DEI Student Leadership Program 

When asked to explain what the DEI Student Leadership Program was, members defined it this way:

We are the Diversity, Inclusivity, and Equity (DEI) Student Leadership team. Our team is working to incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusivity in EdCo schools across Western New York. Diversity and inclusivity are not the same things. Diversity is having many different types of people and various cultures, while inclusivity is creating an environment where those unique cultures can thrive and coexist with one another.  Creating a diverse, but more importantly, an inclusive environment in schools is a big task... If seeing diversity, equity, and inclusivity in your school is important to you, and you want to do something about it, join us.

What was the DEI Student Summit?

The DEI Student Summit was held on March 29, 2022. Over 125 students from eight EdCo partner schools came together face to face, for the first time in over two years, to listen, learn, participate and discuss topics relating to Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Speakers and instructors representing a variety of fields provided sessions for students. 

Sessions covered topics including painting with courage and confidence;  how to be a voice in advocating for conscious inclusion; how the intersections of race, sexual orientation, and identity impact individuals, relationships, and social justice movements; exploration of the needs and strengths of their various communities through the art of spoken word; self development inspiring students to become more purpose driven, resilient and mentally tough and a yoga session focusing on intentional movement, meditation and relaxation.

Thanks so much to our Keynote Speaker - Kara Oliver Perez and our wonderful session facillitators - Schaquille Jones, Petrina Bursie, Duncan Kirkwood, Alexys Swygert, Tyshaun Tyson, Jillian Hanesworth and our friends at See 3 for making this day so special for the students.  With your enthusiasm and direction students left the Summit feeling energized and eager to bring their new knowledge back to their school DEI teams.