Student Diversity Leadership Conference

Joining 8,000 attendees worldwide, six Upper Schoolers attended the 27th Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and 16 faculty, staff and board members attended the 33rd People of Color Conference (PoCC) in early December. Both were hosted virtually by the National Association of Independent Schools. 

SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders in Grades 9–12 from across the U.S. and abroad. The conference focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies and building community. Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participating students developed cross-cultural communication skills, designed effective strategies for social justice practice through dialogue and the arts, and learned the foundations of allyship and networking principles. In addition to large group sessions, SDLC "family groups" and "home groups" allow for dialogue and sharing in smaller units. 

PoCC also lived up to its mission to provide a safe space for leadership, professional development, and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools.

At the end of each day, the six student attendees had a debrief session with Robin Stewart, Upper School coordinator for equity, inclusion and community engagement, to process the information and experiences of the day.

Amy Cho ’21 shares, “As I have experienced at SDLC, there is a different kind of happiness that comes with feeling loved and accepted for who you are, not what other people or society labels you as. … I realized that I was not the only person who internalized racial oppression and microaggressions—constantly feeling the need to adjust and alter myself just so I wouldn’t appear ‘too American’ or ‘too Korean.’” Click here to read her reflection.

Jeramiah Woods ’21 shares, “It felt like I was home: everyone is accepting, respectful and open to having a civil discussion with those who disagree or would like to know more about the subject matter. It is the pinnacle of human interaction.” Click here to read his reflection.