Carla Vigue is the director of tribal relations at UW–Madison and a citizen of the Oneida Nation. Director Vigue focuses on building and nurturing relationships with the 12 Native Nations of Wisconsin and the organizations and entities created by tribal nations and communities. She leads the university’s initiatives, strategic engagement opportunities, and special projects with tribal nations and affiliated organizations. With more than twenty years of experience in community affairs and outreach, Director Vigue has devoted her career to building meaningful connections and creating opportunities for tribal communities to thrive. Before joining UW–Madison, Vigue’s experience included advocacy and public relations work on behalf of Native Nations in Washington, D.C. and nationally. In addition to working for the Governor of the State of Wisconsin, she also spent over a decade doing public affairs work for various Wisconsin state agencies. Vigue advocates for tribes to have a voice at the table, using education to create transformative opportunities for a positive impact. Her commitment is rooted in a fundamental philosophy instilled in her from an early age: the importance of community service, public service, and giving back.

LaVar J. Charleston, PhD, is the vice chancellor for inclusive excellence at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He also serves as the Elzie Higginbottom director of the Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement (DDEEA).

In his role as vice chancellor for inclusive excellence, Charleston provides overall leadership for the university’s efforts to create inclusive learning and working environments for all students, staff, faculty, alumni, and campus partners. Charleston collaborates with leadership across the university’s schools, colleges and divisions, as well as shared governance groups, to promote pluralism and inclusive excellence while fostering a sense of belonging within the UW–Madison community.

As director of the DDEEA, Charleston oversees transformative data-informed programs and services designed to empower students, faculty, and staff to flourish in a diverse and ever-changing world.

A first-generation college graduate and Badger alumnus from Detroit, Dr. Charleston earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from the UW–Madison School of Education in 2007 and 2010.