More than 30 Martlets Attend Statewide Leadership Conference

Westminster helped lead this year’s efforts. As the vice-chair of the Connecticut Association of Independent Schools Commission on Diversity, Westminster’s Director of Multicultural Affairs Lisa McGrath was one of the chief organizers of the conference. In addition, eight Martlets were selected to serve as facilitators and help run afternoon sessions: Sarah Alibrahimi ’16, Taina Cotto ’16, Mariah Davis ’16, Jae’Quan Barr ’15, Joel Groves ’17, Alexa Green ’17, Jeremy Mason ’16 and Gary Simons ’17.
 

Through spoken word and a passionate presentation, keynote speaker and diversity educator Omèkongo Dibinga addressed the racial tensions in the U.S. and the ways in which young leaders should be UPstanders rather than bystanders; he unpacked audience members’ thinking about race and their role in the conversation. The morning session also included student performances and reflections from students and adults. After a lunch break, participants joined small group breakouts that allowed for group dialogue and self-reflection for first-time and returning conference attendees, as well as for adults and members of the graduating class.