The Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) is not just an event—it is a transformative journey where high school students dive into diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through dynamic workshops, affinity groups, and open, honest conversations. Each year, six Webb School students are selected to attend, returning with inspiring insights and a vision for fostering change in their communities.  

For Jayden Aleman (’26), the affinity spaces were the most impactful aspect of the conference.  

“So many previous SDLC attendees told me that affinity spaces were their favorite part of the conference, and I really wanted to experience that,” Jayden said. “It meant so much to me to be in a room with so many Latin and Hispanic students, surrounded by people who genuinely care about making a difference not only in their schools but in the world.”  

Affinity spaces allow participants to connect with peers who share similar cultural and ethnic identities.  

While Webb offers affinity groups such as Asian, Black, and Latino Affinity Groups, SDLC brings together hundreds of students from across the country. As Jayden described, it was a truly unique experience to be surrounded by so many peers with similar backgrounds, creating a sense of connection and belonging that was “mind-blowing.” 

John Choi, Director of Equity, also attended and praised the inclusive and supportive environment at SDLC.  

“One memorable aspect of SDLC is how supportive everyone is. Whether it’s in an affinity space or a family group, you can share your thoughts without fear of judgment. The energy is unmatched,” Mr. Choi said.  

Mr. Choi found the Asian affinity group especially meaningful.  

“Seeing 400 Asian Americans in one room, all passionate about these issues, was incredibly powerful. At Webb, our Asian affinity group has around 20 members, so the scale of SDLC was overwhelming in the best way,” he said. 

The theme of this year’s conference, “Gateways to Freedom: Truth, Knowledge, Joy, and Power,” resonated deeply with Webb attendees and encouraged reflections on historical narratives and empowerment.  

“When we study topics like Chinese-American history, we often see stories of struggle and systemic racism. At SDLC, we learned to focus on joy and empowerment alongside those stories, which is a perspective we brought back to Webb,” Mr. Choi said.  

This mindset is already influencing initiatives at Webb.  

For instance, Hanbo Xu(‘25), an attendee from last year, highlighted how the SDLC experience has informed leadership strategies within the Honor Cabinet, including the integration of restorative justice practices.  

“We’re trying to make the Honor Cabinet a more equitable and inclusive body, and that’s directly tied to ideas from SDLC,” Hanbo said.  

The experiences shared by Webb attendees highlight the transformative power of SDLC, where students and faculty alike are equipped with the tools to create more inclusive community. By fostering connection and celebrating identity, SDLC empowers participants to return as changemakers, ready to turn reflection into action at Webb and beyond.