This lively session will focus on the importance of positive identity and representation as well as age-appropriate conversations to build courage in the kids in your life to combat racism.
Facilitators
Megan Akatu
Megan is the Director of Business Development in University Events, connecting campus and external groups with educational conferences and memorable experiences at the Morris Inn, Notre Dame Stadium and the new McKenna Hall in the coming months. She joined Notre Dame in 2013 after a decade in Washington, DC working in sales and marketing.
No stranger to the Notre Dame campus, Megan holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Notre Dame and went on to complete her MBA at Georgetown University. She enjoys all things related to food and travel and exploring this region with her husband and two children.
Torence Witherspoon
Torence is a member of the Business Development Sales Team, currently serving as a HERE Ambassador in the interim, and has been with the University for two years.
Torence is a member of the Spectrum LGBTQ+ & Ally Employee Resource Group, a committee leader for the Embrace Diversity & Inclusion Committee through University Enterprises and Events, and a vocal advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on campus.
He earned his BA from Grand Valley State University, studying Communications and Political Science, and is currently in the process of applying to Law Schools.
Calvin Metts
Calvin joined the Morris Inn team in October of 2015, as a Sous Chef, and was promoted to Senior Sous Chef in the spring of 2017. A Chicago native, he attended Saint Joseph's College where he attained a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science. He then enrolled in an accelerated culinary program at Kendall College, in Chicago, and earned an Associates's Degree in Culinary Arts. During his culinary training, Calvin landed an internship at The Palmer House Hilton and went on to work at The Intercontinental Hotel on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile. He spent 7 years at the Intercontinental Hotel, prior to accepting a Kitchen Supervisor position opening Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse. After two years of service, he was promoted to Sous Chef, where he remained until joining the Notre Dame family.
Calvin plays an important role in the South Bend community through the Cooking With Cops Program he developed at Notre Dame. This program works to foster strong relationships between the Notre Dame Police Department, Saint Joseph County Police, the Indiana State Troopers and families within the Greater South Bend Community. This program has reached over 100 students in the South Bend area, utilizing culinary as a tool to inspire some of the future leaders of tomorrow. Calvin also is one of the co-chairs of Emb(race) the Diversity and Inclusion Committee for the University Enterprises & Events. He has served as co-chair since the inception of the committee. Calvin is also a recipient of the 2020 Presidential Leadership Award. Calvin and his wife of 10 years reside in Porter County. They are active at Notre Dame Catholic School and Parish in Michigan City and are the proud parents of a daughter, twin boys, two dogs, and a turtle.