Just Equations Conference

In April 2024, Yeshi Milner delivered a powerful opening keynote at Just Equations’ sixth annual conference, titled The Mathematics of Opportunity: Closing the Divide. During her keynote dialogue, “Mathematics for a Thriving Democracy,” Yeshi highlighted the critical role that access to rigorous math education plays in ensuring equitable participation in society. She explored how mathematical and statistical literacy is not just vital for STEM careers but is central to engaging with today’s most pressing social and political issues—from understanding gerrymandering and criminal justice reform to analyzing public health outcomes and economic inequality. Yeshi underscored how the ability to reason with numbers empowers students to better navigate the complexities of civic life and exercise their political and civil rights. Her dialogue reinforced the need to ensure that all students, particularly those from marginalized communities, have equitable access to high-quality math education as a means to build a more informed and equitable society.