In preparation for the 2024 Presidential election, Bay Path held several events to inspire students to vote and learn more about the issues on the ballot. After the election, there were several events to sort out the results and realities of life when change happens. Bay Path University and Cambridge College held similar events highlighting change, leadership, and fortitude as a follow-up to the recent Presidential election. While everyone understood the moment of change, students, faculty, and staff welcomed the opportunity to understand more about how every citizen's voice will contribute to creating the world in which we live, work, and study.
"Being the Change That You Wish to See" event at Bay Path University
According to Dean Dinah Moore, the room was filled with inspiration at the "Being the Change That You Wish to See" event on Wednesday, November 13, at Bay Path.
Panelists included:
- Yvette Frisby (CEO of the Urban League of Springfield)
- Ellen Moorhouse (Communications and Marketing Director, Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women)
- LaTonia Naylor (School Committee Member, Springfield Public Schools).
"Their voices filled our hearts with hope, peace, knowledge, wisdom, and passion as they discussed how we could work together and make our communities better places with each of our helping hands," adds Dean Moore. The panel discussed the importance of personal resilience and the motivation to continue in the face of challenges. The presenters, along with the event committee members (Bianca Romero, Jeannette Mojica, Dr. Jennifer Wade, Lidon Weatherly, Megan Pierson, Ramona East, Dr.Robert Surbrug, Dr. Tanya Coles-Dailey, and Dean Moore), discussed strategies for building a more inclusive world -- first by encouraging students to begin with themselves and their communities.
The event at Cambridge College - Hear My Soul Speaks
Thanks to Dr. FeLisa Albert, DrPH (Dr. A), Cambridge College's Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Success Coaching, and Ed Stone, Cambridge College Senior Faculty, the panel session event was held for her class, and other invited students on Tuesday, November 11 (6 pm) at Cambridge College.
Facilitators:
- Dr. FeLisa Albert, DrPH (Dr. A), Cambridge College Assistant Director of Academic Advising and Success Coaching
- Ed Stone, Cambridge College Senior Faculty, Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), School Social Worker/School Adjustment Counselor
Speakers included:
- Karyn Glemaud-Anis, Program Chair, Undergraduate Programs at MIT Sloan and Cambridge College adjunct
- Tahia Bell-Sykes, Adjunct Faculty, Management and Education at Cambridge College
- Traci Talbert, Bay Path University /Cambridge College Adjunct Faculty
- Bay Path Assistant Professor Janine Fondon, MFA, and Curator for the "Voices of Resilience" exhibit
- Springfield College Professor (retired) Janine Spinola Taylor
- University of Massachusetts Amherst Associate Professor Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, who is also director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at the University.
- Dinah Moore, Bay Path University Dean of Students and Engagement
Dr. Albert (Dr. A) said, "This semester, I am fortunate enough to teach BHS 470: Field Education, which is considered the internship course for the Human Services program at Cambridge College. I am so honored to share space with a class made up entirely of women, most of whom are women of color. Based on this historic Presidential Election, coupled with many classroom discussions, I decided to invite a group of Black women leaders across various fields, as well as professors from Cambridge College (and members of Bay Path University), to join me in a virtual conversation that focuses on Black fortitude, psychological safety, empowerment, self-care, and well-being. Our time together is not about trauma-bonding, but more so to celebrate each other and carry forward the legacy of strength, resilience and perseverance of those who came before us."
Student Reflection
Cambridge College student Loren Mills said, "I have never been afforded the opportunity, honor, or privilege to be in a space with so many amazing and inspiring women of color. Yes, I've seen it on TV and even heard about such occasions, but I have never been able to experience it. I ask myself, well, why not? Is it because I've never worked with other women of color who have held leadership roles? Dr. A presented her class with a real-world, hands-on view of possibilities in the flesh. I left class on Tuesday feeling even more inspired than I had been previously."
Reflecting on the panel, another Cambridge College student, Chrystie Towne, said, "I felt incredibly moved. Watching these beautiful women of color—each one a professional who has faced and overcome so much—share their thoughts on "black fortitude" was powerful. When they talked about resilience, perseverance, and strength, they were speaking straight to the heart of what it means to navigate this world as women of color. They talked about hope, persistence, and the resilience that requires you to show up repeatedly, no matter the challenges or weight placed on you. It made me think about how resilience isn't just something you have; it's something you grow and requires so much inner strength. Their words and presence left me in awe—not just because of the battles they've won, but because of their inner and outer beauty. These women have every reason to feel proud of themselves. Listening to them reminded me of what true strength looks like. I walked away motivated and grateful for the chance to hear their stories."
Dean Moore commented: "The authenticity, transparency, and truth spoken in the virtual space were powerful and touched not only the students but everyone who was present, including both Bay Path University and Cambridge College faculty and staff. Thank you, Dr. Albert, for placing us in the same virtual space to meet one another and share our story of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging with each of your wonderful students!"
In both Bay Path and Cambridge College sessions, attendees and speakers of all backgrounds shared the opportunity of hope for a future where all voices are heard, respected, and included. Above all, we must walk together to amplify the message of education and meet each other where we are as we build shared spaces of hope and leadership today and tomorrow.
