Updates from Sara Folta, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion > Updates > ADDI Update – October 2021

ADDI Update – October 2021

Dear Friedman School Community,

It’s that stressful time of the semester. I hope everyone is doing well and practicing some good self-care!   

Updates on progress toward the Friedman School’s Anti-Racism Action Plan:  

Culture and Environment

  • On Wednesday 13 October we welcomed Annawon Weedon for an Indigenous Peoples Day event. Annawon is a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe who has spent decades working to preserve indigenous culture. It was great to hear his story and learn of ways we could stay connected and take action. Many thanks to Aarti Singh, Friedman School DEI Events Coordinator (and AFE student), for organizing this event!  
  • Aarti is planning ahead for events in 2022: Black History Month and Chinese New Year. If you are interested in helping, she is putting together small groups to work together on brainstorming ideas and planning. If you are interested, please contact Aarti (aarti.singh@tufts.edu). 
  • Thanks to Orsolya Szabo for working to create an inclusive environment at the School – you’ve probably noticed the new bulletin boards, student profiles on the Friedman School website, and images on the public space monitors. As a reminder, please send her images of any holidays you celebrate so they can be highlighted on the public space monitors (Orsolya.szablo@tufts.edu).

Compositional Diversity

  • In spring 2021, the Friedman School launched the Scholarship Challenge, which provides donors with an opportunity to create endowed scholarships that support doctoral students or those that build the diversity of our student body. To date, the Friedman School has received multiple commitments totaling over $2 million!

Happy Halloween!

Sara

OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS

  • Spring semester directed study opportunity: through a connection with the local branch of NCNW, we’ve received a request for a monthly webinar series on nutrition topics. I’m looking for a small group of students to work with me and my contacts at NCNW to develop approximately 12 interactive, 30-45 minute webinars for this audience. This is a great opportunity to build professional skills and work with community members. Please let me (Sara) know if you are interested. 
  • My Tuft Story Video Contest: Tufts’ students partake in a rigorous education founded in civic engagement; global experiences; research and other projects; innovation and entrepreneurship; interdisciplinary learning; internships; and so much more. The My Tufts Story Video Contestshowcases how Tufts’ students design their education based upon their unique interests and backgrounds. Which paths have you already taken and which others do you plan to pursue during your time at Tufts? Tell us your Tufts story! Videos should be no longer than two minutes with a focus on sharing your Tufts experience and emphasizing interdisciplinary and collaborative pursuits. Entries will be reviewed by a Tufts panel and cash prizes will be awarded in several categories. More details including contest rules and guidelines, as well as examples from past winners can be found here: provost.tufts.edu/my-tufts-story/. Videos can be submitted until 9:00AM EST on Monday, November 15th, 2021.

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