On Saturday February 6, 2016 several members of the College of Charleston’s ROAR Scholars Program, SCOPE – Students, Office of Institutional Diversity (Diversity Advocates) and Peer Facilitators from the Center for Excellence in Peer Education (CEPE) attended the annual Student Leadership Diversity Conference hosted at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina.
Three groups from the College of Charleston presented at the conference. The CEPE Peer Facilitators from the Center for Excellence in Peer Education presented on “#CharlestsonStrong; Continuing the Diversity Conversation” and two ROAR scholars presented on, “Turning your Disability into an Ability.” Tom Holcomb, Director, ROAR scholars and Marla Robertson, Personnel Services Budget Coordinator also made a presentation on “Social Identities”.
Those from the College of Charleston that attended were introduced to a variety of speakers from around the country including: Founder of Girls on the Run and Running Mates USA, Molly Bakes as well as co- authors of #JustAChicken, Langston Moore & Preston Thorne. Molly Baker provided an overview of her life’s work and her journey across America in search of what makes people happy. Langston & Preston Thorne shared their insight regarding the meaning behind their newly released book entitled, #JustAChicken, which illustrates skills such as self- empowerment, defeating negative talk and preparing for your future by setting goals.
In addition, the Peer Facilitators and ROAR Scholars attended a variety of sessions throughout the day to gain further understanding of diversity initiatives, topics, and concerns presented by various institutions. Our students had the opportunity to network with other students and staff members to compare practices and attain fresh ideas to bring back to the College.
