Windward is pleased to send representatives each year to attend the annual NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC). 

“As the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools’ commitment to equity and justice, the NAIS People of Color Conference provides a space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools,” said Ms. Christine Moloney, Coordinator of Diversity. “The Windward School is committed to sending a group of employees to PoCC each year to garner the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed in order to strengthen the feeling of belonging for all members of our community.”    

This year’s eight attendees were Alana Clemente-Glover, Associate Director of Development; Tanya Ehrlich, Co-Director of Outplacement; Najah Frazier, Administrative and Communications Associate to The Windward Institute; Kim McCrea, Administrative Assistant to the Windward Teacher Training Program; Christine Moloney, Coordinator of Diversity; Erikka Ramkishun, Administrative Assistant to The Windward Institute; Asante Robinson, Administrative Assistant to The Windward Institute; and Ilana Sinay, Manhattan Middle School Teacher. 

The virtual 2020 PoCC took place from November 30 – December 4, and the theme was “New Decade, New Destinies: Challenging Self, Changing Systems, and Choosing Justice.” Windward’s attendees participated in a number of workshops, including, “Creating ‘Black Space’ Where Black Children Are Valued in a Predominantly White School,” “Leveraging One’s Occupational Privilege to Expand Equitable Programming,” and “What I Said and What I Meant: Cross-Cultural Communication.” 

“The NAIS People of Color Conference (PoCC), held virtually this year, delivered a riveting, thought provoking band of incredible workshops, lectures, and professional development in DEI work,” said Ms. Robinson of her experience. 

Fellow participant Ms. McCrea added, “Attending the People of Color Conference this year allowed me the opportunity to learn more about myself and of people of different races, genders, and religious backgrounds. I gained a new awareness of social systems and social injustices. Justice is a right and must be demanded through changing of systems.”