Faculty at the PoCC

Millbrook was well-represented in November at the annual People of Color Conference hosted by the National Association of Independent Schools in San Antonio, Texas. Millbrook has committed to sending all interested faculty of color to the PoCC each year. Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Prince Botchway headed a group that included Skye Casiano '17, Ugo Okolie, Tatiana Quintanilla, DeAnna Sandoval, and Zhaohong Wen. 

 

Conference curricula included workshops, seminars, and keynotes focused on increasing equity at independent schools and strengthening connections among faculty of color across institutions, and interactive workshops ran the gamut from focusing on the admission process to fostering inclusive culture on campus. Millbrook's attendees spread out in order to attend a wide range of sessions and gather a plethora of information and ideas. Prince Botchway was inspired by keynotes from social entrepreneur and activist Amanda Nguyen, poet and activist Nikki Giovanni, educator Shakil Choudhury, and others. Sandoval participated in Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity (SEED) summer sessions and made strong connections with other participants. Feeling fortunate to connect with them again at the PoCC, Sandoval shared, “Those [SEED] connections are extra special and deep, and it was rejuvenating to have time to catch up with them and exchange ideas and advice.”

 

Millbrook’s goal of creating an inclusive, nurturing, and beneficial environment for all students and faculty is comprehensive and ongoing, and active participation in DEI professional development is one way we are making strides.