Former Baldwin Head Honored at the 2025 MCRC@ADVIS DEIJB Conference

Baldwin faculty and staff joined educators, advocates and changemakers at the 2025 MCRC@ADVIS DEIJB Conference to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Mid-Atlantic Region Diversity Conference and the 10th anniversary of its merger with ADVIS. The conference focused on legacy, progress and the future of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice and belonging (DEIJB) in education. Baldwin faculty led workshops and participated in panels throughout the day, engaging in civil dialogue and thought leadership.

 

A highlight of the day was the inaugural Blair Stambaugh Ally Award, presented to Baldwin’s former Head of School in recognition of her visionary leadership and lasting impact on equity in independent schools. Blair, who hosted the first Mid-Atlantic Regional Diversity Conference (now MCRC) in 1990, used her position to elevate historically marginalized voices — especially girls of color — and championed justice, inclusion and belonging throughout her career.

 

Going forward, the award will honor individuals who, like Blair, embody allyship through action — those who lead with humility, accountability and courage to create lasting institutional change. It serves as both a tribute to Stambaugh’s legacy and a reminder that authentic allyship means showing up, listening and building equity into the foundation of school communities.

 

During the conference, Blair also participated in a keynote panel titled “MCRC @ 35 — Stories of Purpose, Power & Progress, Legacy, Strength and Vision.” Joined by fellow pioneers of the movement, the panel served as both retrospective and roadmap, reflecting on the formative years of equity work in education and envisioning the future. Through personal narratives and powerful storytelling, the panelists offered a reminder: the fight for equity is generational, evolving and deeply rooted in community.

 

In addition to Blair’s recognition, Baldwin stood out as a force at the conference, with multiple faculty and staff presenting impactful sessions across a wide range of topics. Each presentation contributed a vital perspective to the collective dialogue, bridging theoretical frameworks with practical strategies.

 

Gabbie Álvarez-Spychalski (P ’20, ’27), Middle School Dean of Students and Spanish Teacher, tackled the topic of “Middle School Affinity Groups.” Citing William Cross’s Black American Racial Identity Development Model, Gabbie highlighted the critical need for affinity spaces for young adolescents. Participants left the session with tangible tools to launch or strengthen such groups in their own schools, recognizing that identity formation begins long before high school.

Liz Koster, Middle School Counselor, led a transformative session on “Redefining Health: Fighting Anti-Fatness and Cultivating Body Neutrality,” challenging dominant narratives around body size and public health. Through a lens of body neutrality, Liz encouraged educators to reimagine wellness in ways that affirm all bodies, equipping participants with tools to promote body-positive and inclusive environments.

In a timely and relevant workshop, Athan Biss (P ’34, ’37), Baldwin’s Coordinator of Academic Innovation and History Teacher, explored “Teaching Students' Rights Using Hair and the First Amendment: A Case Study (Daryl George v. Barbers Hill ISD).” Using Street Law’s groundbreaking legal education curriculum and the CROWN (Creating a Respectful and Open World to Natural Hair) Act as a legal backdrop, Athan guided attendees through a model lesson that brings civil liberties and cultural expression into the classroom.

 

Addison Lilholt, Chair of Baldwin’s Computer Science & Engineering Department, turned the lens toward technology in “Unmasking Bias in AI: Teaching Implicit Bias By Making Your Own Machine Learning Model.” Participants not only built their own models but also examined how algorithmic systems can reflect — and amplify — bias. Addison offered critical insights into the ethical dimensions of AI and strategies for fostering tech literacy and equity awareness.

 

On a panel titled “Let Us March On Til’ Victory Is Won: The History and Experiences of DEI Practitioners in Independent Schools and Their Hopes for the Future,” Carolyn Jones Berry ’73, Baldwin’s Director of DEI, joined fellow practitioners to share the joys and challenges of leading DEI efforts. With honesty and resilience, panelists unpacked the emotional labor of the work, the evolving landscape of resistance and the sustaining power of joy and self-care.

 

In a practical and therapeutic session, Kate Hunter, Upper School Counselor, led “Reasoning with Unreasonable People: Master Skills to Manage Challenges with Confidence and Clarity In and Outside of the Classroom,” a workshop on navigating interpersonal conflict with grace and clarity. Offering grounding techniques, boundary-setting tools and emotional regulation strategies, Kate empowered attendees to manage stress while preserving relationships — in and out of the classroom.

 

From the legacy honored in the keynote panel to the fresh perspectives shared in each session, the 2025 MCRC@ADVIS DEIJB Conference was a testament to the enduring power of community and the necessity of this work. Whether participants were veterans of the movement or just beginning their journey, the message was clear: there is space — and need — for every voice. This year’s conference served not just as a professional development opportunity, but as a reminder of purpose. Together, the educators in attendance affirmed their commitment to shaping schools — and societies — where everyone feels seen, heard and empowered.