GA sent six students - Aja McBride '23, Aayush Kevadia '23, Aeneas Vance '23, Caitlin Lozano '24, Hannah Greenfield '25, and Melinda Shen '24 - to the annual NAIS Student Diversity Leadership Conference in San Antonio, which is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of Upper School student leaders (grades 9-12) from 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.

“What I took away from SDLC was that there are multiple people out there that come from the same background as me so at least now I know I am not alone,” explained Aja McBride ’23.

Aayush Kevadia ’23 added, “SDLC was an amazing opportunity to discuss prevalent social topics with other students who have shared similar experiences. Hearing others' perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion work at their schools offered invaluable insight.”

Concurrently, five faculty/staff members attended the People of Color Conference. Its mission is to provide a safe space for leadership, professional development, and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools.

“Learning and collaborating with over 7,000 independent school educators across the country was an affirming and inspiring experience that energized our faculty and students alike,” said Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion Sarah Na.