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mlk jr day

On Monday, January 20, the Emma Willard School community braved snowy weather to be together in person for our annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. With a morning assembly featuring student presenters and alumnae panelists (Linda Gill Anderson ’77, Jana Dorsey ’09, and Sabine Stain ’16), plus an afternoon filled with a slate of engaging workshops, there was much to absorb.


A Student Perspective: Paloma L. ’25

On MLK Day, a moment that particularly resonated with me was when Linda Gill Anderson ’77 told the story of how she followed her “blueprint” of service to become the director of membership for the American Public Transportation Association. She was inspired to enter the field of transportation because of how hard her grandmother worked simply to get to her job at a hotel. To me, Linda Gill Anderson’s story is a powerful metaphor for the heart of DEI work: making it easier for everyone to arrive at where they are going. Thank you so much to all who made MLK Day such a meaningful experience!

Linda Gill Anderson ’77

Linda Gill Anderson ’77 shared her wisdom with the Emma community during the MLK panel discussion.

 
An Alum Perspective: Jana Dorsey ’09

Being back on Mount Ida on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day was a breath of fresh air (coupled with a bit of snow)! Engaging with faculty and staff who knew and taught me almost 20 years ago was an unimaginable feeling in the best way. It was wonderful to hear directly from current students about their experiences at Emma alongside my very own classmates and close friends, Sylvia Muñoz Randall ’09 and Laura Newcombe ’09. 

Being able to have lunch and engage with Black Affinity Group students and student leaders was a healing and full-circle moment. I don’t know if this was known during the planning, but in my time as a Black and Hispanic Awareness Club co-head circa 2007, we actually used to meet as a club in that exact same room (Kellas Little).

The entire day was organized exceptionally. As both an educator and Emma alumna, I remain deeply inspired by this day overall. From the beautiful poems and songs to the panel to the workshops–everything was outstanding and a true gift to be a part of. I am profoundly grateful to Prince Botchway, Gemma Halfi, Yuri O. ’25, Ash L-S. ’25, and the incredible Advancement Team for the hard work and hours they all put into curating this day for the entire community. 

A quote that will stay with me is one that was infused in the mini-play by faculty members Flawson and Guangyu—“Art is Justice.” I am reminded of the remarkable ways in which art is threaded into the fabric of Equity, Belonging, Inclusion, and Justice work. 

My cup was filled throughout the day, be it from my fellow alumnae panelists, Sabine Stain ’16 and Linda Gill Anderson ’77, to students, faculty, and staff to the amazing workshop presenters. 

two performers on stage

Language Instructor Guangyu Hao and Performing Arts Instructor Faith Lawson presented a mini-play exploring what an alien civilization might learn from the art that is created on Earth, which included the line, "Art is Justice."

 
An EMployee Perspective: Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Prince Botchway

I am truly grateful for how beautifully MLK Day came together and deeply appreciative of everyone who contributed to making it such a meaningful and impactful experience. I was inspired by the incredible talents and strengths of our students and faculty—their heartfelt participation in the morning program and their leadership in equity workshops were truly remarkable.

As I moved between sessions, I was filled with joy and pride, witnessing their engagement, passion, and dedication. Seeing the entire Emma community unite to honor Dr. King's legacy was a profound moment, embodying the essence of creating “Your Life’s Blueprint.” Their reflections seamlessly connected to Dr. King's teachings, reinforcing the importance of clarity of purpose and intentional action.

It was a privilege to witness such thoughtful leadership and a shared commitment to equity in action, a day that truly showcased the best of our community.
 

An EMployee Perspective: Associate Head of Institutional Equity and Inclusion Gemma Halfi

I’m so proud to work in a school that savors the opportunity to observe this important holiday in community with one another. The Office of DEI has been planning and hosting our MLK Day celebrations since 2021, and it just keeps getting better and better each year, the reason being our beautiful community and all of the contributions to the day. Each year, more and more students and EMployees alike feel a strong pull to be fully engaged in the day, whether it is by reciting a poem, performing a song, hosting an equity workshop, meeting with our alumnae from the panel, or just being an actively engaged participant soaking in all of the wonderful offerings of the day. Partnering with Mr. Botchway on his first MLK Day at Emma Willard was truly inspirational— he brought his whole heart to the process. What a gift to our community!

Gemma Halfi and Prince Botchway speaking at a podium

Gemma Halfi and Prince Botchway lead the community in the MLK Day assembly


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