PRESENTATION DESCRIPTION:

This presentation will be an interactive experience that helps us to share our commonalities and differences. We will learn tools that allow communities and groups to come together in the common ground they share while elevating diversity. The approach and methodology will include a one hour presentation, small and large group activities, and a question and answer period at the conclusion.

I began my career as a professional singer and have spent most of my life on the stage. Transitioning to education in the arts was a natural next step, as I was able to empower young people  to be confident in their talents and abilities. As a performing arts educator, I have been able to work with students from all walks of life in the music and theater space. The arts are an incredible vehicle to foster empathy, connection, and to understand commonalities and differences. I hold nearly 20 years of experience in the educational field with 8 of those being spent leading DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) work at independent schools. As the initiator and leader in my DEI department at my previous school, I lead a team of over 50 educators responsible for DEI curriculum planning, professional development, and community connections. We executed this through engaging activities, parent book clubs, and faculty presentations. I also served on the DEI committee for our strategic plan where I was able to collaborate with administrators, parents, and board members. 

More recently I have served as the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at North Country School in Lake Placid, NY. In this position, I am responsible for updating the school’s handbook with policies and procedures in alignment with best DEI practices, organizing, leading and facilitating professional development for faculty, students and community board members.

My academic experience along with my professional experience over the years has taught me the benefits of healthy communication, collaboration, and empathy. I have found that it is pertinent to include all constituents and ensure that everyone has a voice. My leadership philosophy is to guarantee that team members practice DEI work and lead by example, rather than through hierarchy. Everyone is in a different place on their journey. I believe that it takes specific characteristics to lead in diversity, equity, and inclusion while supporting the community honoring differences and commonalities.