From December third through the eighth, Hill students Kimberly Gadzekpo ’20, Thu “Mi” Nguyen ’20, Alyssa Acevero ’20, Adam Benzinane ’21, Noorie Dhingra ’21, and Elizabeth Hudak ’21 traveled to Seattle and attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. SDLC is an annual conference where like-minded students gather to discuss different themes surrounding diversity and inclusion. The students spent the three days of the conference in groups where they had discussions about identity and how it affects them individually.
According to its official website, SDLC is a multiracial, multicultural gathering of upper school student leaders from across the U.S. and abroad that focuses on self-reflecting, forming allies, and building community. Within the conference, Hill students attended workshops, met with speakers, and discussed identities, ranging from age and race to gender and sexual orientation. Students shared perspectives about how they can make their schools safer spaces despite issues that are prevalent in society.
“It was incredible just being with students who all share this sense of greater mission and purpose,” Gadzekpo said. “We all want to change the culture within our schools. And it’s never one person, or one team, who does it. Hearing from so many perspectives and being in a space where students are just so open was incredible. For once, I was in the majority with many students who shared a similar background. I felt like I was in a space where I could truly be me and speak candidly about my experience.”
Other students agree with Gadzekpo, coming from their own unique backgrounds.
“The most valuable lesson I learned is that fostering a supportive community is easier than most people think. All it takes is cooperation,” Benzinane ’21 said.
The program ended with a talent show where the attendees performed songs and slam poetry.
“The energy in the talent show was contagious. I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Dhingra ’21 said.
Outside of the conference, students also got to explore the city of Seattle. They visited Capitol Hill and an Amazon building, where they learned about the cost of hard work. If you are interested in attending next year, the application will be out in the spring of 2020.