Student Diversity Leadership and People of Color Conferences

Every year, the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) hosts the People of Color Conference (POCC) for administrators, faculty, et al, and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) for students. Because NAIS has preserved the integrity of the experience for attending students, they have kept to a strict limit of 1,600 total attendees from across the country, and a maximum number of six students from any one school, their application to the conference has become increasingly competitive. Furthermore, the application process for consideration at Sierra Canyon has also evolved to a more selective process, given the popularity of the SDLC.

Lance M. ’24 provided a concise summary of the experience: "The majority of the event was broken into three main sections, the family group, affinity group, and regional group. Each group created a safe environment for students to share experiences and perspectives on how their identity shaped their lives and learn how to develop a more diverse and inclusive community. At the end, students and chaperones were given the opportunity to pool all their newly gained knowledge with the goal of bringing back the SDLC experience to their schools. We at Sierra Canyon spent many extra hours during this event brainstorming different ways to incorporate what we learned into Sierra and hope to bring our ideas to life soon."

Mariyah J. ’23 added to the great purpose of the conference: "I've never experienced anything like SDLC. Everyone I spoke to was committed to making others feel included and comfortable. It was a place where I could be myself, and nobody would question me. Not only did I find a community of respect and support, but I also learned how to embody these qualities and hope to bring them back for the people I interact with and for the Sierra Canyon community.”

Another student, Willow S. ’25, took on a more advanced role as a peer facilitator, requiring additional, advanced training. “I was a Peer Facilitator this year, leading many conversations throughout the conference. A facilitated dialogue is one where the facilitator only asks questions, does not talk about themselves, and does not inject their opinion into what the other person has to say. This is a great way to get to know someone and a critical tool to make someone feel genuinely heard."

Four SC adults also attended, serving as chaperons and also attending the POCC. Mr. Burnett, who has attended past sessions, lent a seasoned perspective on the growth and importance of the experience: "My first POCC was 21 years ago. It was amazing to see the conference grow to 8,000 participants. Being around friends, mentors, and colleagues who look like me is invaluable. The conference is always invigorating, and I'm excited to bring what I learned back to the Sierra Canyon community." And, for a new attendee, Batul S. '23, the wonder and encouragement one may enjoy by participation in this important conference was evident:  "SDLC was an eye-opening experience for me. I was able to find a community that supported me without knowing who I am." The SDLC and POCC always provide a profound impact on those who attend. It will be exciting to see how this translates into their lives and how they will bring back the spirit and wisdom from this transformative experience."