About
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Mission Statement
At Padua Academy, in the spirit of continuous improvement, it is the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee’s mission to increase awareness, dialogue, programming, and resource-sharing in an effort to provide advocacy, support, opportunities, and a sense of belonging to all people. Rooted in the Catholic belief in the human dignity of every person, we are committed to celebrating differences and fostering an environment of mutual respect through empathy, understanding, and curiosity.
2022 - 2023 Initiatives
- Summer Readings for 2022 addressed DEI topics, "Piecing Me Together" and "Furia."
- Faculty Orientation PD: "Exploring a multi-faceted identity" and ADHD teaching practices to increase awareness on neurodiversity.
- Cultural Norm activities and introduction involving art, writing expression and discussion during the Student Orientation.
- Culture Day 2022 featuring diverse Alumnae Panel discussing international travel, study and work. A student hosted Food and Art Symposium representing over 18 countries.
- Full Implementation of "The Alliance" that represents our Affinity groups, La Mezcla, Black Student Union and I.D.E.A. (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Awareness)
The Alliance
2021-2022 Initiatives
- Moral Courage / Diversity without Division with Ishrad Manji, a program which focuses on teaching communication skills across divides (Professional development for DEI committee members).
- Orientation sessions presenting Cultural Norms to student body.
- Community Day sessions throughout the year highlighting Cultural Norms specific to each class.
- Active Listening sessions for freshmen, juniors, and seniors through Social Emotional Learning.
2020-2021 Initiatives
- Unconscious Bias Training Faculty Seminar with Taryn Guy and Lemar Thomas on Implicit Bias.
- Invisible Knapsack Senior Class Seminar addressing Privilege.
- Color Brave Faculty Seminar on going from being colorblind to color brave.
- NY Times Bestseller Renee Watson Lecture with Faculty and Affinity Groups. Time with the Author of "Piecing Me Together."
Peace Prayer of St. Francis
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy.
O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console,
to be understood as to understand,
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive,
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.
Amen.
DEI Committee
Padua Academy formed their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in the Summer of 2020. It consists of a group of Faculty and Staff members that are dedicated to implementing awareness and education.
For more information, please contact:
Vanessa Vavala, DEI Board Chair
Jennifer Vintigni, DEI Board Chair
Vanessa Vavala, DEI Board Chair
Jennifer Vintigni, DEI Board Chair
Tori Closson, Padua Class of 1994, Coordinator of Student Culture
List of 12 members.
Spirituality. Scholarship. Service. Sisterhood.
Rooted in faith, transformed through learning, strengthened by community, prepared to lead and serve.