“It’s the most genuine experience and conversation I’ve ever had.”

Savarni Sanka (’21) Student

“Far exceeded my expectations. We had a diverse group that had such depth and willingness to share that added to the success.”

Mary Farrell (P’10) Trustee

“Call to Conversation is a way to open up the alleyways in your brain and ensure you can see different perspectives. It allows you a space to voice your own opinion and receive other opinions on the same topic, and see where they connect or disconnect.”

Dalia Namak (’19) Student

“There was common respect for one another. Personal stories are what made it so special.”

Michael Smith (’89, P’21) Member, Wake Will Lead Council of Chairs

“Conversation allows you to stand up for your own beliefs. It’s important because you don’t always have to pick one side, the easy side. You can go with what YOU believe in. You can discuss why YOU believe it. Hopefully, if the person is willing, they’ll listen to you. And you can listen to them. You never know how one sentence can change someone’s life.”

Carly Gordon (’19) Student

“A significant conversation that was affirming, celebratory and unifying.”

Jeanne Whitman Bobbitt (’79, MBA ’87) Trustee

“In a time where keeping quiet is something that does more harm than good, we need events like these to bridge what divides us.”

Franco Sto. Domingo ’20) Student

“It’s kind of like being stuck in a rut. If you’re not willing to see someone else’s side, you’re never going to make any progress on your own. If all you see is your side, you’re missing the whole picture.”

Justin Browning (’19) Student

“I learned far more than I thought I would about my table mates. Come, be open and participate fully.”

Mike Queen (’68, P’94) Trustee

“It’s really important to speak your mind. There’s no point in pretending you’re neutral and just want to stay out of conflict. At the end of the day – we’re all different, we have different views and we have to learn to respect each other.”

Elisha Evans (’21) Student

“Conversation allows me to learn about different people who I otherwise wouldn’t interact with. It allows me to kind of pour into them, as they pour into me. It’s so cool to learn about a new perspective; it helps me become more of a holistic person. I want to get to know people.”

Akaya Lewis (’22) Student

“I think first there’s something revealing about vocalizing what you think. It’s easy to intuitively feel something. But when you have to give words to it, it really crystallizes in a way that very few things can. Another human is processing those words, and is going to ask you some hard questions. That can really be frightening, but it checks the temptation we all have of just, you know, going down a rabbit hole of our own thoughts.”

Cameron Silverglate (’17) Student

“People need to communicate in order to be successful, be that in personal relationships or professional ones. You have to know how to articulate your thoughts and listen to the opinions and advice of others. Sounds pretty simple, but it’s crucial.”

Kyle Tatich (’18) Student

“It is not a test, it is not an interview, and, most importantly, it is NOT an ask. I thought it was terrific!”

Alice Horton (P’95, P’98, P’01) Trustee

“Campus can get isolated, so it’s great to talk to people you wouldn’t normally come in contact with.”

Savarni Sanka (’21) Student

“If you’ve been exposed to multiple ways of thinking and experiences, versus just one, you have the ability to empathize and sympathize with those perspectives, even if you don’t hold them yourself. That leads you to a more nuanced and well-rounded point of view – one that’s more accurate to reality.”

David VanEenenaam (’19) Student

“When you’re seated at a table over a meal, you already feel like a community. Being able to exchange ideas over a meal creates a relaxed, non-combative atmosphere. It’s a conversation and not a debate. A conversation can lead to friendship.”

Caroline Bryant (’21) Student

“Most of us didn’t know each other before our Call to Conversation. After two hours, we were exchanging numbers and saying, ‘Let’s do this again.’”

Dominic Peters (’21) Student