Colleagues & Students Attend PoCC

In the world of educational professional development, there are events and then, there are events. This past week’s NAIS (National Association of Independent Schools) People of Color Conference, which was attended by more than 6,000 educators and 1,200 student leaders in Denver, was most certainly the latter. BFS is extremely proud to have sent 22 colleagues and six student leaders to the PoCC, which was as much about fellowship, as it was the brilliant presentations and workshops, and had a theme of Meeting the Moment: Anchoring and Enriching Our Education Futures. When it was time for the tradition of having all Heads of Color to take the stage for recognition and to introduce themselves, Crissy, who has attended PoCC for the past 25 years, had the honor to deliver a brief, yet poignant message. “On behalf of all of these beautiful and brilliant heads on this stage, we would like to thank all who saw us, believed us, and loved us enough to put their very reputations on the line to see us here on this stage today.”

In addition to attending the event and absorbing powerful workshops, BFS’ colleagues and students had various opportunities to connect with one another in meaningful ways. The six students (pictured with Head of Upper School, Liz Fernández) also had the opportunity to make a college visit to the University of Denver, organized and facilitated by our Director of College Counseling, Frank Cabrera. That was just one of many highlights for our students, who are returning motivated to share what they have learned with their peers and teachers. This year’s overall theme was a call to action for the unique times we are experiencing, and various incredible keynote speakers moved the audience to inspired thinking about ways to act with purpose, empathy, and skills at the center.

BFS is deeply grateful for the efforts of our Director of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging, Dr. AnaMaria Correa, who orchestrates a massive amount of details to make this experience a reality for our school this and every year. In addition to once again serving as a facilitator for the Latinx affinity group, Dr. Correa ensured that all colleagues and students were stewarded through this experience with the utmost care. BFS looks forward to attending the PoCC in Houston in 2025.