Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Mission Statement

NOVAdance is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment to carry out our mission of positivity on Villanova’s campus and in the wider community. NOVAdance has constantly sought growth since its founding in 2013. Part of this ongoing journey included the implementation of the Internal Relations and Inclusion Committee. We are dedicated to educating the NOVAdance community on important DEI topics as we seek to foster a more inclusive environment. 

In recent years, our cumulative 12-hour dance marathon has been modified to be more physically accessible, and NOVAdance is always looking for ways to improve the celebratory event to accommodate all. Our commitment to equity is rooted in the understanding that each child and family we serve faces unique challenges, and we strive to provide resources and support that address their individual needs. Our unwavering passion for our B+ Heroes and their families helps us understand that cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.

Want to contact DEI? Send am email to the chair, Emma Burnham

Monthly DEI Spotlights!

  • September

    September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

    Articles to get us thinking about the injustice surrounding childhood cancer

    • “Disparities in Pediatric Oncology: The 21st Century Opportunity to Improve Outcomes for Children and Adolescents With Cancer”

    • “Moving Beyond Patient-Level Drivers of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Childhood Cancer”

    Story Spotlight

    • Emma’s Story: ‘Cancer Is a Scary Word, Especially for Teenagers Who Often Feel Invincible’

    Questions to think about this month:

    • How can NOVAdance do better in recognizing the disparities in healthcare?

    • What actions can we take to be a more inclusive committee?

    • What is one takeaway from the articles you read and how are you going to apply it to your life?

  • October

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. About one in eight women in the United States, roughly 13%, will be diagnosed with Breast Cancer in her lifetime, and it is the most common type of cancer in women, other than skin cancers.

    Learn more about breast cancer facts here. 

    More on breast cancer inequities.

    Story Spotlight

    Roberta Lombardi - Breast Cancer Survivor

    Upstander Vs. Bystander and Allyship

    What is the difference between a bystander and an upstander?

    A bystander is someone who witnesses unjust action but does not do anything to prevent it. An upstander, on the other hand, takes action in unjust situations and proactively intervenes. 

    How do I become an upstander?

    “The 5 D’s”

  • November

    Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

    Villanova celebrates 50 years of Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week! Ray Jackson, an Augustinian priest, and a group of Villanova Students started this initiative which now takes place on over 700 campuses and communities! 

    Resources: https://hhweek.org/

    The History of Thanksgiving

    November is the month in which Thanksgiving is celebrated across America. It is commonly recongized as a time to come together with families, but there is a more complex narrative to the history of how Thanksgiving came to be. Moreover, this article serves as our active mission of continuous education on important topics that foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment.

    To learn more visit:

    https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/2020/11/25/the-true-dark-history-of-thanksgiving/