New Roads at NAIS People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference

New Roads students, teachers and administrators participated in the November 2022 National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) and People of Color Conference (PoCC). NAIS hosts these 4-day events to provide a framework to connect schools and provide students, teachers and administrators with a space to engage in a larger conversation about interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in our nation’s independent schools, which will have a positive impact on the academic, social-emotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.

10th grader Alero Mack shares, “Growing up in predominantly white spaces, I was never in the space to see the true beauty of my people. Going to SDLC allowed me to connect with my culture and form connections with people that look like me.”

Senior Katie Contreras says, “It was a space where I was so completely loved and embraced, every part of my identity celebrated.”

12th grader Zaraya Jordan says, “Being in a room full of 600 other kids that look like me and are passionate about social justice is so special and rare.”

10th grader Madison Ford shares, “I discovered a strength within myself that I never knew existed and was inspired to use it to speak up for those who can't.”

10th grader Belle Reeves says, “SDLC was my reminder of who I am becoming, my abilities, their validity, and fortitude. I was encouraged to strut my truth and have never felt so seen, heard, and celebrated.”

11th grader Carlos Nochebuena shares, "The students that I met had such a drive to make a change, no matter how many steps they had to take, and that passion showed in the conversations I had with them."

Middle School 7th Grade Dean and English Teacher Keondria Jooste says, “With over 7800 people joining the 2022 NAIS People of Color Conference in San Antonio, I'm still feeling full from the fellowship. As a Peace, Wellness, and Inclusion Practitioner here at New Roads, I understand that the work is ever-evolving and requires one to be highly relational and community oriented - and this conference catered to just that. One of my favorite workshops unpacked the significance of psychological transformations that our youth are experiencing and the importance of considering their voices (and hearts) as much as possible when issues arise. The NAIS PoCC filled me with meaningful practices and resources that will further allow me to be an instrument to the climate and culture here at New Roads.” 

Read more of our students’ insights.