On March 12, the Upper School community came together for Building Bridges, a day-long, student-led conference designed to deepen self-awareness, spark curiosity, and cultivate empathy. Grounded in this year’s theme, “A Celebration of Us … Fostering our Connections in the Face of Adversity,” the program invited students and faculty to engage in meaningful conversations and shared experiences that strengthen community and a love of learning.

 

The day began with a welcome in the Simpson Center, followed by an inspiring keynote from author and physician Dr. Radha Lin Chaddah. Born in London to an East Indian father and a Malaysian Chinese mother, Dr. Chaddah grew up in Kenya, the UK, and the United States. She majored in Biology at the University of Chicago, earned medical and law degrees at the University of Illinois, and a Master of Public Health at Harvard University. She completed Internal Medicine residency training and later practiced at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School in Boston.

 

Drawing from her diverse career and global experiences, Dr. Chaddah spoke candidly about embracing life’s unexpected paths, encouraging students to follow their passions and trust in their own resilience. Her message resonated deeply: confidence is not about having all the answers, but about believing in your ability to find them. A brief reading from her novel, And the Ancestors Sing, offered a powerful reflection on identity, history, and belonging.

 

In the weeks leading up to the conference, Dr. Chaddah also engaged the Baldwin community through a discussion of her novel, which is a sweeping, multigenerational story set in post-Cultural Revolution China that explores resilience and the enduring pull of home.

 

Throughout the Building Bridges day, students participated in a wide range of interactive sessions, including a Social Identity activity, homeroom discussions, and three workshop blocks that explored topics aligned with the conference’s mission. A grade-level “This or That” activity and an all-school closing exercise further reinforced themes of connection and shared understanding.

 

Extending the impact beyond students, faculty and staff participated in a concurrent professional development workshop led by Shane Lloyd, Chief Diversity Officer at Baker Tilly, titled “Shaping Critical Conversations that Promote a Sense of Belonging.” This interactive session focused on practical strategies for fostering inclusive dialogue and strengthening a sense of belonging across the school community.

 

Building Bridges continues to be a cornerstone of the Upper School experience and an opportunity for every member of the community to listen, reflect, and grow together.