Upper School Students Participate in Diversity Leadership Conference

Six Parker students recently discussed their trip to the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas at Morning Ex, where they not only participated in the conference but also acted as student leaders in moderating discussions and panels.

These six students—senior Samara Boyd, senior Nariya Cooke, junior Zachary Kinnison, senior Kiran Mathew, senior Isabel Rodriguez and senior Gabriella Watkins—spoke passionately about this conference from the National Association of Independent School, describing it as a multiracial, multicultural gathering of Upper School students from across the U.S. and abroad focused on self-reflecting, forming allies and building community. They discussed their expectations leading up to the conference and the ways reality lived up to those expectations. The presenters explained how the conference impacted them and what they plan to share with the Parker community. A video gave the audience a glimpse into the conference from their perspectives.

Rodriguez said, “My time at SDLC was truly a life-changing experience. Regardless of the late nights and early mornings, I showed up every day energized and excited to be there. I feel so lucky to have been able to experience an environment full of such excitement, happiness and vulnerability.” Cooke also shared, “Overall, SDLC was the highlight of my high school experience. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet new people, make new friendships and work on Diversity/Equity/Inclusion/Belonging topics.”

Parker is proud of these students for their hard work and willingness to put themselves forward as student leaders in this challenging subject.