The Importance Of Cultural Competency In Education - Jordyn Famimiko

The CharacterStrong Podcast

We talk to Jordyn about how it is absolutely essential that students have a culturally responsive classrooms to help students feel safe. She shares things that she learned as she facilitated the conversation between students and staff at her high school. Jordyn also talks about the importance of making this and ongoing focus, as we work to better serve students and staff.

Jordyn Famimiko is a graduate of Raisbeck Aviation High School in Tukwila, WA. She strives to be a compassionate student-leader with a strong sense of civic responsibility. She inspires others to spread positivity and is looking to evoke change! Jordyn has been very active throughout her high school career. As a 2018 Teens in Public Service Intern, she assisted the Renton Skyway Boys and Girls Club with their FIRST Robotics program and mentored school-aged children. Jordyn has been a leader within the National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Association of Student Body, and Link Crew, a freshmen onboarding program; however, much of her time at Raisbeck was dedicated to developing the school’s culture. Ultimately, she hoped to effect lasting change so that future students may inherit a more equitable academic environment. Jordyn has been a member of the Black Student Union for four years and served as president. As president, she has been able to initiate vital conversations within the academic community, creating a space where students feel respected, heard, and safe. She has met monthly with Raisbeck Aviation principal, Mrs. Therese Tipton, and members of the PTSA to discuss inclusive policy and educational equity, establishing a lasting line of communication between students and staff as well as ensuring that race and equity are prioritized. Jordyn is also co-founder of the Highline Youth Race and Equity Coalition (HYREC), a group dedicated to acting on behalf of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) throughout the Highline Public School District. HYREC has collaborated with the district superintendent, leaders within the district’s human resources department, and administration from each of the six high schools within the district. The coalition’s primary goal is to implement students of color into the staff hiring process. In addition to advocating for student voices, the group has also advocated for a district-wide Technology Levy that would allow for new technology updates for all schools. This past May, HYREC launched a $1,000 scholarship in collaboration with the Burien Youth Council for underrepresented students within the district. Jordyn also enjoys public speaking. She has spoken on several occasions, her most recent engagement is a presentation on the importance of STEM education for young women of color at the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools 2020 professional conference. In her spare time, Jordyn enjoys crocheting and crafting. Jordyn will attend Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in the fall to study pharmacy. Her hope is that her pharmacy degree will not only allow her to serve her community but also make an impact on racial equity in medicine overall.