COMMUNITY FESTIVAL
WEEKEND
One School, Many Stories
Three Engaging Events Over Two Days
Parent Event: Communities of Color Reception
Co-sponsored by the Kaleidoscope Book Club
Friday, February 21
7:00-9:00 p.m.
Peterson Middle School
Award-winning corporate leader Melonie D. Parker is the Vice President, Googler Engagement of Google, Inc. Ms. Parker's career has spanned more than three decades during which she has delivered measurable impact and equitable outcomes for communities across the globe.
Known for coining the mantra, “we exist to close gaps,” Ms. Parker has served as a pioneer for legions of women in corporate environments with a deep commitment to advancing internal and external engagement strategies with a proven blueprint for more inclusive and accessible companies where everyone belongs. Ms. Parker is an innovative C-suite thought leader who is passionate about people and organizations that remain true to making a substantive impact.
Prior to Google, Parker served as the Vice President of Human Resources & Communications at Sandia National Laboratories where she oversaw human resources, health benefits, and employee services. The first black woman to serve in the role, she was also responsible for Sandia’s communications efforts which included strategic planning, executive communications, media relations, external branding, community affairs, and internal communications.
Parker held a variety of progressive leadership roles over a 17-year period at Lockheed Martin and during her time there, she managed employee relations, staffing, diversity programs, compensation and benefits packages, and K-12 outreach initiatives. She is also a graduate of Lockheed Martin’s Executive Assessment & Development Program—a rare accomplishment for women of color and human resources professionals.
Parker received a B.A. in Mass Communications from Hampton University and an M.A. in Human Resources from Villanova University. Named to Savoy Magazine’s 2023 Most Influential Executives in Diversity & Inclusion, recognized by the Hampton University Alumni Association, nominated as a Corporate Catalyst on AfroTech's Future 50 List for 2023 and presented with a Sisters with Superpowers award presented by Rolling Out UrbanStyle Weekly, Parker was named HR Professional of the Year in 2016 by the New Mexico Society of Human Resource Management and in 2014, she was recognized with a Special Recognition Award at the Women of Color STEM Awards.
Rohit Bhargava is on a mission to inspire more non-obvious thinking in the world. He is the 3-time Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of ten books and is widely considered one of the most entertaining and original speakers on trends, innovation, and marketing in the world. Rohit has been invited to deliver “non-boring” keynotes and workshops in 32 countries around the world to change the way teams and leaders think at the World Bank, NASA, Intel, LinkedIn, MetLife, Under Armour, Univision, Disney and hundreds of other well- known organizations. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur and founding the Non-Obvious Company and Ideapress Publishing, he spent 15 years leading marketing strategy at Ogilvy and Leo Burnett where he advised global brands on human behavior, marketing, and storytelling.
Outside his speaking and consulting, Rohit has taught persuasive speaking and global marketing as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, is frequently quoted in the global media, and writes a monthly column on non-obvious ideas for Inc magazine. Rohit lives in the Washington DC area with his wife and is a proud dad of two boys. He loves the Olympics (he’s been to five!) and actively hates cauliflower.
Elizabeth Anderson is a History department faculty member at Flint Hill. After working in the national security field as a Soviet analyst, Ms. Anderson transitioned to teaching in 2006. She taught U.S. and World history at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart (which is also her alma mater) and at Sandy Spring Friends School until moving to Flint Hill in 2020. At Flint Hill she has taught AP U.S. History, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties and this year introduced AP African American Studies to the Upper School.
Ms. Anderson earned her Bachelor's degree from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and her Master’s degree in International relations from Georgetown as well. Her professional development includes certifications from Harvard’s Project Zero, courses in Civil Rights history with Dr. Hasan Jeffries of the Ohio State University and a three-week NEH seminar in Chicago on the Gilded Age and Progressive Era. After raising two strong and accomplished young women - Tierney, a physical therapist in Philadelphia, and Keegan, a Title IX case officer in Austin, TX - she now spends her free time traveling, reading, and raising her dog, Roman, with the assistance of her partner, Bill.
Chhavi Arya Bhargava is an entrepreneur, author, and former elementary school teacher who believes in the power of storytelling to create a more inclusive world.
