Author: Christie Williams

“We are stronger as a community when we stand up for one another.” – Tamara Beliard Rodriguez

 NSU U-School parent makes an impactful gift to support diversity and inclusion efforts as part of Nova Southeastern University’s ALL IN For NSU campaign.

Tamara Beliard Rodriguez, NSU University School (U-School) parent and Board of Advisors member, recently made a significant donation to diversity and inclusion efforts at U-School, located on Nova Southeastern University’s main campus in Davie. Her passion for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging comes from her multicultural background, and it drives her sense of responsibility to impact her community.

Tamara’s connection to U-School began when she and her husband enrolled their wonderful, multi-ethnic, and multi-racial children in it. She then took on a leadership position on the school’s advisory board, where she helped create – and now leads – the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

“If we can’t educate our kids about anti-racism and anti-discrimination, then the cycles will continue. And I do believe U-School is committed to having these conversations in the classroom encouraged by our Head of School, Dr. Kopas and his leadership team,” Tamara shared.

The Board of Advisor’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee at U-School has the mission of promoting equity and inclusivity at the school on all levels. Tamara’s selfless volunteer work with the committee sparked her desire to give back to the school with a donation during the NSU ALL IN campaign.

“I needed to find a way where I could make a long-term impact, a sustainable impact that would be filtered through the hallways, the classroom, and the culture of the school,” she continued.

Tamara’s passion for diversity and inclusion is rooted in her immigrant background. Tamara was born and raised in Haiti, where she lived until the age of nine when she moved to the United States.

“While growing up in Haiti, I was taught that if we work hard, do the right thing, and treat each other with respect, then we could accomplish anything. When I came to the U.S., it was clear that there were boundaries and barriers implicitly imposed on certain minority groups, particularly the black community.” she said.

“I have experienced discrimination, I have been discounted because they didn’t think I could do it because I was an immigrant, a woman, or black,” Tamara shared.

“I went to a local luxury store with my kids in a stroller once, and a lady said to me ‘kids are so beautiful, their mom must be so pretty.’ Her assumption reminded me that we still have a long way to go. The lady’s automatic reaction that I could not be the mom, but rather the help or someone else, told me that she was not exposed to diversity or diverse families.

“My family is so diverse, but I don’t know that we were prepared to have the conversations that we had in 2020 – but we had no choice. We have to talk about the disparities and understand how we got here.”

Tamara’s background pushes her to teach her children that diversity, inclusion, and equity are not only about being respected and free in our race and ethnicity, but also in our abilities, interests, backgrounds, sexual orientation, etc.

Tamara says, “it is not solely about race, it’s about understanding and making sure that everybody has an equitable opportunity at life… at reaching their dreams.”

“Let’s not just say it, let’s live it every day and make our kids proud. Prepare them for what they’re going to experience in the real world and then look back and say, ‘we did that.’ This is why ‘ALL IN’ is so appropriate and timely,” she concluded.

Tamara will serve as a guest speaker on the ALL IN: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Panel Discussion on April 7 from noon to 1 p.m. This special discussion focuses on thought-leadership in diversity and featuring members of the NSU community.

To make a gift to ALL IN for NSU, text ‘NSUALLIN’ to 41444 or go to nova.edu/allin

NSU U-School parents make an impact as part of Nova Southeastern University’s ALL IN For NSU campaign, triggering “The Reed Giving Challenge.”

Jenea Reed, a litigation attorney and NSU University School parent, recently showed a commitment to the institution’s diversity and inclusion efforts. Jenea and her husband Don Reed made a donation, designated to U-School as a result of their passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“I grew up in New Orleans, where my first experience with racism was at school coming from a classmate. It shaped me and stuck with me. This is why diversity is very important to me, especially in educational institutions. This is where we have a real opportunity to ignite change,” Jenea shared.

Jenea’s connection to NSU University School comes through her wonderful and diverse children, who are enrolled and active members of the U-School student body.

“It is bigger than my desire for my children to feel the impact of contributions like this,” Jenea shared. “I wanted to be able to make an impact in a more holistic, sustainable, and systemic way, and I felt there was a specific opportunity to have a deeper impact with the initiatives that U-School is doing,” Jenea continued.

The Reeds’ urge to give back is something that they work to instill in their children. They teach them to respectfully listen to the experiences of others, and intentionally focus on opportunities to serve those who need it most.

“My biggest hope is that the conversation that has been sparked by recent calls for social justice continues on, as well as the actions that need to happen to address all of those issues, especially in the classrooms,” Jenea said.

Jenea’s sense of responsibility is the foundation of The Reed Giving Challenge, a special call to all NSU alumni and friends to donate to their favorite fund or cause at NSU, during ALL IN for NSU campaign on April 7-8, 2021. All gifts may be designated to the donor’s area of choice across all colleges, funds, and initiatives at NSU.

“I don’t know how many people realize that they can specifically target a gift to a fund or initiative that’s important to them. Tailor your gift to your passions. We have to get over the fear that what we intend to give is not enough or not impactful. No gift is too small and whatever you can do, will have an impact,” Jenea concluded.

To make a gift to ALL IN for NSU, text ‘NSUALLIN’ to 41444 or go to nova.edu/allin