Equity Committee

Carly Dilger (she/her)
Northern Lights Climate & Culture Facilitator

This is my third year serving as the Climate and Culture Facilitator at Northern Lights, as well as my third year as a member of the Equity Committee. I joined the Equity Committee because I believe in creating inclusive and fair spaces where all voices are heard and valued. My commitment to equity stems from a recognition of both the systemic barriers that many face and the privileges that have shaped my own experiences. I am committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where students, families, and staff feel valued, respected, and free to be their authentic selves.

Diana Soran (she/her)
Northern Lights Parent

Diana Soran (she/her) is a parent member of the equity committee. She believes in the school’s guiding equity principle of building cross-cultural understanding, acknowledging challenges, and navigating differences so that every student and family feels supported. With her background in trauma-informed care, Diana understands how important it is to create safe and empowering spaces for everyone. She is excited to help ensure that equity remains a key part of Northern Lights.

Hannah Ludden (she/her)
Northern Lights Operations Assistant + Parent

I am a staff member and the parent of SPSNL students. This is my first year joining the equity committee and while I haven't had formal experience in equity work, I have educated myself in anti-racism and inclusion for many years. Recognizing the privilege that comes with being white, cis-gendered and neurotypical, I hope to use my position to support the on-going work of creating an equitable and inclusive environment where all students, caregivers and staff members can thrive together in community. This includes being continuously open to reflect and challenge the internal biases that live within me. 

Jessica Clifton (she/her)
Chair + Northern Lights Board Member + Parent

I joined the Equity Committee because my kid and I have the privilege of feeling safe, welcome, included, and valued in our school community. I want to do what’s in my power to make sure everyone—especially students, staff, and families from marginalized communities—feels this way. I’m on a personal path of educating myself and growing bolder in actively working for change to our systems of oppression. Part of this is offering the skills I already have to help organize the Equity Committee.

Madrone Kubovcik (he/him)
Northern Lights Parent

I joined the Equity Committee to add my support for our school’s teachers and staff in the work they do to create a safe and all inclusive environment so students can thrive as they learn. I recognize my privilege and I strive to understand the inequities within our communities so that I can better contribute to Northern Lights as it continues to mature and develop as a center of belonging as well as of academics.

Melisa Christensen (she/her)
Northern Lights Studio Teacher + Parent

As the Atelierista at Northern Lights, I am passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment for all students. As a white woman, I believe that equity is an ongoing journey that requires continuous reflection and learning. By joining the Equity Committee, I aim to hold myself accountable and deepen my understanding of equitable practices in education. My commitment is to ensure that my classroom and our school reflect our shared vision of equity, where every child feels valued and supported. I look forward to collaborating with fellow committee members to create meaningful change.

Mark Knox-Ova (he/him)
Northern Lights Board Member

As a School Board member and an active volunteer in the St. Paul community, I am honored to join the Equity Committee. My commitment to this role is deeply rooted in my identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and my advocacy for ensuring that every individual feels they can be their best and true selves. In my career, I have supported the launch of Resource Groups aimed at fostering an environment where all individuals feel respected and empowered. I look forward to the work this group can accomplish in creating a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere for everyone at St. Paul School of Northern Lights.

Sarah Campbell (she/her)
Northern Lights Parent

I have a fourth-grader and a second-grader at SPSNL, and we have been here since my oldest was in kindergarten in the fall of 2020. I joined the Equity Committee because I wanted to be a part of a strong, caring community, and I wanted to know how children’s and families’ needs as well as race and racism were noticed and being addressed. I see our community constantly growing and striving to become a strong, healthy, equitable place.

Vivian Stroh (she/her)
Northern Lights Parent

Vivian is a passionate advocate for equity and intersectionality, driven by the belief that everyone deserves a voice in shaping inclusive communities. New to Northern Lights this year, her child is a second grader in Gretchen’s class. Vivian is deeply committed to using her privilege to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. With a focus on intersectionality, she joined the Equity Committee to ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to the support and opportunities they need to thrive. As a proud queer individual, Vivian is dedicated to building a school environment that evolves alongside the needs of its students, fostering a strong sense of community, justice, and belonging for all.