The DEI committee works to maintain an environment where all alumnae are welcome, included, and heard.
The DEI committee ensures the Alumnae Board pursues programming that is inclusive and representative of our alumnae community as a whole. The committee is co-chaired by Karen Pantzer Gelder ’93 and Jessica Taylor Allen-Arney ’05, who work closely with Assistant Head of School for Diversity and Equity Johara Sealy. The goals of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity committee are to:
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Create a deeper sense of belonging for alumnae within the alumnae and school community
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Rebuild trust among alumnae of color and other marginalized groups
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Create opportunities for alumnae of color to gather
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Educate all alumnae about the school’s DEI programs and initiatives for students and alumnae
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Increase diversity among alumnae volunteer leadership positions including the Alumnae Board
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Serve as a sounding board/clearing house for alumnae feedback and ideas
Initiatives
TRAINING
All alumnae volunteer leaders participate in training workshops to look at all aspects of the alumnae program with an eye on equity and inclusion.
PROGRAMMING
All alumnae events and programs are being planned to be as inclusive and equitable as possible, which includes content, time, location, and participants. Events are held with the goals of educating alumnae on school-related DEI programs, connecting alumnae of color and other marginalized groups with each other, and creating opportunities for all alumnae to have opportunities to discuss issues of diversity, equity and inclusion.
RESTORATIVE CIRCLES
We recognize and acknowledge the hurt that members of our community have experienced. As part of the process of building and re-building relationships with Nightingale, we are holding a series of Restorative Circles for alumnae. Our purpose in the circle is to hold space for participants to build community and engage in authentic dialogue in ways we honor our mission to educate minds and hearts through meaningful relationships as we advance equity for the betterment of all.
ALUMNAE & STUDENTS OF COLOR MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
Now in its third academic year, this program builds meaningful relationships between Upper School students and alumnae who have navigated life within and beyond the blue doors. Mentors and mentees meet as a group once per semester and have regular one on one touch points throughout the year. If you are interested in learning more about this program, please contact alumnae@nightingale.org.
ERIKA HAGEMAN ROBINSON MAJESTY FUND
The Erika Hageman Robinson Majesty Fund is dedicated to supporting and strengthening the school's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This critical fund, created thanks to alumnae engagement, is named in honor of Erika Hageman Robinson ’75, the first Black student to have enrolled at Nightingale in 1965. The Erika Hageman Robinson Majesty Fund—which has been merged with The Majesty Fund established in 1997 by Kim Green ’83 to expand our impact—will help to ensure that all students and community members are respected, valued, and feel empowered to thrive at Nightingale. As part of the annual Nightingale Fund, this combined fund will provide supplemental funding for DEI initiatives with the goal of building upon Nightingale’s ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive schoolhouse culture and learning environment.
DEI at Nightingale
LEARN MORE ABOUT DEI AT NIGHTINGALE
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are at the core of our purpose and work at Nightingale. Learn more about our ongoing commitment to cultivating an inclusive community where all students, faculty, staff, and alumnae are respected and empowered.