Fall 2023 will be 
the 11th annual 
MARD Conference!

The Mid-Atlantic Region Diversity Conference was started by a group of students and their advisors from Abington Friends School and Perkiomen School in the 2012-2013 school year. The goal was to have a regional student-led diversity experience.  In its ninth year, MARD now serves over 300 students from over 30 different schools each year.  The conference includes racial and cultural affinity groups, student-led discussions, a keynote address from noted activist and speaker, Dr. Rodney Glasgow, and time for fun and fellowship.

After the first year, conference planners decided to arrange for a professional development experience for adults in attendance.  Chaperones now have the option of participating in diversity programming led by Rodney Glasgow.  The focus of this work is on Fierce Conversations and leading diversity initiatives in school communities. 

Students from Abington Friends School, Perkiomen School, and Friends Select School will facilitate breakout groups.

Beyond the conference, MARD planners now sponsor the Diversity Summit for Upper School Diversity Leaders biannually. 

Where?  Friends SElect School
(registration and opening keynote will be at Friends Center at 1501 Cherry STreet)

Contact Us

Questions about MARD?  

Please contact:
​
Conference Director
Toni Graves Williamson, Director of Equity and Inclusion @ Friends Select School
tonigw@friends-select.org

​Conference Partner
Mikael Yisrael, Director of Equity, Justice, and Engagement @ Abington Friends School
myisrael@abingtonfriends.net

​Conference Partner
Khalil McFarlane, Dean of Students @ Perkiomen School
kmcfarlane@perkiomen.org