# data[].attributes.body
I was born in NY but was raised in San Salvador, El Salvador until I was 5 years old by a single mother. We fled back to the US when the civil war came to our doorsteps and it was no longer safe to stay in our home. We saw neighbors executed and although several bullets came through our walls, our lives were spared by the grace of God. I had to learn English in the ESL classes but luckily Westbury schools had an excellent program.  I am a fast learner and quickly advanced to the Honors classes and graduated HS second in my class with all AP courses.  I was blessed to grow up in a diverse school district and had friends from different nationalities. Growing up with such beautiful diversity opened my eyes to different cultures which continued in college and at work. I worked at the Boys & Girls Club in Hempstead where I was able to help children and their families maneuver the obstacles they faced in their school district. I love helping the families that have migrated to NY for a better life, as I understand the struggles they face everyday. It is sad to see on the news how our nation has become divided and hatred for "others" is so out in the open, as if that's acceptable. I know first hand that racism has always existed because my family has experienced it. Because of my light skin tone and fluent English, some people are surprised to learn I am Latina. I am proud of my Salvadorian heritage and am raising my daughter to speak Spanish to keep her deeply rooted in our culture, as she also does not "look" Latina. I believe she will probably face discrimination from other Latino classmates once she attends school for not being "Spanish enough" as I once did, but I hope she will be strong enough to brush it off. Although the news seems bleak, I hope we can work together to make positive changes. I refuse to lose hope and believe the next generation can be better than us. I feel that the last president we had helped to divide our nation but I think we can continue to make progress as long as people stand up to fight injustice and make our voices heard.

# data[].attributes.body
I am an only child who was born in Nassau County.  I am of Sicilian and Irish decent.  I grew up in a small town, of mostly white inhabitants.  Through my educational experiences I have worked in a multitude of different communities and of diverse backgrounds.  I am spiritual, but do not practice religion regularly.  I am Catholic and did grow up attending church frequently.  Through personal experiences and athletics I have played alongside teammates from all diverse backgrounds.  My culture and family are very important to me and I still carry forward many traditions that I grew up with.  I am eager to continue to learn about diverse cultures and embrace our DEI initiative at the building level.

# data[].attributes.body
Kathryn Walsh

Who am I…

I was born in Nassau County (Mercy Medical Center) to Freeport teachers.  My mom is 100% Italian (½ Sicilian and ½ Neapolitan).  My Dad was 100% Irish (County Cork, Ireland).  The combo makes me, of course, ½ and ½.  My two siblings and I are third generation Americans.  I come from waking up on Sunday mornings to the smell of meatballs frying in olive oil and garlic.  The sauce would simmer all day on the stove and was served each Sunday at our home after church at Our Holy Redeemer on Ocean Ave.  Both parents were devout Catholics.  My mom actually wanted to become a nun when she was young.  My dad was equally serious about golf.  One might say it was his 2nd religion.  Happily, I went through Freeport schools with plenty of friends.  Freeport was primarily comprised of Black, Hispanic, and White families; much as it is today.  I find it a blessing that I grew up in Freeport and am working here as a teacher.  I use my position to teach equality and compassion.  My lessons most often include small caveats so that all of my students feel included and protected.  I’m saddened by all of the political talk as of late.  The racist word is constantly being thrown around.  There is a more effective way to speak about the problems in the United States and the World.  We need to get to the root of the issues.  We need to communicate and educate.  We need to have better conversations and REALLY listen to one another.  We need to put on many pairs of shoes before we form opinions.  I’m excited to be a part of this committee.  Thank you for including me.

# data[].attributes.body
I am an only child to an immigrant Mexican mother and first generation American/ Jewish father, I think I am a form of diversity. Despite being raised as American and Catholic, throughout my childhood, I identified more as Mexican and Jewish. I often experience a positive reaction when others hear how well I can speak two languages. 45 years later and my mother still receives many negative reactions when others hear the accent she has when she speaks in her second language. I’ve been placed in awkward situations due to my diverse background, I’ve also been complimented on how understanding I am due to my diverse background. I didn’t think much of it then but I’ve always had it easy finding little personalized family figures and dolls that matched my features. Today, the only ornament I can get that looks like my family costs double on etsy. Action figures and dolls..Not easy either. I now experience life through a different lens. I include my students’ culture, race, and/or ethnic background as much as possible. I strive to give my students with role models, music, culture, famous figures, historical figures, display pictures, books, authors, etc that they can relate to.

# data[].attributes.body
Share who you are.  Using a diversity, equity, or inclusion lens...what has been your experience?

# data[].attributes.body
I was born and raised in USA however my parents migrated from Jamaica in the 70's so I identify as a Caribbean-American Black Woman.  Despite speaking the same language (English) there are cultural nuances that force me to think as an immigrant.  Using that immigrant mindset tenacity and hard work were instilled and demanded.   As a woman of color it is my role particularly in a school setting is to model respect and pride.