This week, the Institute for Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Equity (Equity Institute) welcomed faculty, research staff, and doctoral students to its first-ever Equity Institute Writing Retreat, held August 18–20, 2025 at the Foggy Bottom campus of the George Washington University (GW). The three-day event offered participants the chance to focus on writing in community, while also building connections across disciplines. In bringing scholars united by a shared commitment to equity, the retreat reflects the Institute’s mission to foster collaboration and serve as a hub for translational research.
The retreat was facilitated by Danika Myers, faculty member in GW’s University Writing Program, who guided participants through reflective discussions and structured goal-setting exercises. In addition to dedicated writing sessions, the retreat also included opportunities to learn from experts across the university. On Tuesday, Dr. Esther Erkins, Research Enhancement Officer with the Office of the Vice Provost for Research (OVPR), led a session on the funding landscape for equity-related scholarship. Dr. Erkins shared a comprehensive funding report highlighting upcoming opportunities tailored to faculty and research staff pursuing funding to support their work. Meanwhile, doctoral students participated in a tailored session led by Conner Zelmer, Isabelle Giuttari, and Emily Bechtel from the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF).
The Equity Institute is dedicated to supporting researchers at all levels by providing opportunities to write, connect, and translate ideas into impactful scholarship and policy solutions.
“These three days of convening brought incredible energy and collaboration,” said Dr. Wendy Ellis, Director of the Equity Institute. “We look forward to continuing to support this community of scholars as they translate their research into meaningful action for a more just and resilient world.”
The Equity Institute will share updates on future writing retreats and other programming in its upcoming newsletter. To be added to the newsletter, please email EquityInstitute
gwu [dot] edu (EquityInstitute[at]gwu[dot]edu). Participants and the wider GW community are also invited to stay connected through social media at @GWEquityInst on Instagram and on LinkedIn (GW Equity Institute).