2023 Administrators of Color Conference

More than 83 senior administrators of color came to Parker for a day and a half of connection as part of the 2023 Administrators of Color in Independent Schools Conference.

 

On Thursday night, guests attended a welcome reception and heard remarks from keynote speaker Brandon Kyle Goodman, an actor, writer and activist. According to Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Erika Prahl, “Brandon encouraged us to consider the ways we, as leaders of color, rely on resiliency to bounce back from trauma but never take the time to fully process or heal. According to Brandon, being resilient is a means for survival, and they encouraged attendees to move into a space of healing to allow us the opportunity to thrive and not survive.”

 

The next day included more socializing and sharing by keynote speaker Gyasi Ross. A member of the Blackfeet Nation, Ross is an author, lawyer and host of the podcast Breakdances with Wolves–Indigenous Pirate Radio. Ross discussed many topics that were relevant to independent school administrators, including the importance of storytelling and the power of individuals as changemakers. He encouraged those in attendance to help their institutions think deeply about how resources connect to their missions.

 

Assistant Principal Priyanka Rupani was instrumental in organizing this sixth annual event, which welcomed representatives of color from schools such as Brentwood School, The Calhoun School, Friends Select School and Noble and Greenough School. More than 40 schools participated in the event, spanning 12 states across the country.

 

Rupani shared, “Welcoming the largest number of participants this year was humbling. Participants connected with one another and the speakers; they shared authentically and fully. It was another transformative year at the conference for all those in attendance, including me.”

 

Parker looks forward to next year’s conference, which takes place October 24–25, 2024.

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