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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Harvard-Westlake strives to be a diverse and inclusive community united by the joyful pursuit of educational excellence….

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are essential parts of educational excellence and data shows that they improve critical thinking and cognitive skills. To that end, the Harvard-Westlake Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is committed to ensuring that every single member of the Harvard-Westlake community is celebrated, appreciated, and included. Harvard-Westlake’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts are multifaceted and far-reaching, impacting students, alumni, faculty and staff, parents, and the greater Los Angeles area. We recognize that striving to be a diverse and inclusive community is an ever-evolving imperative that requires empathy, an open mind, and a willingness to engage in crucial and, at times, uncomfortable conversations.

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Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Action

SASAxMESAxMSA Ramadan Collab

SASAxMESAxMSA Ramadan Collab

March 13, 2025

South Asian Student Alliance (SASA), Middle Eastern Student Alliance (MESA), and Muslim Student Association (MSA) came together for a special Lunch & Learn to celebrate and educate the community about Ramadan. Attendees enjoyed dates and cookies while hearing from Harvard-West;ake community members currently observing the holiday. A slideshow and an interactive Kahoot game helped deepen understanding of Ramadan’s significance, fostering a space for learning, reflection, and cultural appreciation.

Erika Velarde

Erika Velarde

March 13, 2025

The head of Harvard-Westlake’s fencing program shared her inspiring journey of resilience and determination. Immigrating from Lima as a lawyer, she transitioned from working at one of the most prestigious fencing clubs to taking a job at Fry’s Electronics and later becoming a teaching assistant. A pivotal suggestion led her to reach out to USA Fencing, which connected her with private schools ultimately bringing her to HW. Her story highlighted the power of persistence, perseverance, and seizing opportunities, encouraging students to stay determined and never give up on their goals.

Homeboy Industries

Homeboy Industries

March 12, 2025

Harvard-Westlake welcomed Father Greg Boyle to an all-school assembly, a Jesuit priest and founder of Homeboy Industries, the world’s largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program, Father Boyle has dedicated his life to transforming lives through compassion, kinship, and opportunity. His work challenges us to rethink justice, community, and the power of second chances. Father Boyle’s message of hope and radical kinship is sure to inspire and resonate with our community.

Chris Rock Visits Harvard-Westlake

Chris Rock Visits Harvard-Westlake

March 7, 2025

Comedian and actor Chris Rock, known for Grown Ups, Everybody Hates Chris, and voicing Marty in Madagascar, shared insights on his career and the challenges of diversity in entertainment. Organized by Harvard-Westlake’s Art & Business Club, Chris Rock reflected on his time at Saturday Night Live and acknowledged that he was essentially a diversity, equity, and inclusion hire, brought in during a time when SNL faced criticism for its lack of diversity. He discussed how invisible barriers made it easier for other comedians to land roles, despite his own talent. His reflections underscored the importance of intentional efforts to break down systemic barriers and create opportunities for underrepresented voices.

WOC x EMPOWER Scavenger Hunt

WOC x EMPOWER Scavenger Hunt

March 3, 2025

To honor Women’s History Month, Women of Color (WOC) launched an interactive campus-wide challenge highlighting influential women in history. Students posted 15 posters marked with pink stars, each featuring a QR code to scan and answer questions about the featured women. Those who engaged with the most posters had the chance to win an Erewhon gift card! Throughout the month, the celebration continued with female artist-only music on the Quad and special editions of ROE V BRO, filmed every Friday. The initiative brought the community together to celebrate women’s contributions in history, art, and activism.

Environmental Justice Brown Bag Lunch

Environmental Justice Brown Bag Lunch

March 5, 2025

This lunchtime workshop explored how environmental challenges disproportionately affect marginalized communities and what actions we can take to advocate for change both within our school and beyond. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions while enjoying environmentally friendly, vegetarian, and vegan salads and bowls to stay on theme. The event emphasized the importance of sustainability, equity, and collective action in addressing environmental issues.

SDLC/SLIDE Co-Chair Presentation

SDLC/SLIDE Co-Chair Presentation

February 25, 2025

Student Diversity Leadership Conference (SDLC) students and Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity and Equity (SLIDE) Co-Chairs led an interactive session focused on building community and fostering belonging. They shared insights from their experiences at SDLC and key takeaways from Town Hall meetings, highlighting ways to create more inclusive spaces. Through hands-on activities, they guided faculty and staff in strategies to ensure all students feel seen and supported in the classroom. A similar presentation will be shared with Upper School faculty and staff on Monday, March 10th.

BLACC BHM Assembly

BLACC BHM Assembly

February 24, 2025

To celebrate Black History Month, Black Leadership Awareness and Culture Club (BLACC) hosted a powerful assembly featuring California Supreme Court Justice Martin Jenkins and Altadena residents Mrs. Susan Carr and Mr. Darrell Carr. The speakers, who are also Harvard-Westlake parents, shared the rich history of Altadena alongside their personal experiences, offering meaningful insights into Black history and resilience. Following the assembly, BLACC students gathered in Bing 123 during 3rd period for an intimate conversation with the guests, enjoying refreshments while diving deeper into their stories. The event fostered connection, learning, and celebration, highlighting the importance of honoring Black history and lived experiences.

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HW Heritage Festival

The Heritage Festival at HW celebrates the school’s diverse community by bringing families together to share cultures, connect with new members, and participate in vibrant affinity groups.

Harvard-Westlake Upper School Campus

Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair 2025

On Saturday, February 22, 2025, Harvard-Westlake will host the annual Southern California Diversity Recruiting Fair.

Harvard-Westlake Upper School Campus

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Pollyanna Conference 2025

This one-day conference takes an in-depth look at different diversity, equity, and inclusion topics and the way they play out in our individual institutions.

Harvard-Westlake Middle School Campus

Student Leaders for Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity (SLIDE) Leadership Development Program (LDP)

SLIDE LDP is a three-day/two-night residential program for students in grades 10-12 from all school types to gather for fellowship, leadership development, courageous conversations, and the creation of a sustainable action plan around topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and belonging.

Harvard-Westlake Middle School Campus

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