Elaine Loft, Staff Writer
Over the weekend of April 5, Derryfield students attended the annual Students of Color Conference at Regis College in Weston, Massachusetts. Sponsored by the Association of Independent Schools (Northeast), attendees learned from fellow high school students and recognized educators during keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and via social interactions in affinity spaces.
The theme of the conference was “Adventures in Authenticity,” and featured keynote speaker Jason Craige Harris. A managing partner at Perception Strategies, he has served as a facilitator, conflict mediator, leadership coach, and spiritual leader.
The morning and the afternoon were filled with workshops, including “Owning our Achievements: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome,” and “Jokes Aside: Exploring Humor & Harm.” There were also eight different affinity groups, where students met for an hour with their peers to discuss topics of shared interest.
Three Derryfield students gave their feedback about the conference.
Ana Perez ’27 : “My experience at the AISNE Students of Color conference was incredibly impactful and rewarding. My second workshop was discussion-based and was about being a third-culture kid, and I have never felt more heard in my life. Being around students with similar experiences and backgrounds as me made me feel validated like never before.”
Lily Kfoury ‘25: “As one of the few students at my school from Lebanese descent, attending the conference was a meaningful experience that allowed me to connect with others who share similar backgrounds. It provided a safe and supportive space to openly discuss the events unfolding in Palestine and Lebanon, and how these events are impacting us personally, as well as the effects upon Arabs around the world. If you ever have the chance to attend, I highly recommend it for the memories and amazing people you’ll meet!”
Anny Naje ’27: “The second workshopI attended was really impactful. I learned about how being black affects other social identifiers, and the group discussion showed me that I was not alone being a minority in a PWI, as well as how my experience in a PWI is validated and shared. It made me feel seen in a way that I never have before.”
