Agenda for the 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Conference

Founders Hall

East Gallery

Thamar Lebrón Fernández Providence Day School

Teaching Women's History: A Pathway to Equity and Empowerment

Join me for ""Teaching Women's History: A Pathway to Equity and Empowerment,"" where educators  will explore innovative strategies for integrating women's narratives into the curriculum. Together, we'll uncover the transformative power of women's history in fostering equity, inspiring future generations, and empowering all voices in our communities.

Founders Hall

West Gallery

Lauren Dean, New Garden Friends School

Proactive Inclusion: Strategies for Supporting Students with Autism

Far too often, the approach to accommodating students with autism is reactive instead of proactive; however, implementing practical tools, strategies, and environments can foster inclusive practices that benefit all stakeholders. Cultivating inclusivity for students with autism opens doors to a more supportive and engaging classroom for everyone. Educators can create an inviting environment by using tools like visual schedules, sensory-friendly spaces, and varied instructional approaches that meet diverse needs. These evidence-based practices establish an empathetic, dynamic learning community, illustrating how intentional adjustments yield meaningful educational impacts.

Hege Cox Hall

Collaborative

Jennifer Milton - New Garden Friends School, Justin Stagner - Canterbury School

Dialogue across Difference

How can members of different groups interact to elevate mutual respect, dignity, and empathy? What are the responsibilities or expectations of different groups in the school workplace? What are our limitations? In this session, participants will learn to consider and navigate a variety of situations from a variety of viewpoints in the workplace.

Founders Hall

Gilmer Room

Kyle Williams: A Long Talk about the Uncomfortable Truth Cultivating a Culture of Anti-Racism

Facilitating Uncomfortable Conversations with the CPR Protocol

This session focuses on equipping participants with practical strategies to lead difficult but necessary conversations in an effort to interrupt ignorance in all forms. Attendees will learn how to use the CPR Protocol—Clarifying, Probing, and Redirecting—to combat problematic statements, promote critical thinking, and foster more constructive dialogue.

Post-Session Support

All participants will receive post-session support through our ALT Universe online community platform. This space is designed to extend and deepen the experience. The platform serves as a hub for continued learning, reflection, and practical application. 

Participants will have access to learning modules, opportunities for continued practice, and community-driven events that encourage ongoing engagement.

King 128-E

Naomi Gibson; Durham Academy

Beyond the Binary: Unpacking the Layers of Queer Intersectionality

This discussion-based presentation dives into the colorful, complex world of queer intersectionality, exploring how identities like race, gender, and socioeconomic status mingle within the LGBTQ+ community. Through engaging dialogue, the presenters unpack the unique challenges faced by those with layered identities, revealing how these intersections shape lived experiences. Attendees will leave with fresh perspectives on how to foster authentic inclusivity and create spaces where every intersection finds a voice.

King 127

Lindsey Greear; New Garden Friends School

Brown v. Board of Education: A legacy of marching towards equity and inclusion

Brown v. Board of Education (1954) and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made tremendous gains in school integration. However, policies aimed at improving the academic experiences of diverse student learners limited access to educators of Color and pedagogy emphasizing culture and community. Without this access, diverse learners found themselves academically and democratically disadvantaged. Culturally responsive teaching creates a more engaging space and encourages students to participate actively in the classroom. Students who feel safe and included in the classroom experience higher levels of self-efficacy, leading to improved academic outcomes.

King 126

Jessica Campbell and International Students: Jenny ‘27, Joan ‘26, Clari ‘25, Carol ‘25; Saint Mary's School

Understanding the International Student Experience

There is minimal research available in the US to help us better understand the benefits and challenges that international students face while studying in the US. A select group of international students from Saint Mary's School has been collecting data for the last 12 months to fill this gap. This presentation, led by students, will share the findings and provide tangible strategies for both educators and students to thrive in their multicultural school settings. 

King 127

Dr. Kendra O'Neal

Exploring Hip Hop History and Social Justice through the Art of Jean-Michel Basquiat

How can art and music tell the stories of marginalized communities? In this workshop, students will explore the connections between hip hop, social justice, and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art. They will learn how Basquiat’s work and hip hop reflect unheard voices and struggles, gaining insight into the power of art and music in shaping society. They will be given the opportunity to express their identity creatively and understand how popular culture makes learning relevant and engaging.

King 126

Kyle Williams: A Long Talk about the Uncomfortable Truth Cultivating a Culture of Anti-Racism

Facilitating Uncomfortable Conversations with the CPR Protocol

This session focuses on equipping participants with practical strategies to lead difficult but necessary conversations in an effort to interrupt ignorance in all forms. Attendees will learn how to use the CPR Protocol—Clarifying, Probing, and Redirecting—to combat problematic statements, promote critical thinking, and foster more constructive dialogue.

Post-Session Support

All participants will receive post-session support through our ALT Universe online community platform. This space is designed to extend and deepen the experience. The platform serves as a hub for continued learning, reflection, and practical application. 

Participants will have access to learning modules, opportunities for continued practice, and community-driven events that encourage ongoing engagement.

King 128-E

Laura Allen, New Garden Friends School

Reexamining America's Founding Values in Today's Context

This session explores America’s founding values and their relevance in today’s world and classrooms. Through discussion and group activity, the presenter engages students in a dynamic examination of these ideals and their continued impact on the nation in both challenging and transformative ways. By analyzing pivotal moments in U.S. history, from the American Revolution to the 21st Century Civil Rights Movement, participants will engage with materials demonstrating democratic principles in action and their enduring influence on American society. 

Leak Room

Dr. Kendra O'Neal

Exploring Hip Hop History and Social Justice through the Art of Jean-Michel Basquiat

How can art and music tell the stories of marginalized communities? In this workshop, students will explore the connections between hip hop, social justice, and Jean-Michel Basquiat’s art. They will learn how Basquiat’s work and hip hop reflect unheard voices and struggles, gaining insight into the power of art and music in shaping society. They will be given the opportunity to express their identity creatively and understand how popular culture makes learning relevant and engaging.

Leak Room

Katelyn Williams, Greensboro Day School

Navigating Cancel Culture: Fostering Inclusion in a Divided World

Middle school students attending this session will have a chance to discuss and explore the implications of cancel culture in our world today. We will look at real-world examples and discuss in small groups how we can manage accountability and understanding. We will explore the damage that can be caused when we don't allow room for mistakes and we will reflect on our own value systems that can cause strong reactions to the missteps of others. We will leave with a better sense of how to move forward with renewed expectations of our community.