MARGARET CHADWICK, 1963
A strong feeling of belonging to each other and of belonging to the whole family of man develops, and once a child has grasped the concept of ‘we’ as meaning ‘old and young, rich and poor, of every color and all nations,’ he has found himself at home in the world.
Our commitment to a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future:
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are deeply ingrained in the ethos of Margaret Chadwick, our founder, who believed in a school community that reflects a “dipperful of humanity” in which “the winds that blow so vigorously across our beautiful acres will one day sweep away all prejudices.” We continue to aspire for this idealized vision while recognizing the essential work to be done and actions still to be taken to create a more equitable and inclusive Chadwick for our entire community. During this long-awaited moment in our nation when we are confronting injustice and racism with a heightened urgency and renewed commitment to equity for all, Chadwick’s participation in this movement is paramount and DEI will be a central lens in all that we do.
This commitment to DEI is a collaboration and a partnership among our administration, faculty, staff, students, parents, the board, and alumni. Equity work must be prioritized and personal to all of us. As we confront our opportunities for growth and aspire to progress further, we all must participate in blowing those winds of change across our campus toward a more equitable community.
Affinity Groups
DEI Events
Multicultural Food Festival
Chadwick's Multicultural Food Festival was celebrated on May 3, 2022. This vibrant event was ideated and organized by the students, and gave attendees an opportunity to experience food from diverse regions and backgrounds at various booths. Festive decorations adorned Vanderlip Lawn and delicious dishes from Filipino, Black, Korean, Mexican, Middle Eastern, Danish (and more) cultures gave the Chadwick community a true taste of diversity. Special thanks to the students, parents, faculty and staff who ran the booths and spread joy and awareness through their service.
Social Justice Day
Chadwick's Social Justice Day was held on Feb. 23, 2022. This year's theme was "Love in Practice" and the day featured more than 15 student-led workshops, keynote speakers and special guests. The Opening Ceremony included powerful remarks from our Student Diversity Council Co-Chairs, Interim Head of School Tom Sheppard and Assistant Head of School Elizabeth Imende-Cooney, along with a musical performance of "We Shall Overcome" by our Village students.
In the Village, students participated in age-appropriate workshops that focused on poetry and art as a means of self-expression. They learned about the importance of identity and of appreciating the differences of others. Middle and Upper School workshops covered concepts like appreciation vs. appropriation, climate justice as social justice, unpacking trauma as a path toward healing, the history of the Chicano Movement and the history of the Rainbow Coalition, racism in sports, religious tolerance stemming from conversations between the Jewish and Christian communities, representation in children's movies, invisible disabilities, the Women of Ethnic Studies, and more.
Latinos Unidos Welcome Dinner
The Latinos Unidos Welcome Dinner was held Sept. 24, 2021. Chadwick's Latinx/Hispanic Parent Affinity Group / Padres de Latinos Unidos is a parent affinity group that strives to enhance the educational experience and to deepen inclusivity for those of Latinx and Hispanic cultural backgrounds. Its aim is to support school programs and initiatives that amplify the cultural awareness and societal contributions of Latinx and Hispanic peoples, and to be a valuable resource in furthering connections among faculty, staff and families. With a belief in fostering an atmosphere of unity and acceptance for all within our community, this event was open to all participants and was a celebration of allyship.
Bus Stop Meet-and-Greets
During the fall, Interim Head of School Tom Sheppard, Assistant Head of School Elizabeth Imende-Cooney, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. John Aden and Chadwick Parents Association President Laurie Eddleston hosted Bus Stop Meet-and-Greets at some of Chadwick's morning stops. It was delightful to see our students, parents and staff connect over coffee and donuts throughout our community's neighborhoods.
Asian Heritage Club Potluck Dinner
Asian Heritage Parent Affinity Group is a platform where all parents and students of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage can integrate and support each other in our academic and life journeys at Chadwick and beyond. At our potluck dinner in September 2021, parents of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage connected and engaged in active dialogue around the issues that impact people of Asian heritage. We discussed ways to further improve diversity and inclusivity initiatives at Chadwick, celebrated cultural festivities and achievements, and found new ways to give back to both the Chadwick community and society at large.
Black Families Welcome Dinner
The Black Student Union (BSU) and the Heritage Club held a welcome dinner for students of Black/African/multiracial Black heritage and their families to kick off the 2021-22 school year. At this special event, K-12 students and parents connected with other Black families, faculty members and allies. They were able to learn more about BSU and the Heritage Club, enjoyed a delicious dinner and live music, and played games, including a scavenger hunt around Chadwick's campus.
Equity Team
John Aden, Ph.D. — Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
jaden@chadwickschool.org
George Ramos
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
gramos@chadwickschool.org
Focus areas: Curriculum, Alumni Outreach
Dijanna Figueroa
Village School DEI Coordinator
dfigueroa@chadwickschool.org
Marielle Sallo
Upper School Student Support
msallo@chadwickschool.org
Angie Nevarez
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator
anevarez@chadwickschool.org
Focus areas: Middle School Student Support, Admissions