Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action

Affinity group student leaders and their faculty advisors came together in the Middle School’s Saperstein Theater for an all-day leadership training. Taking on this role is a big step in leadership, as affinity spaces play an important role in creating belonging at Harvard-Westlake, and this training prepares students for the responsibility that comes with it.

We are so grateful to these students for showing up for their communities and for one another, and we can’t wait to see the meaningful spaces they create this year.

The Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted Harvard-Westlake’s annual LGBTQIA+ Safe Space Training for faculty and staff, with lunchtime sessions on both the Middle School and Upper School campuses. The trainings offered an educational, practical, and judgment-free space where colleagues could ask questions and learn together.

The training is designed to help create classrooms, dean groups, advisories, teams, and other spaces where LGBTQIA+ students experience genuine belonging and support. Thank you to all who joined the conversation about how we can be thoughtful, informed allies and help make our school more inclusive at every level.

In celebration of Sukkot, which commemorates the dwelling of the Israelites in the wilderness, Jewish Club students gathered to decorate sukkahs on both campuses. A sukkah is a temporary shelter built for this multi-day observance, and the sukkahs remained up from September 25 through October 2.

Jewish Club students invited the whole community to visit and learn about this annual tradition.

Asian Students in Action (ASiA) celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with a special club meeting featuring mooncakes, and capped things off with a spicy ramen eating challenge among the group's leaders. The festival is a time to gather with loved ones, give thanks for the harvest, and admire the full moon — and between the mooncakes and the heat of the ramen, the meeting gave students a fun, memorable way to share in that tradition together.

Members of the Harvard-Westlake community joined Private School Village (PSV) for a joy-filled day at its PA/Pasadena Picnic. PSV’s mission is to cultivate and harness the power of community to positively transform the private school experience for Black and Brown families so that students fully thrive.

Harvard-Westlake is grateful to be part of this wonderful organization, and we were proud to celebrate alongside our Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) and Latin American and Hispanic Student Organization (LAHSO) communities.

LAHSO (Latin American and Hispanic Student Organization) and LAPA (Latinx Parent Association) kicked off Hispanic Heritage Month with a conversation featuring Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno, who shared insights from her scholarship and work with the Latino/a/x community. Students and community members had the opportunity to engage with Dr. Chávez-Moreno through questions and discussion, followed by refreshments and time for connection. The event offered a meaningful way to begin the month by learning from a scholar whose work explores the experiences and identities of Latino/a/x communities.

Harvard-Westlake hosted the first monthly luncheon for the SoCal Diversity Practitioners’ Group. Diversity practitioners from across Southern California gathered for lunch and important conversation about leadership in the diversity, equity, and inclusion field.

Harvard-Westlake kicked off the school year with its annual Activities Fair, bringing students together on the track to explore the many clubs and organizations available across campus. Students had the opportunity to meet club leaders, learn about different communities, and discover new ways to get involved throughout the year. The fair offered a fun and energetic start to the school year, highlighting the many opportunities for connection, leadership, and student engagement at HW.

The Middle School community gathered in Bing 123 during Community Time for a joyful Rosh Hashanah celebration filled with music, the sound of the shofar, and delicious traditional food. All were welcome to come together to mark the Jewish New Year and learn about the traditions of the High Holy Days.

In honor of Rosh Hashanah, which marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year and the start of the High Holy Days, the Jewish Club served traditional foods on the Upper School Quad during lunch. Students and faculty enjoyed challah, apples dipped in honey, and rugelach together.

The celebration was organized by the Jewish Club, their faculty advisors, and Matthew Silberman, our new Coordinator of Jewish Life and Community Engagement.

The LatinX faculty and staff affinity group kicked off the year with a lovely happy hour, offering colleagues a relaxed space to connect, celebrate community, and welcome one another back for the new school year.

We are excited to introduce the 2026–27 Upper School co-chairs of SLIDE (Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity). These student leaders will help guide SLIDE’s work this year, creating opportunities for dialogue, connection, and belonging across campus.

We are so grateful to have these amazing student leaders by our side and can’t wait to see the impact they make this year.

In Mr. Nelson’s World Civilization class at the Middle School, students learned about the Americas before European colonization and worked to debunk common myths about Indigenous peoples. Through an “archaeological dig,” students uncovered sources showing examples of STEM in pre-Columbian societies, from astronomically aligned cities and the independent discovery of the mathematical concept of zero to successful brain surgery.

Exploring these accomplishments helped students consider what was gained and what was lost as the world became more closely connected through trade and conquest. We love seeing diversity, equity, and inclusion work come to life in Harvard-Westlake classrooms.

Our faculty and staff affinity groups have begun gathering for the new school year! The Harvard-Westlake Black Caucus (HWBC) came together for a fun-filled and delicious dinner, offering Black faculty and staff a warm space to reconnect and build community at the start of the year.

Our faculty and staff affinity groups have begun gathering for the new school year! The Harvard-Westlake Black Caucus (HWBC) came together for a fun-filled and delicious dinner, offering Black faculty and staff a warm space to reconnect and build community at the start of the year.

HW KAPA student drummers had an incredible opportunity to perform at the FIFA World Cup Watch Party at Liberty Park this summer. The group shared their talent, energy, and cultural pride on an exciting stage, bringing the spirit of Korean drumming to a celebration enjoyed by fans from across the city.

Special thanks to Claire Lee ’28 and Brendan Park ’28, who choreographed the group performance, and to everyone who came out to support HW KAPA.

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!