Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Mission Statement
The mission of the Andrew McDonough B+ Foundation to providing financial assistance to families impacted by childhood cancer, funding pediatric cancer research, raising awareness, and spreading positivity. NOVAdance is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment to carry out this mission on Villanova’s campus and in the wider community, spreading the B+ message.
NOVAdance has constantly sought growth since its founding in 2013. Part of this ongoing journey included the implementation of the Internal Relations and Inclusion (IRI) Committee. These individuals are dedicated to educating themselves and other members of the NOVAdance committee leadership on important DEI topics as they seek to foster a more inclusive environment. The IRI committee facilitates conversations, presents workshops, writes monthly DEI focused emails, and encourages the bonding of a diverse group of volunteers. They seek out training from campus resources like the Center for Dialogue in order to more effectively serve their peers. They are the heart of NOVAdance’s commitment to being a community of positivity for everyone on our campus.
Participation in NOVAdance is open to all on campus, but we continue to seek improvement in cultivating an environment where all feel welcome, united by the passion of fighting childhood cancer. Our commitment to developing and uplifting why we NOVAdance emphasizes the unique perspective of each member of our campus community. This centering on our unique Whys is an effort to motivate all students - regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, ability, gender identity, or sexual orientation - to get involved. NOVAdance seeks to welcome every student, even if they are early in developing and understanding their Why.
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. NOVAdance extends itself within and beyond Villanova’s campus, making connections with other on-campus organizations, local small businesses, and the general public of the greater Philadelphia region.
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.
NOVAdance continues to work at bringing inclusion to life at Villanova, celebrating the success along the way while remaining conscious of the work still ahead. We are committed to working hard so that every Villanovan can find purpose and positivity within NOVAdance.
Monthly DEI Spotlights!