Her latest book, A Kids Book About Diwali, helps kids and grownups better understand the Diwali holiday, fostering inclusivity, awareness, and appreciation for all. The book has won five book awards and, along with the A Kids Co. series, has been featured on Good Morning America, Oprah Daily, The View, The New York Times, BuzzFeed, NPR, Time Out Magazine, and at prestigious events such as The White House Diwali, Walt Disney World Diwali Dancefest, SXSW Sydney, among many others. She is also a contributor to the Wall Street Journal bestseller Beyond Diversity and co-founder of Ideapress Publishing and The Non-Obvious Company.
Before becoming an entrepreneur, Chhavi spent a decade teaching and played a pivotal role in introducing Canada’s first multicultural curriculum on diversity and inclusion. Her passion for giving back and love for working with children continue through her role as Executive Director of SAYVA TEENS, a teen-led nonprofit in the DMV that supports local organizations through fundraising, hosting events, and community service efforts.
Chhavi lives in Oakton with her husband and their two sons—one a junior at Flint Hill School and the other a junior at George Washington University.
Rob Robertson is an experienced executive with over 24 years in the financial services industry, specializing in the home lending vertical. A former NFL athlete who played fullback for the Baltimore Ravens, Rob brings a unique blend of leadership, resilience, and teamwork to his career. A leader of leaders, his expertise also includes rebuilding P&Ls, growing expansion markets, and integrating diverse teams. He is an innovative leader with a passion for fostering a culture of caring and accountability in every organization he serves, driving both individual growth and collective success. A graduate of Northwestern State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Rob is also a Ravens Legend Member and an active member of the National Former Players NFL Alumni, where he serves as President of the local D.C. chapter where he led them to be Chapter of the Year in 2023. Rob also serves as the Chairman of the NFLPA Advisory Board.
Rob also serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters National Capital Area. He is dedicated to mentoring youth, serving the community, and advocating for children in underrepresented communities. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Rob lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Nneka, and their children, Bryson and Boston Olivia. His personal and professional life is guided by the values of perseverance and service, influenced by his grandmother, Madear, whose legacy of faith continues to inspire him.
Community Conversations: Morning of Dialogue
Saturday, February 22
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Upper School Learning Commons
Jasmine Coates ‘25 is an accomplished senior at Flint Hill School, known for her exceptional leadership, creativity, and unwavering commitment to making a positive impact. As the Lead Producer for Husky Headlines, he student-run broadcasting network, she demonstrates an impressive ability to lead and manage—overseeing team meetings, directing the production of bi-weekly segments, and curating the network's social media presence, all while ensuring high standards of creativity and professionalism.
Jasmine is also a highly regarded leader, serving as President of both the Black Student Union and the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, where she advocates for inclusivity and creates spaces for underrepresented voices. Through these roles, she has built a reputation as a dedicated student advocate and a dynamic force for positive change within her school community.
Beyond her artistic and leadership endeavors, Jasmine excels in a variety of areas including event planning, social media marketing, and student advocacy. She is also an active member of the Student Council Association and Yearbook Club, further demonstrating her dedication to fostering a vibrant, inclusive community.
With a remarkable track record of achievement and service, Jasmine is poised to continue her growth as a leader, creator, and changemaker as she embarks on the next chapter of her educational journey.
Come be part of a fun, thought-provoking event where we dive into important conversations about belonging, inclusion, and building a stronger community! After an inspiring keynote in the morning, student facilitators will guide small groups through an exciting activity that sparks fresh ideas on how we can "Imagine What’s Possible" for our Husky community. Whether you're a parent, faculty member, alumni, or student, this event is all about creating meaningful dialogue, fostering new relationships, and making connections that will last! Don't miss out on the chance to contribute, collaborate, and dream big with us!
Community Festival
Saturday, February 22
12:00-2:00 p.m.
Upper School Commons
What Is Your Story? Workshop (12:15 p.m. and 1:15 p.m.)
What is your story? is an inspiring workshop enabling participants of all ages to share their story and discover the story of others in their own community and communities around the world. Join Inspire founder, author, community-builder, and alumni parent Alysia Dempsey P’20, ’23 for this special experience. Our stories can inspire each other.
Rhythmaya - Performance and Workshop (12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.)
Enjoy a Bollywood dance workshop with Wrijoya Roy from Rhythmaya School of Dance. At Rhythmaya it is understood that anyone can become a dancer but only with the support of a devoted community. When you join the Rhythmaya community, you join a large, loyal and loving family where the only thing that matters is: Are you ready to get up and move?
If you have any questions, please contact Mia Burton, Director of Institutional Equity and Inclusion, or Miles Henderson, All School Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator.