On March 4, Marymount’s Student Diversity Awareness Board (SDAB) guided the Sailor community through a powerful day of connection, reflection, and collective engagement. The inaugural BRIDGE Day invited students into hands-on workshops, guest speaker presentations, and reflective activities, all rooted in the BRIDGE Day values of Building Respect, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Equity. Throughout the day, participants were encouraged to share their stories, listen deeply to others, and consider concrete ways to foster a more inclusive and compassionate school community. 

Throughout the afternoon, students participated in a series of interactive, hands-on activities led by our SDAB team. At one station, students created “be kind” bracelets for local elementary school students, adding thoughtful messages and choosing colors that reflected positivity and care. Other stations offered identity-focused activities that encouraged students to reflect on their own backgrounds, challenge assumptions, and recognize the many dimensions of identity within our community. Through these conversations and exercises, participants gained a deeper understanding of their peers’ lived experiences and the importance of empathy, allyship, and mutual respect. Together, these activities transformed the afternoon into a dynamic space for learning, connection, and meaningful engagement. Students also had the privilege of attending Thought Talks, where guest speakers shared personal stories that illustrated the lived experiences behind broader social issues. In Thought Talk A, Nina Tarnay reflected on her journey as a Vietnamese immigrant and how her experiences ultimately led her into politics, highlighting the ways perseverance and identity can shape a path toward civic leadership. Thought Talk B featured Taunya Taylor, mother of Kima Taylor ’28, who shared her personal journey navigating beauty standards and the cultural significance of Black hair. Her story opened a conversation about representation, identity, and the ways cultural expectations influence self-image. In Thought Talk C, Monica Nagami spoke about her experience as a Latina woman working in finance and the importance of representation in professional spaces that have historically lacked diversity. She was joined by alumna Christie Clough Bishop ’97, who discussed her experience as a caregiver and emphasized the often unseen labor involved in supporting others.

In addition to workshops and speaker sessions, students gathered for a cultural food fair, where treats representing different family traditions were shared throughout the community. The event offered a simple but meaningful way for students to celebrate the diversity within the Marymount community while learning more about their peers’ cultures and backgrounds.

Led by the Student Diversity Awareness and Service Boards, BRIDGE Day created space for reflection, dialogue, and connection. Through thoughtful conversations and shared experiences, the day reinforced a belief central to Marymount’s mission: the world becomes stronger when every individual is treated with dignity, respect, and compassion.