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.
Tiffany Bullock '08
Francoise Thomas '89
Alum DEI Committee Leadership
Francoise Thalacker Thomas ‘89 and Tiffany Bullock ‘08 serve as co-chairs of the Alum DEI Committee. Regarding her commitment to DEI work, Tiffany shared, “I want our alums to know that my dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion is unwavering and it is a deeply personal mission of mine to ensure inclusion across identities - gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, age, religion, and more. My commitment is to continuously listen, learn, and act in ways that dismantle barriers and build bridges within our community. By embracing the unique contributions of each individual, we can collectively foster a more inclusive and equitable environment that reflects the true spirit of Visitation.”
The DEI Committee meets bi-monthly throughout the school year on Zoom. If you are interested in learning more about our committee, email alumnae.diversity@visi.
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
- View the recording here and find the Powerpoint here.
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
- Listen to the recording here.
Socioeconomic Status & Access, led by Juana Pacheco '85
- Watch the recording here.
The Intersection of Bioethics, Black Women, and Healthcare: A Community Conversation
- Read the Visitation magazine piece here.
DEI @ Visi Today, with DEI Director Rachel Jones '08, former DEI Co-Coordinator Peggy Hamilton '85, and Erin Murphy '05 (moderator)
- Watch the recording here
Events
- Facing Race-Past, Present, and Future
- National Museum of African American History & Culture
- March for Black Lives
- Alumnae Performing Arts Night
- BWS 40th Anniversary Celebration