USN faculty, HS students attend leadership conference

Students, faculty, and administrators attended the National Association of Independent Schools’ People of Color Conference and the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in Denver, Colorado.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Six High School students and 21 faculty and administrators from University School of Nashville traveled to Denver for the National Association of Independent Schools' People of Color Conference, which took place Wednesday, December 4 through Saturday, December 7. The conference provided a space for learning, networking, and professional development for educators, students, and allies in independent schools across the nation.

With over 8,200 attendees, PoCC brings together people of color and allies to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing communities in education today. This year’s theme, Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures, encouraged participants to reflect on the present moment and envision a more equitable and just future.

For USN’s students and faculty, attending the PoCC was a unique opportunity to engage in discussions about education and social justice in the independent school community. Workshops covered topics such as curriculum reform, restorative justice, and fostering inclusive environments for students of color. Participants were able to tailor their learning experience to their interests and professional needs.

Faculty and administrators had their choice of over 100 workshops covering topics such as racial identity, inclusive leadership, and innovative teaching practices. These sessions aimed to enhance professional development and provide practical tools that USN could implement to further its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In addition to the myriad workshops available,  Director Amani Reed interviewed keynote speakers,  class facilitators, and other independent school professionals on their educational journeys for an NAIS podcast. NAIS will release the episodes in the months ahead. 

Head of High School Chai Reddy also made an impact on students from across the country by serving as a faculty advisor for the Student Diversity Leadership Conference.

“I’ve come to discover two themes throughout the layers of the Student Diversity Leadership Conference: a call to action and an invitation to become the 'good troublemaker' I wished I always could be,” said Carmen Gaskin ‘25.

The conference also offered a unique platform for participants to network with like-minded individuals, forging connections that will continue to impact their professional and personal lives.

“During the hours spent networking with other schools across the country, communicating with my peers, and witnessing keynote speakers encourage discomfort, I was allowed to nurture a culture of multi-racial acceptance, self-reflection, and tolerance,” said Carmen. 

The theme of this year’s conference resonated deeply with attendees, especially in light of the current socio-political climate and the ongoing fight for racial justice in education. According to PoCC organizers, the theme was meant to "evoke the presence and strength of our ancestors and the vibrant imagination of the young and young at heart — both are necessary to eradicate injustice and create the conditions for individuals and our communities to thrive."

As PoCC participants reflected on the intersection of history, identity, and future possibilities, many expressed a renewed commitment to equity and justice within their schools. For USN’s contingent, the theme provided a powerful framework for their work, urging them to consider not only how to better serve students of color but also how to be active agents of change within their own school community.

For USN, attending the PoCC is part of the ongoing commitment to improving the school’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. After the conference, faculty and administrators will bring back new ideas, strategies, and inspiration to share with the broader school community. These insights will contribute to the school’s mission of creating a supportive environment for all students.

High School students who attended are also poised to bring their newfound knowledge to the classroom and beyond. SDLC gathers students from across the country to explore diversity, inclusion, and social justice issues while developing leadership skills.

“If the conference taught me anything, it is that the journey is not linear and rarely will be,” Carmen said. “I now understand that the answer is not in grand gestures, but in everyday connections: in the spaces I hold the power to create diverse dialogue.” 

As USN continues its journey toward greater inclusion and equity, the insights gained from the PoCC will play a crucial role in that process. By attending this year’s conference, students, faculty, and administrators have reinforced their collective commitment to creating a community where all individuals can thrive.

With wisdom gained from past conferences and the energy of this year’s attendees, USN’s presence at the PoCC served as a powerful reminder that the work of justice is ongoing and that everyone has a role to play in shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.

Attendees from USN included: 
Trish Buckner
Bakari King
Nicole Jules
Greg Anderson
Amani Reed
Jody Reynolds
Dorlisa Dismuke
Latricia Watkins
Quinton Walker
Latasha Smith
Kelicia Cox
Dana Mayfield
Roderick White
Kyleen Shyer
Kari Luecke
Chai Reddy
Scott Collins
Randi Days
Arcelia Vasquez
Ida Fields
William Officer 
Christine Park
Kyron Buckner
Uma Ehrig ‘26
Binyam Dunne ‘26
Victor Peng ‘26
Carmen Gaskin ‘25
Ismaeel Moskinzada ‘26
Victoria White‘26
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