Student-produced series of candid discussions about diversity, equity, inclusion and other pressing issues affecting our community. Conceived and created by student members of the SEF Student Advisory Council (SEF-SAC), the 2020-21 series featured a diverse group of guest speakers who shared their experiences and discussed challenges faced by our society.
These 30-minute interviews were recorded over Zoom and shared virtually.
Alumni panel discussion about life after Skaneateles High School and school-to-work experiences.
This was the 7th and culminating session of the speaker series. It was held as a live Zoom webinar for grades 10-12 during 9th period on Wednesday, June 9, 2021. A Q&A took place during Activity Period after regular dismissal.
SEF-SAC student moderators, Class of 2022:
• Libby Raymond
• Ethan Pickup
• Marcus McClanahan
• Ashton Bennett
Alumni guest panelists:
• Jackie Aberi, Class of 2016
• Nasya Boudreau, Class of 2013
• Ryan Callahan, Class of 2009
• Lexus R. Johnson, Class of 2009
• Kathryn Magee, Class of 2013
• Max Messie, Class of 2015
• Victoria Sakal, Class of 2010
Shafiq Jalal and Helen Glowacki are first generation immigrants to America. They join Hope, Campbell and Fatimah to share their unique experiences and stories through a panel discussion.
Release date May 19, 2021
Children of Immigrants: Health, Adjustment, and Public Assistance — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224441/
Mental Health of Immigrants — https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-020-00584-w
Resources on First Generation Immigrants’ Academic Success — https://firstgen.naspa.org/why-first-gen/why-first-gen
The Struggles of First Generation Immigrants — https://padua360.com/student-news/2019/10/02/caught-between-two-worlds-the-struggles-of-first-generation-americans/
Immigrant Paradox — https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/41337351.pdf
The SEF Student Advisory Council is joined by guests Mary Beth Frey, Executive Director, and Alison Baker, JVC and Guest Services Coordinator, from the Samaritan Center in Syracuse to discuss their work addressing homelessness and food insecurity. Since 1981, Samaritan Center has worked to fight hunger in the greater Syracuse community by providing nutritious hot meals to anyone in need 7 days a week – no questions asked. Paired with these meals is the case management support and access to services that help their guests move on to a more positive future.
Release date April 28, 2021
https://www.ifweeattheyeat.org/
Dr. Sofia Villenas, an anthropology professor at Cornell who specializes in the teaching and learning of racial justice and cultural citizenship, joins Skaneateles for Social Justice founders Cecilia Marrinan and Hope Glowacki (SCS ’18) for a discussion on anti-racism education and the importance of youth activism in our communities.
Release date April 7, 2021
Website and Resources: https://campsite.bio/skansocialjustice
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skansocialjustice/
https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/
https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co
Ellie Abdelfatah shares her personal experience as a Muslimah and wearer of the hijab. To counter effects of Islamophobia in the 21st century, she urges the need for dialogue and understanding.
In 2016, Ellie founded the non-profit organization, Community Care of Syracuse which provides New Americans, refugees, and immigrants the critical support and services needed to resettle and rebuild their lives here. Her goal is to build bridges with local services that can provide resources to refugee families. Community Care has helped hundreds of families settle in Syracuse–families that came from Syria, Somalia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Congolese, Sudan, Iraq, Jordan and Puerto Rico.
Eliie’s motto, and the way she ends every Facebook post is, “Remember to love for others what you love for yourself.”
Release date March 10, 2021
Mark Neufang has worked in a number of fields throughout his life, including the culinary arts, literacy, nonprofit operations, and theater arts as both a performer and a director. The focus of this conversation, however, is on his work as a member of and activist within the LGBTQ+ community. Mark’s work as the finance manager for Diverse & Resilient, a non-profit working to achieve health equity and improve the safety and well-being of LGBTQ people in Wisconsin, has given him a unique perspective into the supports needed for this community. Mark shares personal stories with us about his work with Diverse & Resilient, as well as stories from his own experience as an LGBTQ+ youth.
“It’s okay for everybody to live their truth.”
Released on February 24, 2021
A place to celebrate and provide representation of the LGBTQA+ community in Skaneateles, NY. This group aims to promote an inclusive, diverse community for both residents and visitors alike.
Melina Carnicelli served as the first and only female mayor of Auburn NY from 1996 to 2003. Since leaving office, she has not been any less proactive within her community. She founded the 1st Amendment 1st Vote program for high school girls in order to encourage more young women to be civically active. It was an honor to be able to speak with her, and we hope you are as inspired by her as we are!
Released on February 10, 2021
1st A-1st V, Inc is a unique, interactive “outside-the-classroom” enrichment program that aligns with NYS Social Studies Standards in offering opportunity for high school girls to engage in the US political process by gaining knowledge and practicing skills to be active community citizens, and mount/support a campaign for elected office.
The Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP), is nationally recognized as the leading source of scholarly research and current data about women’s political participation in the United States. Its mission is to promote greater knowledge and understanding about the role of women in American politics, enhance women’s influence in public life, and expand the diversity of women in politics and government.
2021-22 SEF Student Advisory Council Members
Back row: Ford Cramer, Ashton Bennett, Dan Ramsgard, *Ethan Pickup, *Ali Whipple, Maddie Wright, Kathryn Morrissey, Colin Morrissey, August Arroyo
Front row: Chessie Arias, Mia Franciamone, Mackenzie Lloyd, Lilly Marquardt, Baryl Malcolm, Libby Raymond, Kate Kissel, Fatimah Waqas, Ellie McSwain, Caroline Wells
Not shown: Cate Comer, Isabella Karpinski, Marcus McClanahan, Cindy Wu* Student Representatives on the SEF Board of Directors
