In early December, a group of students and faculty traveled to Seattle, Washington for the Student Diversity Leadership Conference organized by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

According to the NAIS, “1600 students from all across the world come together to develop cross-cultural communication skills, design effective strategies for social justice … and learn the foundations of allyship and networking principles.”

“The student portion of the People of Color Conference is meant to bring together students who identify in any and every way you can think of,” Director of Equity and Inclusion Jessica Christian said. “The conference has a focus on identity and inclusion, and empowering young people’s voices.”

Neel Kumar ‘22, who attended the event, said, “at the conference, we were divided up into large ‘home groups’, which in turn were divided into smaller ‘family groups.'”

Students learned how to define and promote diversity at their respective schools.

Keynotes addressed a variety of topics ranging from post traumatic slave syndrome to transitioning in college.

Students generated great discussions during time spent in their affinity groups.

In early May, Christian will announce applications  for next year’s conference in Philadelphia.