Fostering Inclusive Leadership at Moravian Academy

Guided by a commitment to cultivating ethical, inclusive, and global citizens, the Office of Belonging and Collective Well-Being is proud to provide transformative experiences for our students and faculty. This year, two student leaders had the unique opportunity to attend the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC), held December 4–7 in Denver, Colorado.

SDLC is a vibrant, multiracial, and multicultural gathering of student leaders from independent high schools across the U.S. and abroad. With the theme “Lifting As We Climb: Elevating Our Schools Through Love and Justice,” this year’s conference focused on self-reflection, allyship, and fostering community through the principles of love and justice. Running concurrently with the NAIS People of Color Conference (POCC) for faculty and staff, SDLC provides a student-centered space for growth and collaboration.

Moravian Academy was honored to receive two spots at this year’s SDLC. Students in grades 9 through 11 with a demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging were invited to apply. After a competitive process, Leah Del Rosario '26 and Ivelisse Jennette '26 were selected to represent our school. Their participation offered a chance to engage with peers from diverse backgrounds, hone their leadership skills, and bring back actionable strategies to enrich our community. Faculty members Dr. Juan Rojo and Dr. Rachel Wright attended the concurrent POCC, participating in workshops and keynote sessions designed to support educators in fostering equity and belonging.

Led by a team of expert facilitators, SDLC participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, developed cross-cultural communication skills, and explored social justice practices through conversation and the arts. The experience included large group sessions, as well as intimate “family” and “home” groups, which encouraged deeper connections. Both Leah and Ivy found these smaller group interactions to be among the most transformative aspects of the conference.

Following the conference, A and B presented their reflections to their faculty chaperones, sharing insights on how Moravian Academy can continue to grow. They expressed a strong desire to enhance affinity group experiences for students and to better address the socioeconomic diversity within our community. Their enthusiasm and dedication will help shape new initiatives to strengthen our school’s culture of belonging.