I admit that having lived in the city for over three and a half years, I do not get to as many of these events as I’d like to. But this panel was a pleasant reminder of the wonderful conversations that happen when you get a bunch of Smithies in a room together. The diversity and inclusion discussion featured a panel of Smithies working in various industries and across the identity spectrums.
While my girl Nkechi Nneji was absent due to illness, it was still a delight to hear Claudia Chan, Jennifer Chrisler, Casey Grayson (fellow film film scholar and current New School classmate, apparently!), moderator and event organizer, Ileana Jimenez, Jennifer Matos, Mona Ghosh Sinha, and Sophie Wallace talk about intersectionality with regards to their identities, stories of their Smith days where these identities were questioned, challenged, and strengthened, and how these and future experiences would shape their careers and passions.
Highlights for me personally included Mona’s simple plea to really take the time to learn what you’re good at and then be great it; Claudia Chan reminded us how we as women, are our own worst critics, and to practice silencing the negativity in our heads so that we may flourish; (both are notions I need to accept, internalize, and practice regularly) Jennifer Chrisler told us of when she was invited to the white house for the signing of proLGBT legistation and upon meeting President Obama told him that it was nice, but it simply wasn’t enough. Jennifer Matos spoke passionately about her experiences from promoting an environment where marginalized students at Mt. Holyoke could feel safe and included, to the frustrations and micro-aggressions she faces in her classroom every year from students challenging her knowledge and expertise despite holding a PhD in the field. And Sophie Wallace has a project called Cliteracy. Enough said.
It was so nice to recognize so many faces (catching up with documentary filmmaker before the panel was a treat), and to chat with some new ones as well.
Overall, feeling inspired and ready to take on the world, starting with these final projects! Hell yea Smithies lead!
a nik at knight production 