This school year, Windward hired a record-number of new faculty and staff members across all campuses. The Diversity Office meets with new teachers each year, but, for the first time, the team hosted two additional virtual events to extend a warm welcome to new hires of color and new LGBTQ hires.
“At a time where human connection is most needed, The Windward School wanted to provide a space for those members of color and LGBTQ members who started a new job in a new community during the COVID pandemic,” said Christine Moloney, Coordinator of Diversity.
The New Hires of Color social gathering was held on December 9, and the New LGBTQ Hires get-together was held on December 16. During both happy hour events, many of Windward’s newest members of the community joined to make new connections with colleagues and share reflections on their first few months at the School.
“It felt really welcoming to see the Diversity Team so at ease with each other and genuinely excited to have us at Windward,” said Charlotte Van Voorhis, Manhattan Middle School Assistant Teacher. “Community building starts with an extended hand and, after being at the happy hour, I feel much more comfortable in this new job.”
The Diversity Office also affirmed its position at Windward to not only support faculty and staff members in their service of students but also to provide employees with the resources they need to be successful.