Professors Sukhsimranjit Singh and Tiffany Williams Inspire Young Mediators

On March 2, Professors Sukhsimranjit Singh and Tiffany Williams participated in the Western Justice Center's Peer Mediation Invitational, a virtual summit for young peer mediators in Southern California public high schools. This year's theme was titled, Getting In Good Trouble, as a tribute to civil rights leader and Congressman John Lewis. Throughout the week of March 1, the Western Justice Center convened federal judges including Ninth Circuit Judge Jacqueline Nguyen and U.S. District Court Judge Fernando Olguin, as well as dispute resolution faculty, and community organizers to share their lessons of leadership with the youth mediators and school administrators.

Professor Singh inspired young people to identify their strengths and continue to work on and hone their mediation skills. Professor Williams spoke about connecting skills with purpose and encouraged students to step into their purpose. Several community leaders spoke about the importance of building community and supportive relationships in advancing social justice efforts.

On Friday, March 5, Straus alumna Shadeequa Smith and student Payton Silket also joined the program to share their wisdom with high school youth. Both Smith and Silket stressed the important role their ADR education has played in their current work and passions.

The Western Justice Center is a nonprofit organization that empowers people to strengthen their communities by growing the conflict resolution skills and capacity of youth, educators, schools, and community partners.