Background
In June 2020, we reaffirmed our commitment to stand in solidarity with the Black community, including past and present faculty and staff, our youth, our families, and our patrons, in the wake of the nationwide racial justice protests. We recognized that being actively anti-racist must be reinforced continually through our policies and practices for us to complete our mission’s promise fully. We announced our intent to conduct a thorough review of our strategic plan and operational model through the lens of diversity, equity & inclusion.
Our Intent
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee exists to uphold Westrick Music Academy’s mission to maintain a supportive, inclusive and joyous environment for our community members. Our priority is to champion policies and practices of cultural equity that foster inclusion of our communities’ identities, backgrounds, needs, and experiences. This committee will ensure that our actionable items cultivate an open-minded community that provides accessible spaces to listen, learn and grow together as one, united in song. We are committed to our community and will continue to seek ongoing support and engagement from our choristers, parents, alumni, and members of our Board of Directors, staff, and Parent Association to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive organization.
Who We Are
The WMA Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee brings together a cross-functional team of members who represent different facets of our organization. If you would like to reach out with any feedback or questions, please email community@westrickmusic.org.
Co-Chairs:
Tina Biswas, WMA Board of Directors Member, PGC Parent
Laura Fenster Rothschild, PBC Parent
Committee Members:
Chaequan Anderson, PGC Conductor
Hilary Butler, WMA Executive Director
Gina DiPalermo, WMA Operations Manager
Archana Pradhan Lackey, WMA Board of Directors Member, PGC Parent
Fred Meads, WMA Education Director, PBC Music Director, PGC & PBC Conductor
Dana Moorhead, WMA Board of Directors Member
Joan Valcin, PGC Parent Association Board Member, PGC Parent