Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action

JAG celebrated its largest graduating class to date, the Class of 2026! For many seniors, this milestone was especially meaningful, as they have been part of the HWJAG community since their earliest years at Harvard-Westlake.

The celebration honored their journey, growth, and lasting impact on the community, sending them off with pride, joy, and heartfelt congratulations.

The 8th grade visited the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles for a powerful educational experience centered on the history of Nazi Germany, the Holocaust, and the enduring impact of antisemitism and hate. Through interactive exhibits like the Point of View Cube and the Global Crisis Center, students were challenged to consider multiple perspectives and reflect on the importance of empathy, responsibility, and standing against prejudice.

Harvard-Westlake honors the life and legacy of beloved alumnus Jason Collins ’97, whose courage and authenticity helped transform the landscape of sports and diversity, equity, and inclusion. As the first openly gay active player in a major U.S. professional sports league, Jason broke barriers and created space for others to live openly and fully as themselves.

His impact reached far beyond basketball. Through his leadership and visibility, Jason challenged long-standing norms around identity, belonging, and representation in athletics and beyond. His legacy continues to inspire future generations to lead with honesty, bravery, and compassion.

We remember Jason Collins with deep gratitude, admiration, and respect.

HW Pride and HW Cinema partnered to host a special community screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2, bringing students together for a night filled with laughter, connection, and fun. The event created a welcoming space for students to relax, build community, and enjoy a shared movie experience outside of the classroom.

With an incredible turnout and high energy throughout the evening, the screening was a reminder of the joy and belonging that student-led events can foster across campus.

Rooted & Rising brought Black boys from across the HW community together for a powerful event centered on connection, identity, and empowerment. Through conversation, reflection, and community-building activities, students explored what it means to grow with confidence while staying grounded in culture, resilience, and self-worth.

The event created space for mentorship, vulnerability, and joy, reminding students that they are supported, celebrated, and capable of shaping the future as leaders both within and beyond Harvard-Westlake.

The Middle and Upper Schools both hosted vibrant Multicultural Fairs this year, transforming campus into a celebration of the many cultures, traditions, and identities that make up the Harvard-Westlake community. Organized by student affinity groups and their leaders, the fairs invited students, faculty, and staff to explore cultures from around the world through food, music, games, crafts, performances, and interactive activities.

From cultural tables and homemade dishes to raffles, dances, live music, and even a Kogi food truck, the events created joyful spaces for learning, connection, and celebration. Student groups including BLACC, MESA, SASA, JLCC, KASA, GSA, LAHSO, AAG, Jewish Club, Christian Club, and many others helped bring the experience to life through thoughtful displays and engaging conversations.

A special thank you to all of the student leaders, faculty advisors, and DEI coordinators Ms. Resto and Mx. Limerick for helping make both fairs such a meaningful success. These events continue to reflect the power of community and the importance of celebrating the rich diversity of experiences and cultures across HW.

BLACC (Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club) hosted a special private screening of Michael, the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic directed by HW parent Antoine Fuqua. Students, faculty, staff, and families came together for a memorable night celebrating film, storytelling, and music history.

The outing offered the HW community a fun opportunity to connect beyond campus while supporting the work of one of our own families in the entertainment industry.

Jewish faculty and staff gathered for a Shabbat celebration, creating a meaningful space to pause, reflect, and connect in community. Through shared traditions, conversation, and time together, the gathering offered a moment of rest and belonging during the week. It was a warm and grounding opportunity to honor Shabbat and strengthen connections across the HW community.

This year’s Black Girl Magic Retreat was one for the books! Friendship bracelets, soundbaths, heart-to-heart talks, laughter, and hugs were abundant on this beautiful day. Thank you, Dr Heyward, for your excellent video editing here! Thank you to the planning committee, Ms Gabrail, Ms. Perales Ms Bronson, and Mrs Jones, and to all who helped chaperone and moderate. Thank you to Ms Yolanda Barker who lent her talents to help with decor. Thank you to the Payman Family for sharing your home with this group. And thank you to the lovely students who showed up and brought their wonderful energy.

The Armenian Club gathered to commemorate the Armenian Genocide in honor of Armenian Remembrance Day, creating space for reflection, education, and community. Through conversation and shared remembrance, students helped raise awareness about an important chapter of history and honored the resilience of the Armenian community. We are grateful to the Armenian Club for bringing this meaningful recognition and dialogue to campus.

