Monarchs from Coast to Coast Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program Connects Current Students with Alumni By: Patsy Vargas - Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
This past year, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program at Archbishop Mitty High School connected with former Latinx Student Union and Black Student Union members via Zoom. This virtual platform allowed alumni to zoom in from Chicago, Washington D.C, Los Angeles, and other parts of the country. In doing so, current Archbishop Mitty High School students benefited from hearing various perspectives, experiences, and voices. To kick off Black History Month, Alex Okafor ’05 shared a reflection at the virtual all-school assembly. Okafor, a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, reflected on the Gospel of Matthew. He also shared his own memories as a Monarch and highlighted the importance of social justice work in our very own Bay Area community. “Alex Okafor’s reflection was prophetically rooted in our common refrain at Mitty that each person is made ‘in the image and likeness of God’ (Genesis 1:27),” said Marian Wyman ’14 of the Religious Studies Department. “Though this truth reveals to us our inherent belovedness by God, it also poses an important challenge to us. Not only do we have to individually honor the image of God in every person we encounter, but we are called to systematically honor the image of God among people who are marginalized. Alex’s message reminded us that if we truly believe this, we must create a more just and equitable world.” In the aftermath of a difficult and challenging summer, it was extremely valuable for students, especially BSU members, to hear Okafor’s reflection. He identified harsh realities and — in the process — challenged the Archbishop Mitty community to not only do better, but also be better agents of change as we live out our Catholic school mission. Students were able to relate to
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his experience. They heard his message of hope and felt inspired because they were hearing directly from a fellow Monarch. The alumni connection did not end there. In March, the Latinx Student Union and Black Student Union invited Gabrielle Scheraga ’08, Edward Muchemu ’11, and Brianni Lyons ’07 to a virtual Ask An Alum event. BSU and LSU students gathered to ask questions and hear about the various trajectories these alumni took to reach their professional careers. While Muchemu and Lyons shared their experiences as college students at historically Black colleges, like Morehouse College and Spelman College, Scheraga shared the importance of staying true to herself and being open to following a non-linear path. “I thought that the ‘Ask An Alum’ event was very informative,” said sophomore Lucas Walker. “We got to hear from alumni how Mitty helped them grow, how they were prepared for college, and how they were ready for the challenges they would face when entering adulthood.” Throughout the meeting, students were engaged. They asked follow-up questions and demonstrated genuine concern and appreciation for the speakers. Archbishop Mitty students always enjoy connecting with alumni. It is valuable to hear and see how the Monarch experience continues to shape students long after they graduate. The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program welcomes the opportunity to connect current students with more alumni next school year.
Pictured above from left to right: Alex Okafor ’05, Gabrielle Scheraga ’08, Edward Muchemu ’11, and Brianni Lyons ’07.
