Menlo News December 31, 2014

Menlo Dives into Diversity Conference

Coat of Arms staff writer ?Lauren Yang ’17 reports on Menlo’s delegation to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference.

Menlo Dives into Diversity Conference
by Coat of Arms reporter Lauren Yang ’17

Menlo continues to stress the importance of diversity and inclusion as it sent teachers and students alike to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC). This year, eight students and five faculty members attended the SDLC, which was held on Dec. 4-7 in Indianapolis, IN. The SDLC attracts about 1,600 participants yearly with the goal of helping participants appreciate and maintain social justice, successfully communicate across different cultures, and gain a better understanding of their individual identities. “The conference includes general sessions with keynotes, dozens of workshops, affinity group work, and dialogue sessions,” Director of Diversity and Inclusion Angela Birts said.

Last year, nine students and six faculty members attended the event and were able to meet peers from around the country. The experience offered a different perspective of life and many gained new insights. “[Last year’s attendees participated] in dialogue with peers from other independent schools, develop[ed] leadership skills, and hone[d] in on aspects of their identity,” Birts said.

Students interested in attending this event had to submit an application outlining how they would spread ideas learned at the conference to their peers as well as any previous leadership experience. Parents of applicants also had to write an essay explaining why their child should attend the conference. This year’s student participants included freshman Laikh Tewari, sophomore Jad Elam, juniors Antoinette Carpio, Adriana Contreras, and Claire Phibbs, and seniors Janet Chavez, Idalys Nava-Monje, and Harch Plate. Teacher attendees include Marc Allard, Roger Zamora, Margaret Ramsey, Rolando Victoria, and Matthew Nelson.

Many participants were excited about the activities in the SDLC leading up to the event. “I’m really [looked] forward to the affinity groups, because I [got] to meet and talk to people who have a similar experience as me, being a modern minded Indian American living in America,” Tewari said.