SOCIAL JUSTICE CONFERENCE
Unfinished Business:
Breaking Barriers, Building Tomorrow
Conference Goals:
• Showcase the work of our students as social justice leaders.
• Engage the community in meaningful conversations about equity and change.
• Provide tangible resources and solutions for the disadvantaged and disenfranchised.
• Inspire future change-makers through intergenerational dialogue.
"A democracy cannot thrive where power remains unchecked and justice is reserved for a select few. Ignoring these cries and failing to respond to this movement is simply not an option - for peace cannot exist where justice is not served." - John Lewis, Civil Rights Leader and Politician 1940-2020
Key Note Speaker:
Alleah Red, Channel 3
Eyewitness News Anchor
Alleah Red joined the Channel 3 Eyewitness News team in September 2023. A Bloomfield, Connecticut native, she graduated from Bloomfield High School before attending Central Connecticut State University, where she earned her B.A. in Communication.
After graduation, Alleah began her career in Lafayette, LA, working at News15-KADN/KLAF. From 2021-2023, she reported there on stories taking her deep into Cajun country.
After two years in Lafayette, Alleah returned to the Nutmeg State to join WFSB-Channel 3 Eyewitness News as a producer and multimedia journalist. Her dedication and skills quickly earned her a promotion to weekend morning anchor and reporter. You can catch her on Eyewitness News from 5 to 10 a.m. on weekend mornings.
Alumni Speaker:
Scarlet Olivo
Capital Prep Class of 2021
UCONN Class of 2025
Scarlet Olivo, a native of Spain, is a full-time Sociology major at the University of Connecticut, set to graduate in May 2025. She also works full-time as a Human Resources Assistant at an elderly home care agency, where she actively engages with workplace equity and inclusion. Scarlet initially pursued a Business degree, but her passion for addressing systemic inequalities led her to Sociology - a field that better aligned with her personal and professional goals.
Her commitment to social justice emerged early; as a high school senior, she completed a capstone project on the gender wage gap, exploring the structural and cultural forces contributing to income disparities. This project continues to influence her work in human resources, where she is especially interested in advocating for fair hiring practices, equitable pay structures, and inclusive workplace policies. A recipient of the Capital Prep $20,000 College Scholarship, Scarlet exemplifies the integration of academic excellence, civic responsibility, and a lifelong commitment to social change.
Social Justice Student Spotlight
5th Grade School-to-Prison Pipeline Social Justice Project
As part of Capital Prep’s commitment to developing social justice trailblazers, students conducted an in-depth project on the school-to-prison pipeline. Through research, data analysis, and community engagement, they explored how systemic inequities in education and discipline policies disproportionately impact students of color. The project culminated in proposed restorative alternatives aimed at disrupting the cycle and promoting educational equity.
8th grade National History Day 2025 Competition at UCONN
Capital Prep’s 8th grade scholars proudly participated in the 2025 National History Day competition at the University of Connecticut. Centered on the theme “Turning Points in History,” students presented original research projects that connected historical events to contemporary justice movements. Their work reflected Capital Prep’s mission to cultivate scholars who understand the past to create a more just future.
11th Grade AP Seminar Social Justice Project Launch
In AP Seminar, Capital Prep’s 11th grade students begin developing their capstone social justice projects. The first chapter focuses on identifying a specific injustice, rooted in the context of a relevant -ism (e.g., racism, sexism, classism), and analyzed across the appropriate levels of oppression: individual, institutional, and systemic. This foundational work sets the stage for rigorous inquiry, civic engagement, and transformative action.
