In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae! Our last Q&A of the month is with Jessica Almanza-Pineda '05.
Diversity, Equity & Belonging
As a Catholic institution, founded by the Sisters of Mercy and rooted in the Mercy tradition, Mother McAuley is committed to fostering an environment that honors the dignity of every individual.
Our young women are taught the importance of the five Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and women. With these values as our guide, our administrators, educators, coaches, parents/guardians, students, and the wider McAuley community work in partnership to ensure all students feel included and valued.
We recognize the need for a thoughtful and deliberate process with measurable outcomes in order for meaningful and sustainable change to occur within our diversity, equity and belonging efforts. We will continue to listen; grow our understanding of the concepts of diversity, equity and belonging; and assess and develop our plans to best respond to the needs of our community.
Curriculum
Curriculum
The Freshman Class Dignity Workshop offers a reflective lens to foster empathy toward others through active listening, gain an understanding that the way that people walk through the world is based upon their own lived experience, and gives students the opportunity to lean into their humanity and shared experience in order to understand the difference between dignity violations and dignity honored.
Student Voice
Student Voice
McAuley continues to develop and implement equitable educational practices, opportunities, resources and expectations for all students in regards to school policy, academic placement and performance, and resource allocation.
We facilitated three Student Voice Circles in order to gather the student perspective on how the school environment at McAuley interacts with their identity markers. The purpose of these conversations is to help shape a positive school climate, where every person feels a sense of belonging within a diverse environment.
Student Life
Student Life
Students are encouraged to join the clubs and organizations which recognize and celebrate our diverse community, including the Black Student Union and Latinas Lead. The leaders and members of these organizations host meetings, plan events, participate in Chicago Archdiocese Student Advisory Group for Racial Equity and Justice, and much more.
Professional Development
Professional Development for Faculty & Staff
Faculty and staff were provided with professional development with the following goals:
-successful implementation of culturally responsive instructional techniques within the learning environment
-development of effective communication tools, shared language, and shared understanding of the student experience to enhance the sense of belonging within the school community
Student Clubs & Organizations
Black Student Union
The Black Student Union's primary objective is to empower and support our Black students. Our goal is to be a safe space to educate and inspire others about our race and culture. The Black Student Union supports the mission of Mother McAuley and the Sisters of Mercy because we will be one band, one sound as we unite in solidarity with all of our peers toward tackling the issue of racism, one of our Mercy Critical Concerns. One of the most important hallmarks of our club is inclusion - we want ALL students to join to promote positive racial relations and to enhance cultural awareness. By joining the BSU, you will form strong relationships with diverse peers, learn more about the Black race and culture, and work to empower our students and communities of color.
BSU Events
Black History Month All School Prayer Service
HBCU College Fair
Black Student Union and YADC Virtual Alumnae Panel
Chicago Archdiocese Student Advisory Group for Racial Equity and Justice
Young Women of Color Symposium
Latinas Lead
Latinas Lead is a club whose purpose is to bring unity within the Latino community around us. Our goal is to become a safe place where we can discuss and highlight issues, and also empower and support Latinas that walk the McAuley hallways. Latinas Lead will also be used as an educational platform where we can teach non-Latinas the importance and highlights of our culture. Latinas Lead is for everyone, and we want to encourage others, especially Latinas, to use their voices to speak and discuss issues like differences and challenges we all face.
Latinas Lead Events
Hispanic Heritage Month Closing Celebration Prayer Service & Breakfast
Latinas Lead Fiesta de Independencia
Diversity, Equity & Belonging School News
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae! Our third Q&A is with Julissa Gomez '20.
This morning, our entire school community gathered together for a wonderful prayer service in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae! Our second Q&A is with Elizabeth Guerrero Fonseca '09.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, our Latinas Lead Club and Alumnae Office have partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating our trailblazing Hispanic alumnae! Our first Q&A is with Catalina Delgado '19, an Illini graduate of 2023 currently working in advertising at the renowned agency, Leo Burnett.
Yesterday's Club Fair was a big success. Thanks to everyone who signed up to get involved in one of our 40+ student organizations!
Our entire school community gathered together this afternoon for our Black History Month Prayer Service! Thank you to our Black Student Union for hosting the beautiful service filled with community, prayer, reflection, dance, music and stories.
In honor of Black History Month, our Black Student Union and Alumnae Office partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating distinguished Black alumnae. Next up is Avan Alleyne '16!
Our Black Student Union explored a variety of career paths from guest speakers at their Cultural Spotlight: Career Edition Panel! Mother McAuley and Brother Rice students had the opportunity to hear from a Research Scientist, Investment Accountant, Family Nurse Practitioner, Licensed Esthetician, and CPD Detective.
In honor of Black History Month, our Black Student Union and Alumnae Office partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating distinguished Black alumnae. Next up is Angel Idowu '12!
Our Latinas Lead club attended the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference last week. The USHLI Conference provides an extraordinary opportunity for students and young professionals to interact with recruiters, national policy-makers, and future employers
In honor of Black History Month, our Black Student Union and Alumnae Office partnered to create a Q&A series celebrating distinguished Black alumnae. Next up is Phalon Davis-Barnes '16!