The HW community came together for the Be My Witness event, featuring a student-moderated panel with two alumni alongside a powerful If You Heard What I Heard testimony. The program created space for honest storytelling and reflection, as speakers shared personal experiences that challenged the community to listen more deeply and engage with difficult truths. Through student leadership and courageous dialogue, the event underscored the importance of bearing witness, amplifying lived experiences, and fostering a culture of empathy and accountability across campus.

The Middle School community gathered for a Yom HaShoah assembly during Community Time, honoring Holocaust Remembrance Day through reflection and storytelling. Alum and parent Bobbye Tigerman shared her grandparents’ story, offering a powerful and personal perspective that brought history to life for students.

Her words invited the community to remember, reflect, and carry forward the responsibility of honoring those impacted by the Holocaust.

On April 11–12, we were honored to host the 2026 AsEA Conference on our Upper School campus, welcoming 300+ AAPI educators and students from across the country.

Centered on the theme of Steep the moment. Infusing connection. Brewing progress participants gathered in affinity to learn, reflect, and grow together. Through inspiring keynote speakers, engaging workshops, and moments of fellowship, attendees leaned into connection as a catalyst for meaningful change.

Like any good brew, this work takes time, intention, and care—and we are grateful to everyone who helped make this gathering so powerful.

Celebrating color, community, and friendship! Our Middle School & Upper School South Asian Student Alliances (SASA) hosted their annual Holi celebration, and it was truly joyful. Holi, the Festival of Colors, marks the arrival of spring and celebrates love, renewal, and the triumph of good over evil. It’s a beautiful reminder of new beginnings and the power of coming together in joy. These photos capture all the happiness of the holiday and the vibrant energy of our middle schoolers. 

BLACC (Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club) and Simon Says Girls Club collaborated to host Dr. Tiana Woolridge ’11 for a special Women’s History Month assembly and reception. Dr. Woolridge shared a her powerful, full-circle story as an Alum that encouraged students to be bold, engaged, and fully present in their lives and communities.

Harvard-Westlake hosted the annual Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair on the Upper School campus, welcoming aspiring educators and professionals from underrepresented backgrounds who are interested in careers in independent schools. The event created space for candidates to connect directly with representatives from participating schools, learn about open positions, and gain insight into working in independent school communities.

Attendees also heard from educators and students about the impact that diverse faculty, administrators, and staff have on the educational experience. The fair continues to be an important opportunity to strengthen pathways into independent schools while advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the region.

SLIDE (Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) led faculty and staff through an interactive and reflective presentation on both campuses, sharing key takeaways from this year’s SLIDE LDP (Leadership Development Program) that was centered around reimagining Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at HW. Student facilitators engaged participants in activities centered on reimagining leadership, inclusion, and belonging, creating space for meaningful dialogue and connection around the student experience at Harvard-Westlake.

The sessions concluded with heartfelt reflections and expressions of gratitude as senior SLIDE leaders prepare to graduate. This remarkable group of student leaders continues to leave a lasting impact on the HW community.

Spanish V students concluded their unit on Los Angeles’ Latino history with a visit to Olvera Street, bringing their learning to life through place-based exploration. Set in the heart of the city’s historic district, the trip offered students a deeper connection to the cultural roots, stories, and traditions that shape Los Angeles.

The Middle School Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) continued its celebration of Black History Month with a Happy Ice sale/fundraiser where proceeds will go to SÜPRMARKT LA, a Black-owned grocery store in South Central, on a mission to end food deserts & make the best foods available to all. Thank you to AJ Martin, a current 9th grade student, for taking these joyFUL pictures! BLACC also celebrated with a meeting with no other agenda than KARAOKE! We love to see all of this cultural celebration and joy around campus. Happy Black History Month!

Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) continued their celebration of Black History Month last week as they hosted an engaging discussion with guest speaker, Lucious Outlaw III, a law professor and Howard University alumnus who spoke to students about law and hip-hop.

Asian American Culture Club (AACC) hosted a festive Lunar New Year Potluck lunch in Bing 123, generously supported by dishes provided by our parent community. Students and faculty gathered to celebrate the new year with an abundance of delicious food, joyful connection, and cultural traditions.

The space was filled with energy as students shared a meal, built community, and rang in the Lunar New Year together. Thank you to our AACC leaders and families for making the celebration so warm and welcoming for everyone who joined.

