In creating a welcoming and inclusive community, within Saint Mary’s programming is being offered to bring together members of our community in important discussions. These opportunities lead to valuable dialogue and the chance to learn from those whose experiences and perspectives are different from our own and to — in turn — better serve our richly diverse student body.
African Diversity Inclusive Initiative connects students from African diaspora
To help students of the African diaspora connect and share experiences, students from the Doctor of Business Administration program recently formed the African Diversity Inclusive Initiative.
Since the DBA program has a relatively large group of continental African students, the organization allows students to meet learners from cohorts in the program and help each other navigate the U.S. educational system.
The African Diversity Inclusive Initiative held its first in-person event on Feb. 11, which included a social hour, a potluck, and breakout sessions. The breakout sessions covered topics about financial literacy and home buying, how Europe underdeveloped the African continent, and the importance of Pan-Africanism.
“The conference has enlightened me on many issues that we encounter on a daily basis. The interventions and breakout sessions were very dynamic and emotional moments — dynamic because of the insights. Emotional because of our history. It is salient to know where we come from,” said one student who attended the event. “Through this event, we have once again discovered that our community abounds with great minds.”
While the organization consists of DBA students at this time, program directors who know students who may want to participate are encouraged to connect them with Antar Salim, an adviser for the group, at asalim@smumn.edu.
Speaker to give talk on United States Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism
Next week, the Saint Mary’s community will have two chances to hear from nationally renowned speaker Danielle Brown, who will be giving talks on the United States Bishops’ pastoral letter against racism: Open Wide Our Hearts: The Enduring Call to Love. Brown will be visiting both campuses on Monday, March 20.
She will present at noon during a luncheon event at the University Center on the Minneapolis Campus. Brown will also speak at the Winona Campus at 7 p.m. in the Toner Lounge. Find links for information for both the Twin Cities and Winona events.