Upper School Students and Faculty Attend the NAIS SDLC and POCC

The NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders from eligible independent high schools across the U.S. and abroad. SDLC focuses on self-reflection, forming allies, and building community.

Julia Q. '26 shared, "SDLC created a space where everybody could freely explore and embrace their identity, without fear or judgment, in an environment of love and support. Even with people that I had just met, it felt as though we had known each other for years through bonding and connection in shared life experiences."

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.

Arden J. '25 adds, "Attending SDLC was a truly eye-opening experience that broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for the value of diversity in environments and ideas. I gained invaluable insights, learned so much, and had the privilege of connecting with incredible people along the way. It was an unforgettable experience, and I wholeheartedly encourage everyone to take part in it."

Thaden faculty also attended the NAIS Person of Color Conference (POCC). This year's theme, Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures, evokes the presence and strength of our ancestors and the vibrant imagination of the young and young at heart—both are necessary to eradicate injustice and create the conditions for individuals, and our communities, to thrive. 

Math Faculty Willard Keirn shared, "Attending this conference was an incredible experience for me personally. Not only did it give me an opportunity to reflect on ways to incorporate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the math curriculum, but it allowed me to connect and develop closer relationships with my fellow colleagues. One of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was witnessing the growth and inspiration among our Thaden students who attended with us. It reminded me of the importance of fostering a sense of belonging and equity in education. This experience has motivated me to not only enhance DEI practices in my teaching but also support my colleagues in creating an inclusive environment for all students."

Film Education Faculty Corey Petrick also added, "In our micro-affinity groups, I sat next to someone who was close to my age, had lived in the same places I had, and shared many of the same life experiences. It opened my eyes to the possibility that my life experiences might not be as unique as I thought—and that there are many people out there I can relate to. This realization was incredibly comforting and encouraged me to dive deeper into my cultural background, something I had been neglecting for a long time because of past experiences where people made me feel it would not benefit me to be connected to that side of my culture."