Strategy Meets Community

A key element of this strategic plan is Babson College's Entrepreneurship Program for Innovators and Changemakers (EPIC) program aims to nurture a new generation of innovative leaders within our school. Board of Trustees Chair Alison Carter-Cady '91 notes, "This initiative is about empowering our educators to inspire our students."

Babson College's EPIC program equips teachers with essential skills and resources to engage students in real world problem-solving. It encourages them to identify and address community issues through an entrepreneurial lens. By instilling vital "power skills"—such as resilience, critical thinking, and social awareness—the curriculum prepares students to navigate challenges effectively.

In the fall of 2023, six Chatham Hall faculty members participated in the EPIC program. This cohort included Martha Griswold (Dean of Academics), Erin McHugh (Dean of College Counseling), Josh Doyon (Dean of Students), Beth Barksdale (Chaplain and Global Entrepreneurship), Francis Yun (Art Department Chair), and Amelia Kolach (Science Chair). "The EPIC program has transformed how we approach teaching, allowing us to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship among our students," said Dr. Erin McHugh.

Looking ahead, Chatham Hall will host Babson College in January to certify all faculty in the EPIC program, ensuring that the principles of entrepreneurship and action thinking are infused throughout our curriculum. Together, we are committed to creating a brighter, more equitable future by empowering our educators and inspiring the changemakers of tomorrow. Amelia Kolach, Science Chair, shares, "EPIC training has allowed me to immerse myself into entrepreneur learning that I will bring to my students here at Chatham Hall. The 'learn by doing' approach allowed me to address issues related to the UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development. These goals will be the new generation's task to tackle, and I am excited to help analyze and assess these alongside our students."

"This initiative is about empowering our educators to inspire our students."
- Alison Carter-Cady ’91, Board Chair

"It was so wonderful to hear students and alumnae from different generations express their hopes for the future of the School."
- Martha Griswold, Dean of Academics

On Friday, May 3, 2024, Chatham Hall hosted Community Day, an exciting part of an ongoing collaboration with Babson College to develop Chatham Hall 2050—a long-term, strategic vision for the School. This initiative brought together students, faculty, staff, alumnae, community members, and education-thought leaders for over a year to shape Chatham Hall's future. After an inspiring Chapel Talk, everyone gathered for a day-long series of discussions and hands-on prototyping sessions focused on exploring what makes Chatham Hall unique and envisioning where we are headed.

Together with alumnae and trustees, students brainstormed and designed ideas to guide us as we continue to navigate change and make decisions for the future. Martha Griswold, Dean of Academics, reflects, "It was so wonderful to hear students and alumnae from different generations express their hopes for the future of the School while expressing, so thoughtfully, their love of what they have—or had—while students at Chatham Hall." She continues, "That love of place led them to offer such meaningful insights, which will help guide us moving forward. The day felt like a combination of a Chatham Hall love fest and the serious work of shaping the future."

Chatham Hall 2050 will serve as a North Star, ensuring our school's relevance, impact, and sustainability for years to come. It will also guide decisions for our upcoming strategic plan. The day reflected our community spirit, ending with a celebratory cookie break in the Well. We're excited about what lies ahead!