CLEC 2026 Closing Keynote to Build Courage for Meaningful Dialogue in Education
The Clinical Laboratory Educators Conference (CLEC) Steering Committee is pleased to announce the Closing Keynote for CLEC 2026 will feature Anu Taranath, PhD, and her presentation, “Getting More Comfortable with Uncomfortable Conversations” on February 7, at 10:30 am Pacific.
Conversations about diversity, equity, identity, and difference are essential in higher education—yet they can often feel unpredictable, emotionally charged, or uncomfortable. In this engaging Closing Keynote, Dr. Taranath will invite participants to explore why these conversations feel so difficult and how educators can approach them with greater intention, confidence, and care.
Through storytelling, reflection, and practical strategies, attendees will learn how to:
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Identify what makes sensitive conversations feel challenging
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Apply strategies to slow down conversations when emotions run high
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Recognize and work with the feelings that arise during difficult dialogue
This session will offer faculty, administrators, and program leaders practical tools to foster more productive, respectful, and meaningful conversations within classrooms, departments, and institutions.
About the Speaker
Dr. Taranath is a speaker, author, educator, and racial equity consultant with more than two decades of experience working across sectors. She has served as a professor at the University of Washington, Seattle for the past 24 years and as a consultant for over 20 years, partnering with organizations to deepen conversations around history, harm, healing, and belonging.
Dr. Taranath believes that the most transformative conversations about race, identity, power, and difference happen when people feel valued, heard, and supported—principles that guide her work as both an educator and facilitator. Learn more about Dr. Taranath.
Join Us at CLEC 2026
CLEC 2026 will be held February 5-7 in Bellevue, Washington, near Seattle. Registrants have the option to attend in-person or virtually. Register by January 21 to get the regular rate and save $60 off the onsite/late registration rate.
CLEC annually brings together faculty, administrators, directors, advisers, and others in medical laboratory education for three days of learning, collaboration, and connection. With nationally recognized speakers, peer-driven sessions, and practical takeaways, CLEC is designed to support educators in navigating today’s complex educational landscape.
The Closing Keynote will provide a thoughtful conclusion to the conference—challenging participants to reflect, grow, and carry these skills forward into their professional communities.