Please check back later for the 2025 Paving the Way to Health Care Access Conference Workshops.
Keynote | Friday | 9:30 – 10:30 am
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, MA
Shiva Bidar-Sielaff, MA, UW Health Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (SMPH) Associate Dean for Diversity and Equity Transformation, leads a cross-functional office that consists of the SMPH Office of Diversity and Equity Transformation and the UW Health Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. leading the for the design and implementation. She is responsible for overall vision, coordination and strategic initiatives related to diversity, equity, and inclusion including partnerships with community organizations to better connect and serve historically marginalized communities.
She completed her undergraduate degree at Ecole d´Interprètes Internationaux in Mons, Belgium, followed by a Master of Arts in International Policy Studies at Monterey Institute of International Studies in California. In 2015 she earned a Certificate in Diversity Management from Georgetown University.
In 1997 she first joined the health system to establish UW Health’s medical interpretation services program. She became director of community partnerships for UW Health, and then UW Health Chief Diversity Officer. In 2020 her health system role was elevated to a vice president position and in 2021 she was also named as the inaugural associate dean or diversity and equity transformation at UW School of Medicine and Public Health.
Bidar-Sielaff is an established leader and effective champion for advancing equity and diversity at the individual, organizational, and community levels. She has served as an alder on the City of Madison Common Council, co-chairs the Latino Health Council of Dane County, and is a member of the Access Community Health Centers board. She has also served on the Governor’s Health Equity Council and as a member of the Madison Community Foundation Board. Her many accolades include being named as a 2019-20 UW–Madison Outstanding Woman of Color.
endnote | saturday | 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Building Bridges: Advancing Language Access for All Communities
Kevin “Keva” Richmond explores the transformative power of equitable language access, offering practical strategies and inspiring insights to empower interpreters, advocates, and practitioners in fostering inclusive communication. The session will highlight real-world examples and success stories, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and cultural humility in breaking barriers. Attendees will leave inspired to implement actionable solutions that create lasting change for underserved communities.
Objectives:
- Recognize key distinctions in communication needs across Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and DeafDisabled individuals to provide tailored interpreting services.
- Identify and challenge common misconceptions and biases in healthcare interpreting and develop approaches that center cultural and linguistic accessibility.
- Learn practical strategies for shifting focus to the patient’s perspective to foster trust and understanding in medical settings.
- Reflect on personal beliefs or assumptions that may impact interpretations, enhancing impartiality and professionalism in healthcare interactions.
Kevin “Keva” Richmond
Bio: Kevin “Keva” Richmond, a DeafBlind individual, holds a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education and is the founder and owner of Evolve Access, LLC, previously recognized as ASL and DeafBlind Consulting Services, LLC. Keva is a Deaf Interpreter and a highly respected lecturer who delivers numerous training sessions (including the presentations at the University of Vermont Medical Center) shedding light on the intricacies of the DeafBlind experience and providing guidance on effectively interacting with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind patients. Keva’s diverse interests include dark roast coffee, the art of baking, travelling to experience different cultures, and cultivating meaningful connections across the globe. Keva embraces the philosophy that “laughter is the best medicine” and spreads his love of adventures to all the people he meets.
English 
Spanish