Reflections on Community and Mentorship: My Journey at Denver NAIS POCC 2024
In my inaugural role as the Director of Equity and Belonging at the Hamlin Robinson School in Seattle, Washington, I had the honor of planning for the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) People of Color Conference (POCC) and leading a group of faculty to Denver, Colorado, where the event was held. This was my first year in my independent school career since 2017 that I wasn't reading admission files, having previously served as an Admissions Officer/Director. The feeling was liberating, allowing me to spend time with family, celebrate the holidays, and welcome the New Year. The trip to Denver was everything POCC could have been this year: refreshing, recharging, and rejuvenating. The key takeaway from the trip was the sense of COMMUNITY.
It was amazing to see so many familiar faces—people who have coached and mentored me, students I have coached and mentored, and friends I've made along my journey as an educator. I bumped into Rev. Rodney Rice ’79 of Episcopal High School (EHS), now Senior Chaplain and Religion Teacher at Trinity School in New York, New York. Rev. Rice is someone I can call for advice and chat with at any time, having navigated EHS and life beyond independent school as a Black man.
I also saw Natasha Wanjiru ’20 of EHS, now an Education Fellow in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Global Education at Buckingham Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I had the wonderful opportunity to coach Natasha in cross country at EHS and watch her grow into a mentor for her own students.
Additionally, I reconnected with Kiamani Wilson ’14 of EHS, who managed one of the boys' varsity basketball teams I coached and is now a Math Teacher and Diversity Officer at EHS.
I couldn't help but hear Maurice Plaines ’86 of Phillips Academy of Andover, Massachusetts, before I saw him. Maurice, now the Director of Scholars Academy for Emerging Scholars, is someone I've known for many years through the admissions process at EHS and our friendship. It was great chatting with my former EHS neighbor and colleague, Bodhi Amos.
I also connected with Chiquita Martin McCoy, whom I met during her son's admissions process at EHS. Her son is now a graduate of Gonzaga High School in Washington, DC, and attends an Ivy League School playing football.
While my EHS ties were strong, I must mention Woodberry Forest School (WFS) of Orange County, Virginia. One of the first faces I saw was Mr. Joe Coleman, formerly of WFS and now a Search Consultant for RG175. As a student at EHS, I remember seeing Mr. Coleman in the stands during my basketball games and at the Game every year. It was unique to know he stood in for many roles to my cohort of enemies but now friends from WFS.
As I navigated the conference space, Peter Park ’07 of the Peddie School in Hightown, New Jersey, stopped me to catch up about family, education, admission trends, and more. Peter, the Director of Financial Aid & Associate Director of Admission at Peddie School, remains someone I can text or chat with at any time.
It was like looking in the mirror when I bumped into my doppelganger and friend from Seattle, Josh Del Pino. Many times, students would confuse me for Josh when walking the halls of Seattle Academy (SAAS). Josh now works as a Kindergarten Teaching Associate at the Bertschi School in Seattle, Washington. Josh always brings a calming force to any situation and conversation, leaving a positive takeaway for students and adults alike.
I felt at home seeing more Seattle faces when Mahtab Mahmoodzadeh (The Giddens School), Andrés Arteaga (SAAS), and Rick DuPree (SAAS), graced me with their presence. Within this cohort, there must be over 60 years of DEI, independent school, and educational pedagogy experience among us. I won't point fingers at who carries the majority of those 60 years!
A big thank you to the gentlemen of the Straight A’s Podcast: Arthur (Art) Hall M.Ed., Amani Reed, Abe Wehmiller, and Andre' Withers, hosted by the NAIS POCC! It was incredibly affirming to share my journey as an independent school graduate of Episcopal High School and my role as Director of Equity and Belonging at the Hamlin Robinson School. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to also talk about my work and passion with Bridging Legacies Across Campuses (BLAC). It was truly a pleasure to share my experiences and insights with such an engaged and supportive audience.
As I wrapped up my time at POCC, I made it a point to seek out the Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) for the PNW- Seattle Schools. In doing so, I had the wonderful opportunity to reconnect with some of my students from SAAS.
Seeing their faces reminded me of the true essence of being an educator and mentor. Hearing about their aspirations, goals, and accomplishments—from leadership roles to college acceptances—was incredibly inspiring. Their presence and voices refreshed, recharged, and rejuvenated me. It was a powerful reminder that without these students, the job lacks fulfillment.
This experience was a much-needed affirmation of the impact and importance of our work as educators. It reminded me that the essence of our profession lies in the relationships we build and the lives we touch. Seeing the growth and achievements of my former students was a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. It reinforced the idea that our efforts in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just about the present but also about shaping the future.
Reflecting on this, I couldn't help but imagine a future where these students, along with others, might return to the NAIS POCC as teachers and faculty members. They would bring their unique experiences and perspectives, continuing the cycle of mentorship and leadership. This vision of a future where our students become our colleagues and peers is incredibly inspiring. It highlights the long-term impact of our work and the importance of nurturing the next generation of educators. This experience has rejuvenated my commitment to this mission and reminded me of the profound and lasting influence we have as educators.