By Camille T. Wiggins, Esq., Director of Equity and Inclusion 

Front row, L to R: Camille T. Wiggins, Brandi Williams, April Thomas, Kelly Johnson, Grace Perry, Spencer Summerville, Alexandra Nahmias, and Kali Flores
Back row, L to R: Chase Sharp, Nalani Beard, Eland Edwards, and Lujayne Rimawi

A group from PT attended the NAIS People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado from December 4-7.  Those in attendance were: (Students) Nalani Beard, Eland Edwards, Lujayne Rimawi, and Chase Sharp, and (Faculty/Staff) Brandi Williams, Grace Perry, Alexandra Nahmias, April Thomas, Kali Flores, Spencer Summerville, Kelly Johnson, and Camille Wiggins.  This annual gathering of independent school professionals and students is the hallmark event for skill building, collaboration, information sharing, education, community building, and leadership development.  This robust event continues to deliver on providing programing that addresses the unique issues and challenges people of color face in independent schools, and the focus on peer-to-peer connection and affirmation in the PoCC and SDLC is at the foundation of the organizational strategy of these concurrent conferences.  In addition to the 90+ workshops, highlights of the program included preconference seminars, a Head’s Summit, affinity group work, a community engagement initiative, networking sessions, book signings, student-led dialogues, wellness and master classes, and an express Café with small group, roundtable discussions.  Special congratulations to two of our PT faculty who were selected to present this year: Brandi Williams (5^th Grade Teacher) on “Classroom to Captain: Charting Your Leadership Course,” and Alexandra Nahmias (6^th Grade English Teacher) on “Empowering Multiracial Identities Through Diverse Literature.”  The PoCC/SDLC has been an invaluable experience for Park Tudor attendees for over 25 years, and the enrichment, resources and renewal are an empowering investment in our professional and student communities.  Denver PoCC/SDLC 2024 was most assuredly anchoring and enriching.  Here are reflections from some of our PT attendees this year:

As a first-time participant at PoCC, I am thankful for the experience, and I hope I will be able to participate each year. Connecting with others who engage in similar work environments was immeasurable.  The Affinity Group sessions provided opportunities to connect and relate in deeper ways.  I look forward to many more years of participation!!

I loved the experience I feel that it was eye opening and would love to go again.  I'm glad that I went I would love if the school would move winfo to another time so that it doesn't interfere. And hopefully at the next conference the time periods will be more balanced. 

POCC is always a one-of-a-kind experience that fosters deep connections with colleagues near and far. This year, I embraced the opportunity to strengthen relationships and explore how I can continue to support my peers and students of color in meaningful ways at Park Tudor. The experience was both inspiring and challenging, as I stepped outside my comfort zone to present, pushing myself to grow personally and professionally. POCC reminded me of the power of community, the importance of representation, and the necessity of continued growth as an educator and advocate for equity and inclusion.

This year’s PoCC’s theme was “Meeting the Moment" and I can confidently say the conference did just that! Having attended this conference at least nine times, this year stood out as one of the best. The sessions were thoughtfully designed to address the pressing challenges educators face today, providing actionable strategies and inspiring ideas. I left the feeling truly rejuvenated, with a renewed sense of purpose and energy to finish the semester strong and step into the next phase of my career with confidence and clarity.

At PoCC 2024, the theme "Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures" was a powerful reminder that, in these pivotal times, we must confront injustice head-on while creating thriving conditions for individuals and communities. I truly appreciate the opportunity to gain practical tools and connect with colleagues who share similar experiences while reaffirming our collective commitment to advancing equity and justice in education. It also means a lot to me to know that I work in an organization that understands the critical importance of this unique professional development and consistently supports our ability to attend each year. This commitment strengthens our individual growth and ensures we can foster lasting change in our work and communities.

Overall, the conference was great.  The PoCC Hub was a great source of information and outlet.

For me, SDLC was such an eye opener. I went into it without any expectations and came out in amazement. I came back feeling more confident and empowered to do my part while I'm a student at Park Tudor. The diversity of people I came across allowed me to reflect on myself and see places in which I can improve, for myself and for those around me. 

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