Empowerment through community: Students gather for conference

By Mack Eon 

This past Saturday, February 28^th at noon, students and faculty alike gathered in the Meehan Great Room for the Student Empowerment Conference.  

The Conference featured a luncheon, an alumni panel, and three workshops, before an award presentation.  

Hosted through intercultural affairs, Director Teddi Nguyen Lydon explained the purpose behind the conference.  

“It’s about community, and providing diverse students an opportunity to be with each other, especially at a PWI (predominantly white institution), where they are often the only person of color in their class,” she said.  

Nguyen Lydon also emphasized the importance of the event for students who come from diverse backgrounds.  

“It’s important to create an environment where they can be with people similar to them, who enjoy similar food, and are from similar cultures. This event is an acknowledgment that their identity matters,” she said.  

Dr. Stanley Thangaraj spoke about leadership, emphasizing the importance of being present at events such as the conference. 

“The reason I’m here is to support students as organizers and leaders. At institutions like this, the work of organizers and leaders is done by students, and I’m here to support that,” he said. 

Arthur Nsubuga ‘28, the Black Student Union President, explained that conferences like this are crucial for student empowerment and that empowerment is a community effort. 

“Empowerment is not just about yourself, but also about uplifting those around you and helping them through their own struggles. Make sure that as you go through life and break barriers, make sure you help others understand how they can push barriers as well,” he said. 

Juliette Bloom ‘27, the Co-President of the Pride Club, emphasized that events like this could be inspiring for students. 

“This is important for students, especially in underrepresented communities, as they can be inspired to leadership.  

Erica Dabanka '26, the Student Government Association Diversity Chair, explained why students should care about events like these.  

“I think students should care about this because, overall, college can feel very transactional. You go in for academics, go home, complete that cycle, and events like this allow you to take control of that transactional environment, take control of their power, and make change,” she said. 

Dabanka also highlighted the importance of faculty interaction at events such as the conference. 

“Faculty can also connect with students in a less structured way and connect with student leaders in a way they wouldn’t be able to otherwise.”  

The event concluded with the presentation of two FOCA awards- FOCA standing for Faculty of Color Association. Teddy Nguyen Lydon explained the award's criteria.  

“It goes to a student who has shown dedication and commitment in their leadership, specifically on social justice issues,” she said. 

This year’s winners were Elijah Byrd ‘27 and Vivian Chen ‘26.