Four Upper School students participated in the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) in St. Louis from Nov. 29-Dec. 2. The conference was an enlightening experience for LA students Oliver Laskow ’24, Amelie Leu ’24, Gbemi Olarewaju ’24 and Rajwans Sindhar ’24.
The SDLC was part of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (POCC), which was attended by five LA faculty and staff members – JohnEric Advento, Lower School Head; Tony Diaz, Upper School math and computer science teacher; Maria Hinestroza, Lower School Spanish teacher; Noreen Jafri, Middle School science and math teacher; and Maxime Sinal, DEIB Coordinator and English Department Chair.
According to the NAIS SDLC website, the conference is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders from eligible independent high schools across the U.S. and abroad. SDLC focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. Led by a diverse team of trained adult and peer facilitators, participating students develop cross-cultural communication skills, design effective strategies for social justice practice through dialogue and the arts, and learn 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.
“SDLC was an absolute eye-opener for me because there was not a single moment at the conference that I felt like I was not learning something new,” Rajwans said. “Whether this acquired knowledge was about my peers or my identity, it was valuable somehow. I was surrounded by so many young people who shared the goal of taking a stand for justice and equality.”
“SDLC is always an unforgettable experience,” added Gbemi, who attended the conference for the third time. “Our groups took part in emotional, challenging, yet ultimately educational conversations. We centered our discussions around conversational norms and had the opportunity to hear the perspective of students who identified in different ways than us. It was extremely refreshing and renewing to be a part of a space with likeminded students that share the same passion for DEIB and transformative work that I do. The people I met truly changed me for the better!”
More than 2,000 students attended the conference. The LA students spent most of their time in a smaller group of 60 people, discussing experiences with their identities inside and outside schools. They also listened to many keynote speakers who shared advice about ways to uplift their communities.
“One of my favorite parts was participating in affinity groups of people across the US who shared a similar experience and identity despite their distance. This was a valuable experience because I was able to make connections with other students from both New Jersey and the US. I connected with my many identities in new ways, and I learned how to improve our community and facilitate discussion,” Oliver said.
“The affinity groups were what resonated with me most at this conference,” Amelie added. “Sitting in an affinity group session with around 200 Asian American Pacific Islanders from all over America was unlike any experience I’ve had before. The sense of community and shared love for our culture created an environment that was both educational and enjoyable.”
POCC is the flagship of NAIS’s commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and organizational development. The mission of the conference was to provide a safe space for leadership and professional development for people of color, and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. The POCC equips educators at every level, from teachers to trustees, with knowledge and skills to improve the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, social-emotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.
“Listening to the keynote speakers, my peers and facilitators gave me a sort of perspective that I would have never thought about,” Rajwans said. “The fact that I went to a conference with more than 2,000 other students and was able to reflect on my identity on a level that I hadn't before is so surreal and I cannot wait to share the things I learned with my own community at LA.”
“The student diversity leadership conference was an empowering opportunity that opened my eyes to the power of a community and the impact we, as a whole, can make,” Amelie added. “Being among a vibrant community of people who were not only intelligent and ambitious, but also empathetic and friendly, was incredibly uplifting. I loved being around individuals so passionate and true to themselves. The experience served as a reminder that when a community unites with a shared vision, the possibilities for change become endless.”