“ What really stood out to me was how diverse and enthusiastic the speakers were — it wasn ’ t just buzzwords , but incredibly important messages about equity .”
— Dr . Camellia Koleyni ’ 95 , Tennessee regional alumni ambassador
Over 60 alumni presented at the conference , covering a number of topics :
• Advancing equity in P-16 education
• The intersection of environmental and social justice
• UC San Diego ’ s student-run free clinic
• Being a black man in America
• Trailblazing women in STEM
• Women in scientific exploration
• Social change through the arts
• Equity in business and entrepreneurship
• Rewriting the music canon , from Beethoven to Beyoncé
• Advancing equity through action
• The future of community organizing
• Improving access through mentorship
All videos are available online : tritonmag . com / TLC2021
Social scientist and newly-appointed U . S . Deputy Director for Science and Society , Alondra Nelson ’ 94 , PhD , echoed the importance of mentors in a conversation with Alumni Board President Kimberley Phillips Boehm ’ 82 , PhD : “ Mentors help us to see a future that we can ’ t imagine ,” Nelson said . “ They give you a vision for yourself that is bigger , broader in that way . As for the many mentors I ’ ve had throughout my career , what they share in common is a profound kindness and generosity in heart and spirit .”
“ The sessions opened my eyes to how people can be more involved in movements to empower marginalized communities , without the traditional way of being in-person or organizing in groups .”
— David Beale ’ 19 , first-time alumni event attendee
Keep the conversation going — join the Advancing Equity group on TritonsConnect . com doc . PEACE Uche ’ 09 , PharmD ’ 13 , capped off the weekend with stories of personal understanding , and a rhythmic and impassioned appeal to see things in perspective and live with compassion . “ Advancing equity to me means acknowledging and appreciating the uniqueness within each of us ,” she said . “ This is what it leads to — connections , collaborations , authentic relationships and ultimately , a world of unity .”
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