On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Wellington proudly hosted the second annual Girls of Color Symposium, an empowering event that brought together over 30 students from Wellington, Columbus Academy, and Columbus School for Girls. The day provided an incredible opportunity for students to connect with one another and engage with a lineup of accomplished speakers, highlighting the power of community, identity, and growth.
Wellington students at the Symposium
The day began with a moving keynote by Dr. Emlah Tubuo P ’27 ’29 ’32, the owner of Powell Pharmacy and founder of Emlah Naturals, a health and wellness brand dedicated to creating natural, sustainable products that support better living. Her talk, “Living Intentionally,” encouraged students to align their passions with purpose, setting an empowering tone for the day.
Keynote speaker Dr. Emlah Tubuo P '27 '29 '32
Students then heard from two exceptional Wellington alumnae, Simone Robinson ’17 and Brea Porter ’12, during a panel facilitated by Dr. Shekyra DeCree, founder of Queenspace Counseling & Wellness. Robinson is pursuing licensure in registered dietetics to apply evidence-based nutrition science to promote health, manage diseases, and improve overall well-being through personalized dietary guidance. Porter, director of business operations at Lead the Way, supports the nonprofit’s mission to provide youth development and youth work readiness opportunities. Dr. DeCree, a renowned counselor specializing in supporting women and girls of color, guided the conversation with warmth and expertise.
Throughout the day, students participated in dynamic sessions led by leaders in their fields:
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Erin Upchurch, executive director of Kaleidoscope Youth Center and a 2023 YWCA Woman of Achievement, facilitated a session on “Expressive Arts & Movement,” blending creativity and mindfulness to foster resilience and personal growth.
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IMPACT Safety, a nationally recognized organization, led “We Are Worth Defending,” empowering participants with strategies for safety and confidence in challenging situations.
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Dr. Monique Brady P ’25 ’34 and Dr. Sara Khan P ’26 ’30 shared their expertise in health and wellness during a session that encouraged students to prioritize their physical and mental well-being. Dr. Brady, a family and sports medicine physician at OhioHealth, and Dr. Khan, a pediatric neuro-oncologist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, offered invaluable insights on fostering healthy habits and managing wellness during critical developmental years.
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Students also engaged in small-group conversations with Wellington alumnae, deepening connections and learning from those who have walked in their shoes.
The day's speakers represented women in medicine, social work, nonprofit, and wellness industries.
The event concluded with powerful closing remarks by Dr. DeCree and a networking session where students had the opportunity to connect with speakers and peers, fostering relationships that will inspire and support them for years to come.
Special thanks to Me-Chelle Burkhalter P ’22, middle school science, and Dara Jackson, director of admissions, for their outstanding leadership in organizing this landmark event, which reflects Wellington’s commitment to fostering spaces where students from all backgrounds can thrive and grow.
Me-Chelle Burkhalter P ’22
By hosting the Girls of Color Symposium, Wellington reaffirmed its dedication to creating inclusive environments that empower students to embrace their identities and become leaders in their communities.