Harvard-Westlake faculty & staff were grateful to see so many of our community members in community with 37 schools across North America through ConnectED — a network committed to helping educators and students develop the content knowledge and skills needed to engage in dialogue across differences. Our team looks forward to bringing these tools home to Harvard-Westlake and into our classrooms.

Thank you to Mx Limmerick for leading such a thoughtful Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Brown Bag Lunch series this week. The theme was We Still Need Courageous Conversations. This lunchtime workshop focused on practicing Courageous Conversations, using our HW framework and curriculum developed by ConnectED, a platform dedicated to balanced education on the Israeli-Palestinian story. Additionally, Mx Limmerick, inspired by her trip to Sundance Film Festival, encouraged faculty and staff to look to Jane Elliot, a white anti-racist educator, who continues to courageously use her privilege to be an ally and activist at the age of 89. We appreciate this opportunity to reflect and respectfully engage in dialogue across difference on a variety of challenging and timely topics.

This year’s Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) Out dance was truly a night to remember. HW BLACC decided on a 90’s theme, and everyone understood the assignment! Students from HW and friends from schools all over came and mingled and played games and danced danced danced! And with all of our in-house talent (music by student Alexander Hudlin, photography by students Nic Monroe and Luc Thomas, decor by parent Yolanda Barker, chaperones all from Harvard-Westlake Black Caucus (HWBC), and food provided by Parents of African American Harvard-Westlake Students (PAAHWS)), the vibe was a clear reminder of how truly amazing Harvard-Westlake is. Thank you to all who made this happen and all who joined our community in a night of fun and joy. Happy Black History Month!

Spanish V students attended a special class presented by Sra. Pérez, Sra. Ana Herrera and Sr. David Bonilla. Students learned about Sra. Perez’ life as an immigrant in the US and ate traditional quesadillas, made in the tradition of her hometown, Atotonilco El Alto, in Jalisco, México.

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the HW community came together to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by participating in the LA Works MLK Volunteer Festival. Volunteers of parents, students, faculty, and staff across both campuses contributed to a hands-on service project supporting the Homeless Outreach Program Integrated Care System (HOPICS), creating no-sew pillows for reading nooks in their facilities.

These pillows, specially requested by HOPICS staff, are more than decorations, they help build warm, calming spaces where children can read, reflect, and simply be kids. Thank you to Mrs. Jones for organizing this meaningful opportunity to give back and reflect on Dr. King’s call to serve.

The Middle School Armenian Club officially launched this year, thanks to the initiative and leadership of our students. At their second meeting, they came together to celebrate Armenian Christmas with delicious baklava and meaningful conversation. It was a beautiful moment of community and culture, and we’re so proud to welcome this new affinity group to campus!

Thanks to our student founders for helping create a space where identity, tradition, and connection can thrive.

Winterfest is a production put on every December by Upper School SLIDE, Prefect Council, and Upper School Performing Arts celebrating diverse winter holidays and community. This year Harvard-Westlake’s US Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator Reb Limerick co-directed and produced the celebration. They also starred as Richard the Sound Guy in front of the entire Upper School.

Members of the Harvard-Westlake Black Caucus came together for their annual holiday celebration. The gathering offered a joyful space for Black-identifying faculty, staff, and their loved ones to relax, reconnect, and reflect on the year. Guests participated in the group’s signature Ebony Exchange, a gift exchange featuring products from Black-owned businesses—a meaningful tradition that blends celebration with support for community entrepreneurship.

On December 11, the Jewish Club at the Middle School hosted a joyful Chanukah celebration featuring a spirited Dreidel tournament. Students gathered under the red umbrellas during lunch for music, laughter, and a fun-filled competition using traditional chocolate gelt. Events like these continue to highlight the vibrant cultural life of our community and the power of student-led celebration in fostering belonging and connection at Harvard-Westlake.

On December 8, members of the HW LGBTQ+ Alumni Network, HW Pride student group, families, and allies gathered for our annual Jingle & Mingle celebration. Held in the cozy spirit of the season, the evening featured festive sweaters, community connection, and joyful conversation. As one of the year’s most beloved traditions, Jingle & Mingle brings together generations of Wolverines to celebrate belonging, pride, and the warmth of chosen community.

We are grateful to all who helped make this year’s gathering such a special night!

On December 8, CHAI (Community of Harvard-Westlake Asian Indian) parents gathered for a morning coffee meet-up with Portia Collins, HW’s Parent Activities Liaison. Though not over chai (ironically), the group dove into a rich and wide-ranging conversation centered on connection, culture, and community.

