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Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee

 
The mission of the Alum Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee is to ensure that all Visitation alums feel connected to the school community long after graduation, regardless of race, nationality, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation and/or identity.
 
We:
  • Work with the administration and Board of Directors to foster an alum community that is diverse, inclusive and reflective of the Visitation community
  • Help coordinate alum support for current school diversity and inclusion initiatives;
  • Sponsor opportunities exploring the history and culture of our school as it relates to the experiences alums had while they attended Visitation; and
  • Strive to engage alums with focused programming that encourages honest dialogue and cultural exchange that fosters a sense of pride in the diversity of our Visi alum community.

 

Dear Alums,

The Georgetown Visitation Alum Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee first met in January 2019, following the publication of the school’s History of Enslaved People report. Our mission is to ensure that all Visitation alums feel connected to the school community long after graduation, regardless of race, nationality, socio-economic status, religion, sexual orientation, and/or identity.

Over the past four years, our committee has worked fervently to educate the minds and to appeal to the hearts of our community by addressing topics of critical importance involving diversity, equity, and inclusion. It continues to be our mission and heartfelt desire to provide space for, have an impact on, and to engage alums in a more meaningful way with these objectives in mind.

Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee meets throughout the year on the third Wednesday of the month at 7-8 p.m on Zoom. This year’s meeting dates are 9/21, 11/16, 1/18, 3/15, and 5/17. We welcome all alums to participate! If you would like to be a part of this important work, join our committee here .

In addition, we are co-sponsoring the Alumnae Day of Service on October 16 and the Alumnae Book Club discussion on November 15. Mark your calendars!

We invite alums to take a brief survey that will guide us in our efforts to meet the needs of our diverse community more effectively. 

We look forward to hearing from you and to seeing you soon.

Your Alum DEI Committee Chairs,

Kimya Stoute Bradshaw '91, Vincine Brown '78, and Francoise Thalacker Thomas '89

 

Contact the Committee

 

Rachel Jones ‘08 Named Visitation’s First Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Rachel Jones ‘08 returned to 35th Street in November 2021 in a new role: Georgetown Visitation’s first Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, responsible for creating and directing our diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and education for students, families, and faculty & staff. 

Informing all aspects of school life, from policy to curriculum to events, Rachel will help all members of our community embrace and live our Philosophy of Community Culture.

Head of School Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson underscored the importance of this new position: “Creating a community of support comprising kind, knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated individuals who work together to care for our students and support our mission is vital as we form the next generation of women of faith, vision, and purpose.”

Rachel has dedicated the last decade of her career to supporting educators and students in developing and deepening their leadership, critical consciousness, and sense of  empowerment, with a focus on equity, social justice and anti-oppression. Her undergraduate thesis focused on the racial formation of high school students at all-girls high schools, and how the peer-to-peer linkages within affinity clubs can expand students'  racial imaginations, academic achievements, and sense of self and belonging. 

“I want to help ensure Visitation students get even more resources and access to educators and  spaces that further their racial, diversity, and equity analysis,” shared Rachel. “When supportive adults create innovative learning experiences outside of the classroom, students can excel in high school and beyond.” 

Community Conversations

“It’s Where We Live: An Examination of Structural Racism,” an interactive lecture and conversation led by Dr. Marcia Chatelain

  • View the recording of this lecture and Q&A. Recommended resources from Dr. Chatelain are available here.

"The Impact and Implications of Microaggressions" with Rachel Jones '08

Racial Allyship & Advocacy: An Alumnae Panel Discussion with Gabby Abebe '12, Erin Ponton Fiero '96, and Natasha Williams Zech '95, moderated by Deborah Isaac '11

Socioeconomic Status & Access, led by Juana Pacheco '85

The Intersection of Bioethics, Black Women, and Healthcare: A Community Conversation

DEI @ Visi Today, with DEI Director Rachel Jones '08, former DEI Co-Coordinator Peggy Hamilton '85, and Erin Murphy '05 (moderator)

 

Events