Nardin Today Winter 2020-2021

20 Nardin Today Winter 2020-21 of the Buffalo Urban League and the United Way of Buffalo and Erie County. She is also a past president of the Buffalo Urban League Young Professionals. She served as Nardin’s Varsity Basketball coach from 2016-2018 and led the Gators to the New York State Championship in her final year. Nardin has prioritized efforts that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its classrooms and its culture. Kendra’s work focuses on making decisions and strategically planning with intent; allocating critical resources; and, examining the Academy’s culture, with particular efforts directed at creating a diverse and welcoming environment. “Diversity refers to the range of identities that exist in a group of people or community, our Nardin community,” she said. “My hope is that we all take the time to explore and appreciate the ways in which we live in this world and our willingness to do the work.” Students are at the core of Kendra’s vision for the DIO office, and she is committed to fostering an inclusive environment so that all students are comfortable and confident. “I look forward to highlighting all of the characteristics and dimensions of our identities,” she added. “This work belongs to all of us, and it will help us achieve the goals that have been put forth in Nardin’s mission and portrait of a graduate.” Kendra explained that she has gained insight from the many exchanges she has already had with faculty members who are dedicated to sustained conversations about inclusive pedagogies. “I am here to bring subject-matter expertise to the table as we make decisions about our shared work and sustain efforts to stimulate a sense of community for all students,” she said. “I will depend deeply upon everyone’s thoughts, opinions, and suggestions and encourage community members to reach out. This is work that we will do together.” Kendra’s work also involves Nardin alumni; she was instrumental in the establishment of the Nardin Academy Black Alumni Group (NABA), a formalized affinity group that seeks to connect Black alumni and current students through shared experiences, in order to continue building a welcoming and supportive community. Formed in the summer of 2020, the Nardin Academy Black Alumni Group is a direct result of the spring’s social unrest throughout the United States and the desire to support students at Nardin. “These women felt an immediate need to connect with Nardin students both mentally and emotionally,” said Kendra. The group’s mission is to create, develop, and support programs and events in conjunction with student-led groups, including Challenging Injustices in Society (CIIS), Black Student Union (BSU), and Rainbow Heritage. Members will focus on matters related not only to the black experience, but also to the experiences of all underrepresented groups. In addition, the NABAwill provide mentorship opportunities and help to recruit, support, retain, and steward minority students within the Academy. Ultimately, the group aims to encourage students to develop a lifelong connection to Nardin Academy. The NABA is actively recruiting new members. As always, Nardin encourages all alumni to get involved and make a difference at your beloved alma mater, and asks that graduates update their contact information, so that they are able to receive news on initiatives and other opportunities. To update your information, please email Director of Alumni Relations Jennifer Westerholt ‘95 at jwesterholt@nardin.org. To receive more information or to join NABA, please email Director of Diversity, Inclusion, and Opportunity Kendra Brim ‘07, at kbrim@nardin.org. n living our mission