Several students traveled to Regis College in Weston last week to participate in the annual AISNE High School Students of Color Conference, an opportunity offered by the School for over a decade.

Director of DEIB Jessica Christian, who has led the program for 12 years, introduced it after recognizing a need for connection—especially among students of color who wanted to meet others from different independent schools.

As a one-day event, the conference provides space for students to build relationships, share experiences, and engage in conversations around identity and belonging, featuring speakers Shabana Basij-Rasikh and Harrison Grigsby.

Each year, Christian encourages students to attend conferences like this one, emphasizing the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within the school community.

For many students, the experience was both meaningful and memorable, one of those students being Sari Cooper’29.

“There were students, especially students of color, who were looking for connections with kids outside of school who also go to private schools,” Cooper said.

The conference creates an intentional space for those connections.

The day began with breakfast and an opening ceremony, followed by a series of interactive workshops and affinity group sessions. These affinity spaces allowed students to connect over shared identities and experiences in a supportive environment.

“I feel like there needs to be an affinity space, and that’s important for students to be able to opt into,” Christian said.

“There are so many people there that it’s literally impossible not to make new friends,” said Cooper. She also highlighted the impact of affinity groups, adding, “In the affinity spaces, you get this huge sense of community when you go there.”

Beyond building connections, students found the conference engaging and enjoyable.

“It’s so fun— the workshops you do there are engaging and keep you interested. I always wish it wasn’t over,” Cooper said.

Christian emphasized that the conference is valuable for all students, not just those who share the same background or identity.

“For us to understand one another as different races of people and different backgrounds, we have to hear each other’s stories and be around one another, because that’s how we build empathy,” Christian said.

Through shared conversations and experiences, students can develop a deeper understanding of one another. She also noted that these experiences can strengthen the school community.

“I think it also forces us to get to know each other more deeply, and then we start to see everyone get along and everyone’s happier,” Christian said.

By the end of the day, students left with new friendships, fresh perspectives, and a stronger sense of belonging. The conference continues to be a powerful opportunity for the school’s students to connect, reflect, and grow both within their own community and beyond.