The West Hartford Community of Concern will host an educational and interactive event celebrating diversity and empowerment on Feb. 20.

Submitted

The West Hartford Community of Concern committee, sponsored by Conard, Hall, and Sedgwick PTOs, is hosting an important community event to help better understand and embrace our diverse school community from the perspective of mothers from different backgrounds and life experiences, and to provide students with encouragement through their mothers’ shared stories.

“Moms’ Voices Celebrating Diversity and Empowerment” will be moderated by Dr. Nancy DePalma, retired West Hartford Public Schools administrator, on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 169, Conard High School, 110 Beechwood Rd, West Hartford.

Six Hall and Conard High School moms from unique and diverse backgrounds will share their thoughts and experiences about their work, lives, and raising children in the West Hartford community. Panelists include Jonna Gerken, FY18 President, Society of Women Engineers (Hall); Lulu Murphy, Paraprofessional, Charter Oak Elementary School (Hall); Carmen Yiamouyiannis, Professor in Science, Capital Community College (Hall); Maria Cruz, Senior Administrative Analyst for the City of Hartford (Conard); Karlene Joseph, Head of Product and Programs, Third Bridge Group (Conard); and Lhakpa Sherpa, nine-time Mount Everest summiter (Conard). Yukiyo Iida, a King Philip Middle School parent, will also join the panel representing the West Hartford Parent Community Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Group.

Drinks and light Syrian refreshments will be provided. Childcare (toilet-trained 3 years and older) will be available. For childcare please contact [email protected] in advance.

West Hartford Community of Concern (CoC) was founded by the Hall High School PTO to educate parents and the community to help keep youth alcohol and drug free. Soon after the founding, the Conard High School PTO joined the CoC. While continuing to educate on substance abuse prevention, the CoC expanded its scope in response to urgent youth issues ranging from bullying, mental health, risky behavior, social media, empathy building, diversity and inclusion. The Sedgwick Middle School PTO recently joined the CoC. We hope to soon include all middle school communities and look forward to Bristow and KP joining the CoC.

West Hartford Community of Concern (CoC) Mission: to offer education and support to students and families about urgent issues faced by youth in order to help create a healthier and more inclusive community. To accomplish the mission, we work with students and families, the schools, the district, and other community organizations and agencies.

For more information about this event or the Community of Concern email [email protected].

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