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PORTLAND, Maine

College of Dental Medicine students selected to participate in ADEA Student Diversity Leadership Program

2016 ADEA Student Diversity Leadership Conference participants
2016 ADEA Student Diversity Leadership Conference participants

Nominated by the deans of the College of Dental Medicine, Riddhi Daftary (CDM ’17) and Franchesca Vargas (CDM ’18) were chosen to represent UNE at the 2016 American Dental Education Association Student Diversity Leadership Program (ADEA SDLP). This is the first year that UNE students have taken part in the conference.

The program brings together emerging student leaders from a variety of backgrounds who have an interest in issues relating to diverse communities. Participants convene to discuss current events and trends impacting student success, with the goal of creating an inclusive culture and climate within dental schools. In addition, ADEA SDLP provides opportunities for these student leaders to explore further professional development and mentorship opportunities.

Speaking about her experience at ADEA SDLP, Vargas said “It was inspiring to see so many bright, motivated fellow dental students engage in group discussions about our campus communities and concerns regarding diversity. I realized that we are not alone as student leaders in wanting to see changes in our campuses."

Daftary echoed these sentiments, saying “We’re cultivating an environment to empower the campus community while connecting one another. That is what encourages us every step of the way when we move to make a meaningful difference.”

L to R: Franchesca Vargas (DMD ’18) and Riddhi Daftary (DMD ’17)
L to R: Franchesca Vargas (DMD ’18) and Riddhi Daftary (DMD ’17)

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.