The Founders
Long-time children’s advocate, Patricia Potts, and Tom Kohn, a professor at American University, are the founders of CONNECTdmv and run the day-to-day operations of the organization. Patricia is the Chief Operating Officer and Tom is the Executive Director.
History
We – Tom and Patricia — met in the lobby of Sidwell Friends school in 2016 after our kids were in the school’s musical, Rent. Quickly, we realized we had a lot in common.
Tom, harkening back to the 1970s when he was in a private St. Louis high school, with relatively few Black students, and very little integration between the White and Black students, mentioned that he felt not had much changed at high schools in 40 years. Because of his, then, life-changing experience as the only White kid on an otherwise all Black St. Louis baseball team for seven years, Tom felt that he had learned, first-hand, how much we could all learn from each other if we were given the opportunity and/or simply made the effort.
Patricia, who was the regional parent rep for A Better Chance – an organization funded partially by Oprah Winfrey, that helps recommend students of color to DMV independent schools – was similarly motivated to activate change.
Together – working with a strong network of BIPOC families and White allies – we felt that we could help close the access and opportunity gaps that existed for families and students of color at DMV independent schools and also to help connect us all as we worked to gain a greater understanding of each other.
And, so, the vision statement for CONNECTdmv was born: “Creating Opportunity. Connecting Us All.”
Since creating this 501(c)3 nonprofit back in 2016, for many years now we – together with the Board, the Advisory Council, the Parent Connectors (reps, at over 15 schools), students, DEI leaders, heads of school and many more – have worked hard on what could easily be considered one of the most important, yet difficult, issues of our era, one that will undoubtedly, and unfortunately, continue for generations to come.
We welcome your help with the organization’s mission to empower students, create opportunity, build understanding, and activate change.
We look forward to working with you. If you are so moved, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tom & Patricia
What They're Saying About US…
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS CAREER TOUR
“The Professional Insights Career Tour gave me the opportunity to experience a variety of different work environments. I was excited to meet professionals in different industries.”
– Potomac School student
CAREER NETWORKING EVENT & MENTORING PROGRAM
“The networking event was great! It engaged the students and gave us the opportunity to meet with executives from diverse fields. We were able to see professionals who looked like us and who are doing well in their careers.”
– St. Albans student
“My experience with Ms. Tracey Griffin was fantastic! I took a tour of the Pandora building where she worked and I talked to her about her job. I learned a lot about how it takes a lot of hard work and determination to build a company like Pandora. We talked about my interests and how I can combine my love of fashion with math/technology. This experience was wonderful and I know it will help me as I think about my future.”
– Edmund Burke School student
EMPOWERMENT SERIES
“The sessions at the Empowerment Summit were informative and engaging. It makes a huge difference when my daughter is among her own and hearing from people that look like her both on personal and academic topics.”
– National Cathedral School parent
“The Empowerment Summit was POSITIVE and much needed. My son met quite a few new people. How pleasing it was to hear that he heard others had daily routines just like his. Students were able to share and hear about each other’s lives.”
– Landon School parent
FINDING SUCCESS AT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
“Thanks for organizing Finding Success at Independent Schools. This is much needed. I found the tips and strategies shared to be very helpful.”
– Sidwell Friends parent
CONNECTdmv WORKSHOPS
“The Resume Writing & Interview Skills workshop was awesome. I learned how to write a strong resume, build my personal brand, and received great interviewing tips. This will be helpful for me in the future.”
– Holton Arms student
SHUTTLE BUS FROM BOWIE, MD
“Dependable transportation is vital and CONNECTdmv provides that. The customer service is great; the shuttles are clean and spacious, and the driver is efficient and friendly.”
– National Cathedral School parent
“The shuttle service is convenient, saving me three hours each day and has improved my daughter’s school experience. Plus, the driver you hired is a blessing! Thank you.”
– Maret parent