The gathering created space for parents to share stories and ideas—discussing everything from books, art, and tennis, to Thanksgiving traditions, small business ventures, and children’s experiences at school. The dialogue reflected the vibrant diversity of interests within the CHAI community and the shared commitment to uplifting one another.

Parents even took time to welcome a new family that had just relocated to Los Angeles, highlighting the spirit of hospitality and support that defines this group. Events like this are part of Harvard-Westlake’s ongoing efforts to foster belonging, one gathering at a time.

From December 5–7, Harvard-Westlake hosted the SLIDE (Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity) Leadership Development Program—an immersive, three-day retreat designed to equip students with the skills, vision, and confidence to lead with integrity and inclusion in their school communities.

While SLIDE is typically held in the summer, this year’s gathering took place across the Hilton Universal and Harvard-Westlake’s Upper School campus, offering students a winter experience centered on connection, curiosity, and courage. Through hands-on workshops, identity-based reflections, and collaborative team-building challenges, participants explored what it means to lead in a rapidly changing world.

This year’s theme, Get Ready With Me: Reimagining the Future of DEI, invited students to prepare for the real-world demands of leadership in the age of AI, shifting social landscapes, and evolving understandings of justice. With facilitators, guest speakers, and more guests supporting their journey, students worked across campuses and grade levels to spark new ideas, practice empathy, and build actionable plans for change.

In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, both middle school and upper school BLACC (Black Leadership, Awareness, and Cultural Connection) student groups gathered for their annual potluck lunches. With support from generous parent volunteers, these joyful gatherings centered community, gratitude, and shared cultural celebration. Students reflected on tradition, identity, and the power of coming together around a table.

Today, the South Asian Student Alliance (SASA) hosted Michelle Ranavat, founder of Ranavat Beauty, an Ayurvedic-inspired luxury skincare brand. Michelle shared her journey as an Indian American entrepreneur, blending tradition with modern innovation in the beauty industry. Students enjoyed snacks, a lively Q&A, and exclusive Ranavat samples. Thank you to Ms. Ranavat and everyone who joined us for this inspiring event!

On November 12, AACC (Asian American Culture Club), SASA (South Asian Student Alliance), and JLCC (Japanese Language and Culture Club) celebrated their Second Annual Asian Thanksgiving.

The event was filled with amazing food, laughter, friendship, and gratitude, thanks to the incredible contributions from parent affinity groups — JAG, CHAI, HWCCC, OHANA, and KAPA — who brought delicious dishes and treats for everyone to share.

This season, they are so thankful for our warm community and all the friends who came together to celebrate connection, culture, and the spirit of family.

On November 11, students and faculty gathered in Bing 123 for a powerful fireside conversation with Dr. Safiya Noble, hosted during community time. Dr. Noble, a professor at UCLA and the David O. Sears Presidential Endowed Chair of Social Sciences, shared insights from her research on how AI and big tech can perpetuate digital discrimination—particularly against women and people of color.

She discussed themes from her acclaimed book Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism, and encouraged the HW community to think critically about equity in the digital age. The conversation sparked reflection on data ethics, representation, and the responsibility of tech and education in shaping more just systems. Harvard-Westlake was honored to host this meaningful and timely dialogue.

On November 10, Harvard-Westlake welcomed California Poet Laureate Lee Herrick to campus. Hosted by Luivette Resto, Mr. Herrick engaged with students and faculty in an inspiring conversation about the power of poetry, identity, and storytelling. As the first Asian American to serve in the role of Poet Laureate of California, Mr. Herrick shared selections of his work and reflected on his journey as a writer, encouraging students to explore their own creative voices. His visit served as a meaningful reminder of the impact of language and the many forms of personal expression.

The Harvard-Westlake Black Caucus (HWBC) enjoyed a vibrant Sunday outing filled with connection, laughter, great food, and a powerful performance of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. The event offered faculty and staff a chance to build community and recharge outside of the busy rhythms of school life.

CHAI Moms’ Night Out in Santa Monica brought together new and returning HW moms for a breezy evening of connection and laughs over wine and great Italian food. They met lots of new faces, reconnected with friends, and swapped stories across grades. Moms came from all over L.A.—yes, even crossing the hill from the Valley—to be there by the beach.

Thanks to everyone who joined and helped make the night feel so welcoming for our families!