Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

As the Director of Community and Campus Inclusion, I work in partnership with faculty, staff, students, parents and stakeholders to uphold our shared commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Rooted in our Catholic identity and the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, we strive to “love the dear neighbor without distinction,” recognizing that every person is created in the image and likeness of God. 

My goal at STA is to ensure that all voices are heard and that all cultures and identities are celebrated. I am committed to fostering a community where faculty, staff and students feel a true sense of belonging. Belonging, as defined by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), is “the emotional and experiential outcome of inclusion. All humans share the need to be taken in, cared for, protected, and valued by a group, community or organization.” This is the goal we strive for every day. Belonging is essential to an academic environment that nurtures healthy, holistic individuals who are courageous enough to lead and compassionate enough to serve. We are a school that fosters respectful exchange of ideas and discourse. When faculty, staff, and students know they belong and feel valued, they are more willing to take the academic, professional, social and creative risks necessary for growth and development. 

One of STA’s core values states, “We believe that recognizing each person’s authentic self and the multitude of differences that exist in our society creates a meaningful community built on mutual respect and dignity for all.” We all need to feel loved, valued and protected. Engaging in open dialogue about identity, culture and society creates space for empathy, respect and authenticity to flourish. Everyone is to be included and treated with dignity and respect.

At St. Teresa’s Academy, we envision graduates who are empathetic, critical thinkers, empowered changemakers and inclusive neighbors. Our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is about fostering academic excellence, rigor and respect. Our dedication to this mission is reflected in the formation of young women who are ethical, adaptable global citizens, prepared to honor each person’s story and advocate for justice in a complex world. 

Kaliyah Meriwether, MS
Director of Community & Campus
Inclusion/STAR Seminar Coordinator
kmeriwether@stteresasacademy.org
816-501-0396

• Diversity: The full range of human differences within overarching similarities. These characteristics include, but are not limited to ability, age, class, educational attainment, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, and religion). 
• Equity: The state that would exist if race, ethnicity, or other demographic traits were not correlated with outcomes. Equity also denotes fairness—assessing and addressing individual and group needs. It is not synonymous with equality.
• Inclusion: The condition that exists when policies, practices, and other actions create equal opportunities, access, voice, respect, and support in an organizational context or culture.
• Belonging: Fulfillment of the human need to be taken in, cared-for, protected, and valued by a group, community, or organization. Belonging is created through actions that express affinity, empathy, generosity, and more.

Involvement in student-led organizations at STA allow students to immerse themselves into the culture of our sisterhood and celebrate the differences among us. They include:

• GSA
• Interfaith Alliance Group
• Social Justice Club
• Stars for Women’s Rights

Joining a student affinity group is a perfect way for students to support diverse communities.

• Asian/Asian American Affinity Group
• Black Student Coalition
• Hispanic Affinity Group

We celebrate the diversity in our student body with cultural celebrations throughout the year.

• Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
• Black History Month
• Hispanic Heritage Month
• Native American History Month

Students, faculty, and staff at St. Teresa’s Academy lead and participate in a wide variety of educational events, training, and hands-on experiences to continue to support STA’s mission to “love the dear neighbor without distinction.”

While everything that we do is guided by Catholic faith and social teaching, we appreciate and understand everyone practices faith and serves the dear neighbor uniquely. Campus Ministry provides a space for all faith traditions to come together in worship through service learning and service projects, participation in Mass, and so much more. 

Parents are encouraged to participate in the Star Galaxy Committee. Star Galaxy’s goal is to help bridge the gap in communication between school and home, equip parents to embrace and support the mission of STA, and further promote love for the dear neighbor. Meetings are open to any parent who wishes to learn more about diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at STA, and share their own thoughts, experiences and perspectives about how we can all make a difference. A variety of topics are covered in our Star Galaxy Committee.