Sumun L. Pendakur, Keynote Speaker
Threading the Needle: Auxiliaries as Agents of Impact
In order to Shape Tomorrow, increasingly skillful and thoughtful practice will be required to create societal impact and close equity gaps. This keynote will encourage attendees to think well beyond transactional services toward the vital work of transformation in a time of social chaos.
Auxiliary leaders can be at the forefront of just practice by, for example, addressing housing insecurity, expanding food access, supporting student mental health, and community resilience. This session encourages participants to challenge traditional boundaries and reimagine their role in shaping a more just and supportive university ecosystem. This aligns with CSU’s overarching commitment to equity, access, and student success.
SPEAKER BIO
Dr. Sumun L. Pendakur (Sumi) is driven to help individuals, teams, and organizations lead with strategy and integrity. A seasoned organizational change and culture consultant, social justice and racial equity expert, sought-after facilitator, and executive coach, Sumi has served as a thought partner, capacity building trainer, and speaker for over 325 higher education institutions, associations, and corporations.
Sumi's experiences in cultural centers, as a Chief Diversity Officer, as a Chief Learning Officer, and now as a business owner of a full service consulting firm are grounded in one desire: to build capacity for human flourishing by empowering individuals at all levels to be transformational agents of change in their spheres of influence. Dr. Pendakur is the multilingual daughter of immigrants and the proud mommy to Shashi and Shama, who motivate her every day to shape the world for greater justice, fairness, and love. Learn more at www.SumunPendakur.com
Megan Duncan, Super Session Speaker
Save Time with Generative AI
“Save Time with Generative AI,” is designed specifically for auxiliary staff to explore how AI can streamline workflows, boost productivity, and ultimately free up time to better serve students. In line with the conference theme, Megan will weave in issues of equity, inclusion, and the evolving social and technological landscape in higher education.
SPEAKER BIO
Megan Duncan works in CSU Academic Technology at CSUN and has focused her graduate research on AI in higher education. She is especially excited about the chance to share practical, accessible strategies that support the diverse roles auxiliaries play across our campuses. She would love to help staff feel more confident and empowered with these tools.
