Annual Global Symposium examines fair trade chocolate and global responsibility

Understanding how everyday choices connect people across continents is central to Ursuline's approach to global education. On Thursday, March 5, The Ursuline School brought that idea to life during its annual Global Symposium. This signature event invites students to examine complex global issues through real-world perspectives.

This year's symposium explored the global journey of cacao, from bean to bar, and the systems that shape how it is grown, traded, and enjoyed worldwide. The program featured keynote speaker Monica Rogan, CEO and co-founder of Goodnow Farms Chocolate, and Paula Navarrete, cocoa quality and masterclass manager (USA) at Cacao Latitudes.

Rogan opened the assembly with an inside look at how Goodnow Farms Chocolate works directly with cacao farmers across Latin America and supports the communities where cacao is grown.

"Chocolate tells a story about the people who grow it," Rogan said. "When we choose products that respect workers and the land, we help build stronger communities."

She also encouraged students to think more deeply about the products they consume.

"Being a global citizen means looking beyond the marketing on a label and being genuinely curious about the origins of our purchases," Rogan said. "The choices we make as consumers, and as future leaders, have a real impact on people and communities far from our own."

"The choices we make as consumers, and as future leaders, have a real impact on people and communities far from our own."
- Monica Rogan, CEO and co-founder of Goodnow Farms Chocolate

Navarrete joined Rogan for a panel discussion led by Senior Global Scholars program students, Justine Dolan '26 and Mary Claire Sutterlin '26. Ms. Navarrete then spent the afternoon meeting with students in informal sessions. She spoke with Advanced Bloomberg students about commodity pricing and careers in the global cacao industry, then joined Spanish 4H and Spanish 2H classes to discuss fair trade in Latin America and her fascinating career.

"Fair trade is not just a label," Navarrete said. "It's about understanding the full value chain and recognizing how pricing, quality, and respect for labor shape opportunity."

"Fair trade is not just a label. It's about understanding the full value chain and recognizing how pricing, quality, and respect for labor shape opportunity."
- Paula Navarrete, cocoa quality and masterclass manager (USA), Cacao Latitudes

Echoing Rogan's call to look beyond marketing labels, the discussion encouraged students to think more critically about the global systems behind everyday goods. Rogan and Navarrete emphasized curiosity about where products come from, respect for the labor involved, and the role informed consumers can play in supporting fair and sustainable practices.

Ursuline students have been exploring this important global issue throughout the school year, and days before the Global Symposium,  they participated in a guided tasting of Goodnow Farms Chocolate single-origin, fine-flavor bars from Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. The experience introduced students to how climate, geography, and farming practices influence flavor and quality.

The Global Symposium also welcomed AP Government students from Ursuline's sister school, The Academy of Mount Saint Ursula. Following the assembly, students from both schools gathered for a meet-and-greet with the speakers, exchanging ideas about ethical trade, economic policy, and the role of responsible consumers in a global marketplace.

Student leadership played a key role throughout the event. Zoe Dolman '27, a Global Scholars student, introduced the speakers and participated in the lunchtime discussion with Rogan.

"They're phenomenal," Dolman said. "Seeing women who are making an impact globally and locally is inspiring. It makes you realize that leadership starts with the willingness to step forward and learn from experience."

"Seeing women who are making an impact globally and locally is inspiring. It makes you realize that leadership starts with the willingness to step forward and learn from experience."
- Zoe Dolman '27

Mrs. Maria Barton '83, Ursuline's director of global education, said: "The Global Symposium reflects the school's broader commitment to preparing students to think critically about the world they are a part of, and help them understand that the world’s issues are our shared issues."

"Our Global Education program encourages students to examine issues from multiple perspectives," Barton said. "The event allows our students to learn from and directly engage with leaders who are shaping ethical business practices and impacting global systems in a responsible way, which connects to our Ursuline mission."

By tracing the journey of cacao from farm to finished product, students gained insight into the human stories, economic systems, and environmental considerations behind everyday goods. Learning opportunities such as the Global Symposium reflect Ursuline's distinctive approach to global education, connecting classroom study with real-world dialogue to prepare students to lead thoughtfully in an interconnected world. 

Learn more about Ursuline's Global Education program.