GA was proud to send 6 students and 13 faculty/administrators to the 2023 Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (POCC) in St. Louis, MO. Germantown Academy is a member of NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) and the SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of student leaders from independent high schools across the U.S. and abroad. GA’s students and faculty were pleased to have this opportunity to attend these conferences.

"SDLC was not only a conference where I met like-minded people, but it was also a space for personal growth,” said Blair Mitchell ’25. “In particular, the Asian/Asian Pacific-Islander affinity group I attended allowed me to deepen my understanding of my identity. I feel excited and empowered to apply what I learned at SDLC to make GA better and better!"

SDLC focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. The NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) is the flagship of NAIS’s commitment to equity and justice in teaching, learning, and sustainability for independent schools. Recognizing and valuing the strengths of individual identities makes our learning community stronger and richer.

Jazziah M. ’25 believes that the SDLC was an incredible opportunity. “The SDLC conference was a great experience! I learned so much from the keynote speakers and small group sessions. Having the opportunity to openly discuss identity and equity in private schools was unique and I am extremely fortunate to have experienced it. I was able to meet so many students who look like me from all over the country! It was inspiring to be in that type of affinity space, and I hope to bring what I learned at the conference back to GA!” 

Listening to esteemed keynote speakers and experienced workshop presenters, led students and faculty to valuable insights and knowledge about fostering inclusivity and affirming diversity at GA. These experiences equip participants to be culturally aware learners, teachers, leaders, and problem solvers, not only making a difference in our school but in the world beyond.

“Affirming, inspiring, and rejuvenating are just a few words to describe the PoCC experience,” said Sarah Na, Associate Director of Equity and Inclusion. “It is an opportunity to build connections with colleagues within our schools as well as across the country. Each of us walked away with practical tools and skills to implement in our classrooms as well as a renewed commitment to cultivate the genius and brilliance that each student brings to GA.”