internal communications for MLC, is studying economics and international studies. She also holds positions in FLOC and OLÉ, the Latinx Student Group. In her studies and extracurriculars, she has learned about the importance of DEI in policy and social justice. After graduation, Melanie hopes to apply her understanding in a career of public service and law.
  • Moufi Adedoyin (’22), president of FLOC, is studying economics and international studies. Since her arrival at Johns Hopkins, Moufi has devoted herself to addressing inequities through her advocacy and action, in settings such as her internship in the Johns Hopkins Community Impact Internships Program with the Child First Authority, a nonprofit organization that provides recreational, cultural, and academic enrichment programs for Baltimore youth. As the president of FLOC, she has championed the importance of empowerment and leadership through impact opportunities for her sisters. Through this sisterhood, FLOC strives to increase the visibility of women of color within the student body while also providing mentorship and leadership opportunities for its members.

SNF Agora Institute programs are supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).