Student Diversity and Leadership Retreats

Student Diversity & Leadership Conference

What is the Student Diversity & Leadership Conference (SDLC)?
SDLC is a part of the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (PoCC). This conference is usually held in person but due to COVID it has been held online for the past two years. The conference 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. In addition to large group sessions, SDLC "family groups" and "home groups" allow for dialogue and

Student Diversity and Leadership Retreat 2022

Last winter, 5 students along attended the NWAIS Student Diversity and Leadership Retreat, a smaller, local version of SDLC. The theme of the event was "Caring for Ourselves, Each Other, & Our World." Students heard from Cinnamon Kills First and Christian Paige, and also attended workshops and affinity groups. Our students had a great time! Hover over the photos below to see what they thought.

Ava

"I was incredibly lucky to be able to attend this year’s retreat. I learned so much about reflection and how to interact with the world as a white person. I enjoyed attending the neurodiverse affinity group and finding a fantastic support group This experience was incredibly eye-opening."
- Ava S., Class of 2023

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Malia

"SDLR was so much fun because I got to talk to a lot of new people. I went to the Asian American affinity group and the closing speaker was very interesting and entertaining."
-Malia B., Class of 2022

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Ruby

"My experience with SDLR was very positive. Coming from a predominately white community, it was fantastic to see so many diverse and different people from different places. I had so much fun and wished I had gone sooner."
-Ruby S., Class of 2022

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Rowan

"I had a wonderful time at SDLR! It was enlightening to engage in dialogue with people with whom I share an identity, as well as with people who are different than me. It felt good to be in a room with a majority POC, and I felt heard and appreciated. Overall, it was an excellent experience. 10/10"
-Rowan C, Class of 2025

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Yasmin

"SDLR had amazing people, workshops, and speakers. Diversity Conferences, like SDLR, help further the connections I make with people that have similar experiences to me and teach me methods of dealing with situations like microaggressions, and overall help me navigate my life as a minority."
-Yasmin G.V., Class of 2023

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1130 SW Main Street, Portland, OR 97205-2047
Phone: 503.223.3367

Student Diversity and Leadership Retreats

Student Diversity & Leadership Conference

Student Diversity and Leadership Retreat 2022

Ava

Malia

Ruby

Rowan

Yasmin