DEIB Hosts First Community Conversation

Windward Communications
On September 9, students in the Prep and Collegiate Divisions joined Windward faculty and staff for the first in a five-part community conversation series. Created as a way to further grow the year’s focus on cultivating belonging amongst Windward community members, the conversation allowed the featured speakers to speak candidly and intimately with their peers, colleagues, and students. 

Throughout the session, faculty and staff panelists spoke openly about their own lived experiences, both past and present. They discussed their roles, their Windward journeys, and what belonging meant to them, both individually and as part of a greater community. 
 


 
“So many students, faculty, and staff stopped me throughout the day to share with me how moved they were by the faculty and staff stories,” said Roger Bridges, Assistant Head of School for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. “They also shared how much they enjoyed the event. The feelings of connection, joy, and a sense of what it means to belong were so present in the room and grew exponentially over the course of the event. It was an amazing day for our community.  We are very much looking forward to the next event later this month.”
 
This first session was emotional, inspiring, and uplifting—thank you to our speakers Alma, Greg, Ryan, Hannah, and JP, and to our students and faculty for creating an atmosphere of support and respect. We look forward to our next conversation!