Diversity Week • March 4-7
Germanna’s Diversity Week is designed to celebrate, bring awareness to, and understand the different cultural experiences present on our campuses. This week allows us to explore various cultures, engage in discussions that bring new perspectives, and honor the contributions made by people of all identities and experiences. Join us as we celebrate our differences during Diversity Week 2024.
Monday, March 4
Women in STEM
With Karrin Felton
11:30 a.m. · Virtual
Join Karrin Mayfield Felton as she shares her inspiring journey as a woman of color in STEM. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and technical leadership, Karrin has overcome challenges and achieved success in fields such as process optimization and program management. As the Founder of Feet Planted, LLC, she is dedicated to helping others conquer self-doubt.
Intersectionality of Life: From a Girl to a Man
With Jessie Harper
1 p.m. · Virtual
Embark on a transformative journey with our speaker as they share their personal narrative of transitioning from growing up as a girl to embracing their identity as a man. Jessie will explore shedding societal expectations and discovering authentic selfhood.
Tuesday, March 5
First Generation Student: From 911 to Higher Ed (and Everything in Between)
With Wendy Bundy
1 p.m. · Virtual
Join Wendy as she shares her remarkable path through higher education. From starting night shifts at a local dispatch center to becoming an adjunct professor, librarian, mental health advocate, and more, Wendy will talk about overcoming challenges in rural America and being the first in her family to pursue higher education.
Wednesday, March 6
Privilege Walk
With Dr. Don Trahan Jr.
3 p.m. · In-person and Virtual
Join Dr. Don Trahan Jr., a seasoned diversity practitioner, for a powerful exploration of privilege through the Privilege Walk activity. Utilizing a priority-based DEI implementation approach, Dr. Trahan will guide participants in understanding and addressing social privileges that influence our academic and social landscapes.
Locust Grove Campus: Room 114
Fredericksburg Area Campus: SP1, Room 211
Diverse Participation in the Revolutionary War
Panel Discussion
7 p.m. · Virtual
Join Dr. Gaila Sims, author Aly Riley, Dr. Will Mackintosh, Professor Edwin Watson, and Professor David Marsich in celebration of the Fredericksburg Area Museum's exhibition, Lafayette's World: Revolutionary Ideals and the Limits of Freedom. This panel will explore contributions by African Americans, women, Indigenous people, and members of the LGBTQ+ community to the American Revolution.
Thursday, March 7
All Roads Lead to Rome: Embracing Diversity Through Cross-Cultural Professional Development
With Dr. Christine Contrada
1 p.m. · Virtual
Join Dr. Christine Contrada as she shares insights from her dual role as a history professor at Germanna and an instructor for professional development courses within the prestigious Erasmus+ program in Rome, Italy. Discover how fostering a global perspective can equip educators with practical tools to celebrate cultural diversity in tangible ways.
Autism 101
With Rachel Pretlow
3 p.m. · Virtual
Join us to gain essential knowledge and practical strategies for supporting Autistic individuals in the college environment. Rachel will delve into common characteristics of individuals on the Autism spectrum and explore methods to overcome barriers to their participation on campus, including communication techniques, sensory accommodations, and effective preparation strategies.
Poetry and Visual Art Competition
5 p.m. · Sealy Auditorium
Join us for an evening celebrating the diversity of the arts with poetry performances and artwork exhibitions. Germanna students will present original poetry and artwork on the theme “I Belong.” Winners of the competition will go on to represent Germanna at the state-level competition.