The mission of GRDIA is to create and foster an environment where all people feel welcome and included in our Glen Ridge community.
The GRDIA seeks to engage, educate, and equip
our community with knowledge and understanding of diverse and multi-cultural experiences to create an environment in which all children can thrive.
GRDIA Organizations
Visit our community-lead coalitions for more information.
The Glen Ridge Diversity and Inclusion Association is a non profit civic organization formed to address the gaps of diversity and inclusion in Glen Ridge Public Schools. The goal of GRDIA is to have an open dialogue with the GRPS Administrator and BOE to work towards measurable actions to improve DEI in the school system so that all students can thrive in our global environment.
The GRDIA continues to evolve with the inclusion of new constituencies to promote DEI in our community.
Leadership
Co-Leaders
Marylou Cabrera
Nicole Quallis
Board Members
Regina L. Henry
Linella Gavin
Karima Ravenell
Education. Inclusion. Support. Alliance.
GRDIA’s goals are centered around creating and fostering an environment of inclusion, support and alliance in two key areas, education within the Glen Ridge School District and support of students in the Glen Ridge community at large.
An Inclusive Education
To encourage diversity among teachers, administrators and community leaders.
To support a culture of multi-faceted teaching and learning approaches with diverse curricula which will raise the performance across all levels of education in the district.
To help inspire acceptance, appreciation and fellowship among students.
A Supportive Community
We seek to encourage inclusiveness and allyship throughout the entire community. Our objectives in this space are:
To facilitate cultural awareness through events, education, and activities.
To create a safe space for students and families to connect and relate.
To identify and understand underlying microaggressions felt within various student communities and to encourage behavioral shifts to address those microaggressions.
The Way Forward
Our Strategic Goals
To encourage greater diversity in hiring within the Glen Ridge Public School system
To support an ongoing program of diversity training and education for educators and administrators within Glen Ridge Public Schools
To advocate for a more robust multi-cultural education curricula throughout Glen Ridge Public Schools
To establish greater cultural awareness of diverse communities through events and activities