Six MVS Diversity Council members, Liberty Endres, Amin Ahmed, Ella Florkey, Myelle Norton, Satya Morar and Samuel Todd travelled to Nashville, Tennessee to attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC).  This annual NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) conference supports students who are interested in diversity, leadership, and inclusion. Throughout the four days, council members participated in community building exercises and activities, with the goal of bringing these experiences back to campus. By learning to embrace differences, these six students lead by example and created a safe, inclusive environment for students to be whoever they want to be.

Liberty Endres participated in the LGBT Affinity group and found a safe, trusting and empowering environment to speak her truth. She learned she wasn’t alone and found kinship with her peers. Liberty says “We may walk different paths, but finding a group of people who share similar experiences builds trust and a sense of belonging.”

SDLC was a one of kind experience that each student found rewarding and came home with a deeper sense of self and respect for their fellow classmates. The Diversity Council plans to use these lessons to celebrate one another and live inclusively.