SMC Talks: Building Dialogue Skills That Last Beyond The Avenue
By MARIANA TASKEY ’25
Saint Mary’s College Alumnae joined College Vice President and Provost Megan Zwart, and presenters Anais Juliano '25 and Chloe Westrate '25 for this fall’s SMC Talks. Created by the Alumnae Association Board of Directors and modeled after TED Talks, the semi-annual event is spearheaded by the Alumnae Community Committee. The October 27 session, “Dialogue at Saint Mary’s: Building Skills that Last,” explored how meaningful dialogue can foster understanding, help navigate differences, and strengthen relationships.
Drawing on Zwart’s Dialogue Project, a collection of programs supporting dialogue across difference at Saint Mary’s College, “Dialogue at Saint Mary’s” highlighted the value of thoughtful listening and meaningful exchange, and how these skills can shape our personal and professional lives. During the conversation, Zwart shared how learning to engage with different perspectives helps students build stronger relationships, become more resilient, and contribute to their communities. “As a Catholic Holy Cross institution, we care a lot about the dignity of every person,” she said. “It’s hard to embody this if you don’t want to listen to people or treat them as people even if they disagree with you.” As a women's college, Saint Mary’s cares about helping women find their voices, but that also means listening to the voices of others, she added.
Juliano and Westrate first connected with Zwart as students in her philosophy class, where they began developing their dialogue skills. Their experiences extended beyond the classroom, as both served as mentors for the College’s Dialogue and Democracy Institute. This week-long summer pre-college program introduces the foundations of constructive dialogue, giving high school students the tools to listen, share perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations.
Juliano and Westrate continue to put their dialogue skills into practice beyond Saint Mary’s. Juliano now works as a legal assistant, while Westrate is in her second year at Harvard Law School. Westrate shared how the skills she developed at Saint Mary’s have helped her navigate conversations about polarizing issues in law school. They have given her the confidence to share her perspective while remaining open to learning from others and recognizing that she doesn’t have all the answers.
“The privilege of a small classroom size at Saint Mary’s is an opportunity for dialogue,” she explained, adding that smaller classroom settings gave her valuable opportunities to practice dialogue, preparing her to confidently engage in discussions in the larger law school classroom.
Alumnae Community Committee Vice Chair Nadia Muniz ’24 shared that the SMC Talks session left her feeling proud to be a Belle. “We are so thankful to have alumnae who give back to the alumnae community and keep us informed on current Saint Mary’s initiatives,” she said.
Alumnae Community Committee chair Amanda Falvey Conmy ’88 echoed that sentiment, sharing that the conversation gave her hope “that individuals with differing opinions can engage in healthy, productive conversations about potentially divisive topics.”
Through SMC Talks, Saint Mary’s alumnae have the opportunity to reconnect with the College, learn from one another, and reflect on the experiences that continue to shape their lives beyond graduation. As Zwart, Juliano, and Westrate shared, meaningful dialogue is not just about expressing our own perspectives, but also about listening, learning, and recognizing the value in others. These skills are a lasting part of the Saint Mary’s experience, strengthening relationships and preparing Belles to make a meaningful impact wherever their paths lead.
View the recording of SMC Talks here.
November 12, 2026