B.E.S.T. Member School DEI Practitioners Gathering
February 11, 2025
Last week, B.E.S.T. convened Member School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practitioners at Roland Park Country School (RPCS) for a morning focused on building connections and highlighting the vital work being done in our schools to support and affirm B.E.S.T. students in predominantly white environments. B.E.S.T. Executive Director Jessica Suriano shared the various ways in which B.E.S.T. works in partnership with our Member Schools to support the student experience. Alecia Pridgen, Director of Enrollment Management, gave an overview of the application process timeline. Crystal Lee ’96, a B.E.S.T. / Garrison Forest Alumna and B.E.S.T. Deputy Director, highlighted special funding initiatives aimed at addressing the needs of K-12 students across our Member Schools. Peggy Bittner, Director of Programs and Alumni Relations, then detailed the various program areas that support both current students and alumni, including Community Building, College Readiness, Transitions, Leadership Opportunities, and Connections to External Opportunities.
Courtney Dixon, Program Manager for Building Inclusive Cultures at RPCS, guided the group through a facilitated conversation and reflection focused on affirming, uplifting, and celebrating one another.
A special thank you to Elisha James, Assistant Head of School for Culture, Community, and Belonging, and Courtney Dixon for hosting and partnering with us to create this impactful program.
