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Ranney Students Reflect on Diversity Conference

Six students from Ranney School, chaperoned by Mora Sorial and Eileen Keenan, had the opportunity to attend the 2017 People of Color Conference and Student Diversity Leadership Conference Nov. 29-Dec. 2. in Anaheim, Calif. The adults and educators attended the People of Color Conference, while the students attended the Student Diversity Leadership Conference. The theme this year was: Voices for Equity and Justice Now and in Every Generation: Lead, Learn, Rededicate, and Deliver. The conference is experiential and students and educators met peers from all over the nation, with a record-breaking attendance of over 6,000 participants.

The People of Color Conference is the flagship of the National Association of Independent Schools' commitment to equity and justice in teaching and learning. The mission of the conference is to provide a safe space for leadership and professional development and networking for people of color and allies of all backgrounds in independent schools. PoCC equips educators at every level, from teachers to trustees, with knowledge, skills, and experiences to improve and enhance the interracial, interethnic, and intercultural climate in their schools, as well as the attending academic, social-emotional, and workplace performance outcomes for students and adults alike.
 
All six Ranney students, and two chaperones, in attendance shared their thoughts on the experience:
 
The connections I made with people were deep and meaningful. There’s a beauty in having so many people with the same good intentions all in one place. Everyone at the conference had the ability and chance to talk on a deeper level that isn’t usually reached in daily conversations. Topics that are otherwise considered controversial and obscure such as gender, age, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, family structure, socioeconomic status, and ability were discussed with normality uncommon in daily life. The great diversity at the conference allowed me to get a grasp of so many different perspectives. Overall, it was a once in a lifetime experience and I’m glad to have attended.
- Fabio Tessiore
 
It was such an eye opening experience full of many stories and inspiring advice that I can’t wait to share with the Ranney community. 
- Himani Nayyar
 
“Never judge a book by its cover” really got meaning on this trip. You really never know what someone else is going through. 
- Ava Jacoby
 
From this experience, I learned to love and accept any and everyone no matter what they believe in, because at the end of the day we are all human. 
- Jasmin Davé
 
Seeing the amount of diversity that’s in our country in such a small space was really inspiring. 
- Catherine Vucetic 
 
My experience at SDLC was life changing for me. Being able to take part in this conference has helped me find and embrace all aspects of my identity.
- Zah'Kyiah Pennington 
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777
Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.